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In response to your question about becoming an EMS Pilot after
graduating from college: It is an uphill battle to start the process without military flight
training and experience, but it can be done. You may consider
joining the military and obtaining your rotor-wing flight training through the
Army or other service. Upon serving your commitment (usually about six years)
look for employment on EMS operator sites or on Just Helicopters or
similar URL. Do not,
however, visit the forum on that
site or you will be convinced to become a piano player in a brothel rather than
flying helicopters! Most EMS pilots,
probably over 90%, get their training through the military with the Army being
the top producer of RW pilots. Training via the civilian route would
require substantial expense and time to get the FAA Commercial
Instrument-rotorcraft rating required as an EMS pilot and at least 2000 hours
of flight time. Most EMS operators require at least 2-3000 hours of
flight time with substantial night and/or instrument flight time in
helicopters. You could inquire at local flight schools or go online to
search for helicopter flight instruction for programs that will
lead you to a commercial rating. Many civilian pilots build flight time
as instructors or by flying in less demanding flight jobs prior to EMS. Even
ex-military pilots find it necessary, and even prudent, to build flight time
flying in the Gulf of Mexico for oilfield support helicopter companies like PHI
or Air Log or flying news, tours or logging support. Most EMS pilots today average
about 6000 hours flight time. Helicopter Association International http://www.rotor.com or http://www.nemspa.org are good sites to look for helicopter information, links
to jobs and operators. Their are many other sites you could find by surfing the
net. Good luck in your quest! Ed MacDonald NEMSPA -----Original
Message----- I am a college student who was wondering
how I could become a medical pilot once I graduate from college. Are
there any specific flight schools or steps I should take in order to reach my
goal? Thanks for all your help.
Sincerely, John
Miller Do You Yahoo!? |