Ullevi

Hi sorry if this is in the wrong forum but i thought this would be the best place to ask.

Im interested in becoming a winchman and was wondering if anyone could offer me advice on the best career path to take.

I've been looking at the coastgaurd to see if i could find any information but cant, im just wondering if they recruit ex military personnel instead of direct entrants?

Also the RAF and Navy- what one would you recommend, although i suppose it is down to personal preference. I believe you have to be a diver first in the navy- is it a competitive process changing from diver to SAR?

Failing that anyone know if bond are still recruiting?

Thanks for any help!

ropedope

i would suggest you read the north sea jigsaw forum first, and if you still want to be a winchman then, try bristows for the coastguard contracts, and bond for jigsaw. you don't have to be a diver for navy crewman. best of luck

snaggletooth

The RAF are now training ab initio rearcrew (winch-op & -man) if you fancy a career in the light blue. Of course, the poster will have his little joke & you could end up hauling plastic dog-sh*t out of....

L'WAAPAM

Ive worked with a few AAC winchmen and they were all looking to go to Canada? or some such place!!

Really, I think the jobs are few and far between and you will have to be prepared to take a job anywhere.

PM me for names of guys who have taken the jump, it will not be massive though.

L'

snaggletooth

AAC winchmen? Didn't know they'd branched out into SAR, or even had any aircraft fitted with winches.

ppf

Dear all,

I am looking for any advice as whether helicopter firms in the UK (Bristow et al) recruit ab-initio crewman? I am aware they are normally recruited with prior experience.

If the answer to the above question is yes, what are the medical criteria like concerning colour blindness? I am desperate to fulfil my dream and pursue a career in aviation but all avenues I have tried have drawn blank due to my colour blindness.

Any advice would be welcomed,

Thanks ppf

peachpilot

I understand you can still instruct with CB - I stand to be corrected on this.

Ascend Charlie

Doesn't he say he wants to be a CREWMAN? Not a pilot, he wants to be the GIB (Guy In Back) or the teabag on the end of the string.

Banjo

Look in Flight international for this week or on their web site they have an advert from CHC who are looking for winch men (or is that person now to be PC) for the operation in Ireland. Give them a call and ask.

Banjo

sarmanontheline

Tea Bag on a string, Spoken like a true Pilot!!!!!

With the increased demand and a drying up military pool of crewmen your dream might not be too fare away, CHC advertised this week for SAR Crew and I hear there might be a School being set up, Only a rumor at this stage.

It said on CHC's add IAA class to which I believe is PPL standard

Look into it only you might need some medical qualification..

Good Luck..

ShyTorque

Tea bag on a string?

What's wrong with that? In the South China Sea we used to refer to 'em as "the shark bait" when doing wet winching practice.....

Genghis the Engineer

I note that ppf says career in aviation, not necessarily helicopters.

I know nothing about the specifics of being a helicopter crewman (other than was quite grateful to be pulled out of the Solent by one on a training exercise once). However, would point out that there are a few corners of aviation where you can earn your living flying with colourblindness.

The ones I know of are as a gliding instructor, microlight instructor, or a commercial balloon pilot.

Of course these may not appeal to you - I don't know, but they are flying jobs, they pay (well, sort of), and colourblindness is not an issue at-all except in the incredibly unlikely event of finding yourself a gliding or microlight instructor at a field which routinely uses light signals to aircraft - and I'm not sure such a place actually exists any more.

G

sarmanontheline

As I said it looks good from the comfortable pilots seat!!

Shark bait sounds good too but I dont think the person who is looking to become a crewman will have to worrie about Shark's, well sharks that like to eat winchmen anyway.

His only worrie will be a heaving ship at night with a pilot who thinks he is a tea bag on a string!!!

Tea Sir

And believe me Steel and Cliffs are stronger than a winchman

996

Currently there is no licensing requrement for non-Pilot helicopter Aircrew. Therefore there is no medical requirement specified. However, individual operators are required to follow industry standard procedures for employee care etc. So its pretty much what the employer dictates to be the standard. I cannot speak for other companies but the one I am involved with requires evidence of physical fitness in the sense that the employment will not make worse or cause any problems. With regard to eyesight, 'Aided' eyesight is accepted and a yearly test is required. CB can be categorised into specific failures.

Having said that, in my companies case, they insist on good vision with allowances made for normal deterioration as a consequence of age etc.

Most Aircrewman type functions seem to be filled by ex service personel who have a valid history of experience/mil training. Ab initio training for a vacant position is not a cost viable option. IMO

Thomas coupling

CHC are looking for winchy's with a class 2 medical. Flt Int.

996

Currently there is no licensing requrement for non-Pilot helicopter Aircrew. Therefore there is no medical requirement specified. However, individual operators are required to follow industry standard procedures for employee care etc. So its pretty much what the employer dictates to be the standard. I cannot speak for other companies but the one I am involved with requires evidence of physical fitness in the sense that the employment will not make worse or cause any problems. With regard to eyesight, 'Aided' eyesight is accepted and a yearly test is required. CB can be categorised into specific failures.

Having said that, in my companies case, they insist on good vision with allowances made for normal deterioration as a consequence of age etc.

Most Aircrewman type functions seem to be filled by ex service personel who have a valid history of experience/mil training. Ab initio training for a vacant position is not a cost viable option. IMO

onwardsandupwards

Dear all,

I'm very interested in pursuing a career as a SAR winchman/operator in the UK.
I'd be grateful of info on how best to go about applying and any useful insights and contacts regarding the role.

I'm a PPL(H) and have commercial ground support experience.

Thanks in advance

Lunar

The best thing to do is contact CHC or Bond in Aberdeen as they are both starting new SAR operations. If they are not hiring right now I am sure they will let you know their employment criteria.

At a guess your level of fitness will be important, the PPL and aviation experience will help and any medical courses and experience would also be an advantage.

Best of luck,

Lunar

PARAFFIN PARROTT

Would I be right in thinking, that Bond, CHC and Bristows can/would take on ab initio SAR winchmen/crewmen/operators?
I was under the impression that it was only 'seasoned' Aircrewmen / Loadmasters that would be considered. If this is not the case, does anyone have any contact names/numbers they could forward to me please. Does anyone know the employment prospects at present? Many thanks, PP.

flyer43

PARAFFIN PARROTT & others

Whether CHC, Bond, BHL or any other operator takes on Ab-initio winchmen/crewmen/operators/pilots/cabin attendants etc etc is immaterial. Regardless of what some may tell you on this forum, you wont really know unless you contact them and ask!!
If you really want to get a chance, get in touch with them and sell yourself to them. The worst they can do is say NO, but they might tell you what you need to do to get a better place in the queue.

Good Luck!!