Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 8/1/2009

Question
I am 44 in September.  I have a college degree with 23 years in Live Television Production.  My goal is somewhat of a career change.  I want to fly helicopters and/or work for Public Affairs If there was a way to fly for the Army/Air Force (aerial filming)for Public Affairs that would be the ticket.  Mainly, I WANT TO FLY. I read recently that the age was moved up for enlistment.   I am in fairly good shape relatively athletic, with a little pre-training I could get ready for Basic.  Do I even have a shot at this all said and done passing tests, etc. and/or waiver?  by the way pretty impressive credentials!!  Were you in school since you were born or something?   LOL...have a good day sir!!

Answer
Ercel,
Thank you.  Sometimes it seemed like I was becoming a professional student.

Only the Army moved up their age limits and unfortunately you still don't meet that.  It is now 42 for the Army, the highest of all the services.  They are not accepting any age waivers because of this.  For your info, here are the limits for all the Services:

Air Force 27
Coast Guard - Age 27.  Note: up to age 32 for those selected to attend A-school directly upon enlistment (this is mostly for prior service).
Marines 28
Marine Corps Reserve 29
Air Force Reserve 34
Air National Guard 34
Navy 34
Army National Guard 35  (changed from 42 in 2009)
Naval Reserves 39
Coast Guard Reserves 39
Army 42
Army Reserves 42

Sorry for the delay but I consulted several helicopter pilot friends before I answered your question.  General Matia, a good friend of mine, is the commander of Army helicopter aviation.  He says most Army pilots are generally enlisted Warrant Officers and the field is very small.  The Army is the only service that sends soldiers directly into helicopter training without first being trained in Fixed-Wing aircraft to learn the basics of flight.  All the Services said their Public Affairs folks merely ride along in aircraft to take pictures and gather news.  There aren't any dedicated PA pilots, just whatever pilot is available at the time.

These last few days I've been checking for you and as I'm sure you've discovered, most civilian flying jobs require a commercial license and at least 500 hours before you can even fly.  I just don't know what to tell you.  All the federal agencies want ex-military pilots.  Maybe the police force?  Do you have any contacts in the TV studios that may let you get some right seat time in a news chopper?

I don't have any other ideas as to how you might learn to fly without great expense to yourself.  Sorry I don't have an easy answer for you.
Good luck, and let me know what you end up doing.
Colonel H