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5 State Helicopters Inc

Helicopter Pilot – Utility / External Load Operations

Job Training All branchesNational Security

Website provided by the program.

At a glance

Open to
All branches
Format
In person
Length
61 - 90 days
Locations
1 location in Texas
Job locations
Texas
Target MOS/ratings
Army: 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 152B, 152C, 152D, 152E, 152F, 152H, 153A, 153B, 153D, 153E, 153L, 153M, 154C, 154E, 154F; Air Force: 11H, 11S; Navy: 1310, 1315, 1317; Marine Corps: 7511, 7532, 7563, 7565, 7566; Coast Guard: CG-AVI12. Target population: current or previously qualified military rotary-wing or tiltrotor aviators.

About the program

12-week, in-person SkillBridge program designed for qualified military rotary-wing and tiltrotor aviators transitioning into civilian utility helicopter operations. Initial aircraft training is conducted primarily in the S-58T and focuses on aircraft systems and procedures, 14 CFR Part 133 external-load operations, vertical-reference/long-line flying, ground-support operations, and supervised local utility OJT. The program also includes aerial-firefighting academics, bucket/tank familiarization, and SIC preparation. Following employment and applicable company qualification, pilots may progress into additional company aircraft, including the BK-117 and UH-60, as well as aerial-firefighting SIC and eventual PIC duties.

Jobs this program prepares you for

The Helicopter Pilot – Utility / External Load Operations position supports 5 State Helicopters commercial utility, aerial-crane, external-load, and aerial-firefighting operations. Initial training and qualification focus on the S-58T. As experience and company qualifications are gained, pilots may progress into additional company aircraft, including the BK-117 and UH-60. Duties include mission planning, aircraft performance and weight-and-balance calculations, aircraft inspections, crew and ground-team coordination, and flight operations as qualified. Pilots develop vertical-reference and long-line proficiency for Part 133 operations and may later support aerial-firefighting operations as SIC and progress toward PIC after meeting applicable FAA, company, insurance, and agency requirements.

Eligibility & prerequisites

Prior military rotary-wing or tiltrotor pilot qualification and flight experience required. Applicant must possess, or be eligible to obtain prior to applicable flight training, FAA pilot certificates/ratings and medical qualifications required for the training being conducted. Applicant must meet applicable 5 State Helicopters, FAA, insurance, and aircraft qualification requirements. Participation requires approval through the Service member’s applicable SkillBridge/Career Skills Program process.

Training sequence may be adjusted based on weather, aircraft availability, maintenance requirements, trainee progression, and suitable local operational OJT opportunities. Operational wildfire rotations and interagency pilot carding are not conducted as part of this SkillBridge program. Firefighting training during SkillBridge is limited to approved academics, controlled practical training, and SIC familiarization.

Locations & contacts

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How to apply

  1. Contact the provider using the website or email above. Ask about openings, start dates, and the application.
  2. Confirm eligibility. SkillBridge is generally for service members within 180 days of separation who have their command's approval.
  3. Get your unit commander's authorization following your branch's SkillBridge process. Start early; approvals take time.
  4. Read reviews from past participants on Rate My SkillBridge.

Policy details: official DoW SkillBridge site · our FAQ