Expert: Mike Hicks - 9/29/2007

Question
Hi. my name is C.J.Easter I am 18 years old. I have wanted be a helicopter pilot for as long as I can remember "specifically" air evac. I'm am not eligible to fly in the military because I have two screws in my ankle from a football injury. I was wanting to know the best rout to take to reach my goals and how to do it. As of right know I am going to go to siuc for aviation flight (fixed wing), aviation management, and then go to helicopters. Is this the best rout,or should I go strait to helicopters. Any information would be helpful.  THANKS

Answer
CJ well I am surprised the military would not take you because of the screws, anyway probably the beat way is what you are doing, attend an aviation academy like Embry Riddle, Flight safety and just start like we all did, at the bottom. I flew fixed wing first and got my helicopter time in the military. You have to understand in the commercial world of aviation Insurance companies drive the train. They specify how much experience they require to insure a particular company. This is esp true in the helicopter world. It is getting better, with old geezers like myself retiring the younger guys who did not have a Viet Nam to gain allot of experience quick are hard to find.
So press on keep trying and have patience. hope this helps