SAR Without Military Experience??

[Jordie1983]

I hope this question doesnt open up a can of worms as to which is better, as ive seen before on this forum!!

What are the chances of me getting into SAR roles as a pilot without military experience.

At this moment in time I havent even started training!! So its a long way off I know. Just trying to think about which way to take a career etc...

Thanks for any advice/tips.

Jordan.

[Brilliant Stuff]

Should not be a problem. A mate of mine has done it, but it would be easier for you if you join the likes of CHC, Bristow and Bond where you fly the line out to the rigs and then once you have some hours under your belt you can move over to SAR and become a Co-pilot. With time you will get there.

[Helinut]

AS BS suggests, it is certainly possible. It is probably like most other things in helicopters: it depends how much you want it. Some of the bases are MUCH less popular than others for instance.

It is probably going to be a bit more difficult for low time non-SAR specialists when you are unlikely to be able to acquire the relevant tyoe rating in non-SAR work first.

I know of cases where Bristows put new co-pilots onto the S61 on the offshore oil runs for 6 months and then transferred them to SAR. More difficult when the operator only flies the aircraft for SAR.

They have to get their co-pilots from somewhere though!