I'm "airplane" only. But I see you don't have any answers yet, so I thought it would be good to say -something- at least.

About 90% of the "bookwork" toward airplane or helo is identical. So either way you go first, you'll only need to go another 10% to arrive at the other's "requirements"...so far as bookwork. If you get airplane rating 1st, then you'd still need to take a "Helo written" test when the time comes. But you'll already know 90% from taking the "airplane-written".

Obviously, the flying skills are different. But you will fly -either- machine in airspace that's regulated identically. That's what I'm talking about in "bookwork".

Helo training isn't as cheep as airplane training. But you probably already know that.

If there's any way you can get the USMC to pay for training, then I suggest you go there first.

They say the Medivac pilots are the 'best of the best". And I would sure be careful to keep my credentials as respectable as possible. I would think a "professional pilot" curriculum in a college would be most respectable. I don't think a "Certificate of Recommendation from Joe's Gyros" would be good.

Probably, you should just walk right up to your prospective employer, tell him what you want. And he will tell you what it takes. Also, I would think you have lots of resources available right there in the Marines. You need to start asking the right questions to the right people.

After training, "flying time" will win you points. Somehow, you need to start accumulating TIME.

There are several on this forum that are in San Diego. I'm sure they'll jump in soon to tell you about schools there.

Does anyone know anything about Silver State Helicopters flight academy?  I've become more and more interested in them as my researching progresses.  But I've also heard that there are some down falls to taking a program built like theirs, due to the fact that you pay for everything.  I've heard that people havent been trained for what they paid for.  Like I said I'm very interested in there program because it sounds like a great deal, everything in one shot and they seem quite popular.  Any opinions or experiences?

Go to your benefits package/office.  Ask specifically about VA benenfits on civilan FAA pilots license.  The VA benefits will reimburse around 80% of your training.  Problem is, you must get the approval first.  And you will be limited in which schools you can go to (for the 80% reimbursement).  The school needs to be what is referred to as 141.  A bit more paperwork, but the end result is $$$ back in your pocket.

I do second the notion of getting your fixed wing first being "cheaper" then getting your rotorwing.  This goes to the fact that an airplane is about 1/2 the rental rate of a helo and once you have your Private Pilot License (PPL), the rotorwing add on is just a minimum of around 10 hours.  This should be a no brianer for your experience.  I would think, with your aviation knowledge from the military, you would need around 45 hours of 141 fixed wing training in the San Diego area.

Brian

I am not familiar with the flight schools in your area.  I am sure, however, that VA benefits will pay approx. 80% if you go thru a 141 program once you are discharged.  Now, while you are active, I am not sure.  Also I am fairly positive that VA benefits will not pay for 61 training.  From your military training, the 141 training will be a piece of cake.  141 is more paperwork and more structured.  The benefits from the structure means less REQUIRED flight time.  You will fly with more than one instructor, which is not required for 61.  What this allows is a set of checks and balances (alot of 61 schools will also do this, though) for the student and company (instructor).

Now to address your questions about your resume.  You will find out that it does not really matter where your training is recieved, with the exception of the flight universities such as Embry Riddle.  You will however turn a lot of heads with your military background.  I have seen many companies that appear to hire ONLY ex-military.  No joke.

Good luck,
Brian

I will second what Brian mentioned, about some companies seemingly hiring ONLY ex-military pilots.  I am a volunteer EMT in Maryland, and consequently run a lot of calls with the Maryland State Troopers - the Troopers act as Maryland's med flight helo's (as a side note, MSP has never charged a single patient for transport...)  I know they think very highly of ex-military, especially if they recieved their training FROM the military.

I would see if you can get flight training through the Marines.  It's worth a shot, anyhow, and you might be surprised what asking will get you...

Smaller flight departments LOVE A&P's.  If you got your IA, it would be more icing on the cake!  Good luck!!

Brian

OK so here is what my hopefully future job requires to even be considered.  These requirements are to become a medical pilot. Any advice or tips on how to reach these requirements as cost effective and in a timely manner?  Also what sort of jobs before this can i do to build up time and good experience for this type of job?

Commercial pilot certificate
 
 Rotorcraft helicopter rating
 
 Instrument helicopter rating
 
 2000 rotorcraft flight hours
 
1000 PIC rotorcraft flight hours
 
100 PIC rotorcraft night hours
 
ATP certificate is encouraged
 


Thanks Guys    JJ