%'s - Helo's vs. Fixed Wing

[KRad]

Does anyone know what percentages of USMC pilots end up flying Helo's vs. Fixed Wing aircraft?

 

[EA-6B1]

I think it's roughly 60%+ Helos, 30% Jets, and 10% Props. That's just an estimate that I've gathered through various sources, and it's nothing to base a decision on. Phrogdriver, 46Driver, BigWorm, or any other Marine aviators/studs will know better than I will.

 

[schn0354]

According to an OSO recruiter, about 60% helo, 40% fixed wing. It would be interesting to get actual inventory stats and USMC needs for pilots and NFOs in the pipeline. Of course, the best guarantee to get first choice, is to graduate #1 from flight school.

 

[46Driver]

I'd say those numbers are in the ballpark. Just remember that much depends on when you select: some weeks are jet drafts while other times there are helo drafts (i.e., many more of 1 type of slots than the other)

 

[DBLang]

Proceedings puts out a huge list of Navy and Marine Corps assets every year including every squadron. So you could look through and see just how many squadrons there are for each aircraft.

 

[phrogdriver]

It'd be hard to figure out from a list of squadrons, since different types of squadrons have different numbers of aircraft. E.g. CH-46 squadrons have 12 aircraft, while skid squadrons have 2 types of birds, and EA-6B squadrons have 5 ea (I think--they've changed it a couple times in the last few years). Like 46Driver said, your selection week may be all one or the other. Props can also be very hard to come by. Some weeks may have no C-130s at all.

 

[KRad]

Thanks for all the answers.

 

[Gonzodogg]

Sounds like there is a ton of luck involved. I'm not sure how I feel about that.

 

[EA-6B1]

You've got to realize the chances of getting something that you didn't "intend" to, and still be happy flying and serving your country.

 

[livefast]

If you get assigned to helos, does that pretty much screw your chances with the airlines?

 

[46Driver]

Yes and No - there are just too many variables to predict anything. Many airlines will not count helo time at all - they don't consider it real flying. However, as a helo pilot, you can come back and get a tour instructing and build up thousands of T-34C hours.

The airlines are not what they used to be. Many of the traditional "legacy" carriers are in deep trouble and are being forced to take major paycuts and work rule adjustments. Right now, I tell everyone to stay in, take the $25k per year bonus, and get your retirement. However, all of this could change in 5 to 10 years. Also, picking the "right" airline is just as much a crapshoot as selection at primary. I've got friends who had thousands of multi-engine PIC turbine time who went to United, American, etc and are now furloughed and unemployed. Meanwhile, my company is growing and buying Airbus 320's. It really is luck to a large extent.