I have looked into the process a good deal. Wanted to branch Aviation from college- passed SIFT and flight physical- but unfortunately got Transportation. I was always planning on dropping my commission to go warrant, but now I would like to do that as soon as I can. Haven't found too much info online or from people I have talked to about dropping it as a 2LT or 1LT. I know it will probably effect the strength of my packet doing it so early on, but is there any advice on doing it this early? So far, all I really have is that I got placed into a PL spot as soon as I got to my station, finished ESB and Air Assault, and created a battalion SOP on ammunition. I have only been at my duty station for about 4 months. Thanks!

Can a Russian helicopter A&P-style technician with Russian aviation authority approvals (Росавиация licenses) find work in helicopter maintenance companies outside Russia? What would be required — license validation/conversion (e.g., to EASA, FAA, etc.), work visa sponsorship, etc.?

Would appreciate if there are any inputs, especially if anyone reached out with Dart for this

Need to have an advise regarding the Dart PA100 filter on Arriel 2D and its effect on EPC as on VEMD it is always showing negative but by FMS charts it is positive

It doesn't happen in the EMS helicopter business, either. Bases close, change operators, etc. The company can change your schedule pretty much anytime they want to. Anybody that thinks they're going to be off for Christmas next year because that's how they're schedule falls is probably going to be in for a rude awakening.

Knowing your schedule that far in advance is definitely nice and something that just won’t happen at the airlines - along with being in your bed every night. It’s definitely not for everyone - especially those who have never had careers requiring their absence, military, etc. I believe it can be difficult for all those involved in that case. I’ve had the “in my own bed every night” discussion with quite a few friends and acquaintances and, personally, I think it’s a bit overblown. I show the example below because it can be eye-opening to those without much knowledge of the industry. My schedule next month is a good example because the math works out almost perfectly compared to a month of 7 on/7 off. I will fly 3 trips next month - all 4-day trips - for a total of 169 hours away from base. 169 hours / 12 =14.08, or 14, 12-hour shifts almost exactly. That doesn’t count commute time to the airport, but also doesn’t count commute time to your base, so pretty much even. True, you are in your own bed; I’m gone. It is a bit more nuanced though. 2 of my trips take off at 2330 the first day and land at 0400 the 4th day, so the majority of the 1st and 4th days I’m at home. That 3rd trip leaves at 2030 and lands at 0630. A few hours less than the others, but still at home for a good portion of those days. So truly gone… 6 days for the month (2 days at a time 3 times for the month). 3 trips, 19 days truly off (not counting those other 6 days of starts/ends where the majority of the day is still at home), about 25k pay with 4k into the 401k by the company. But you are very much gone from home - that is true. Also, the airline industry will always be more volatile than the RW side.

You got that going for you.

At the end of each 12-hour medevac shift....I get in my own car and go home to sleep in my own bed. I do that 7 times and then I forget about work for 7 days. My family and I know what holidays I'm working this year and the next, and the next and the next.

I don’t think there is any question which one is generally better as far as long-term career benefits. Yeah, helicopters are more “fun”, but you know what else is fun? Being only year 4 at a US legacy, being a WB FO, making 360k last year, and having 18-20 days off every month. That 360 doesn’t count 17% direct contribution into your 401k, so about 60k/year directly into your 401k regardless of your contribution. I hear people say, it’s boring, I could never do it, yada, yada, yada. Whatever. Flying is a job. Regardless of your level of passion, etc, at the end of the day, it will become a job at some point. It can be boring, but the quality of life REALLY takes the sting out of the boredom. Also, a lot of the boring comments are loudest from people who have never done it. After flying all over the world, the thought of puttzing around at 90 knots on a .8 flight, now seems pretty boring to me - in a different way. Best of luck!

I am a dual-rated commercial pilot, and I chose to focus on the rotary wing side. I recently retired from flying, coming out of helicopter air ambulance. (As an aside, my stepson is a copilot flying the Airbus 320 for Delta, so I understand that side of the business as well.). To answer your question, I think the fixed wing side has every advantage over rotary wing—better family life, better schedule, better pay (more than double.). HOWEVER—I find it boring. This is the primary upside of helicopters and it’s why I chose them. So much more interesting and fun to fly. And since I have a very successful wife, I didn’t need the money—which allowed me the flexibility to choose. I wish you luck going forward!