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7560 Career Guide

Marine Corps

7560: Rotary Wing Pilot (HMH/M/L/A)

Career transition guide for Marine Corps Rotary Wing Pilot (HMH/M/L/A) (7560)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 7560 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Commercial Helicopter Pilot

$95K
High matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate (Helicopter)Instrument Rating (Helicopter)

Air Ambulance Pilot

$110K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate (Helicopter)Instrument Rating (Helicopter)Advanced Life Support (ALS) training

Wildland Firefighting Helicopter Pilot

$78K
Good matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate (Helicopter)Helicopter firefighting trainingCardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification

Corporate Helicopter Pilot

$130K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate (Helicopter)Instrument Rating (Helicopter)Strong customer service skills

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Pilot/Operator

$70K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot CertificateExperience with specific UAS platformsData analysis skills

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 7560 training built — and where they transfer.

Situational Awareness

As a helicopter pilot, you're constantly monitoring a complex environment: weather, terrain, fuel levels, rotor RPM, air traffic, and potential threats, all while executing mission objectives.

This translates to an exceptional ability to perceive and understand your surroundings in dynamic situations, anticipate potential problems, and make proactive decisions.

Rapid Prioritization

In flight, unexpected events demand immediate assessment and action. Whether it's a mechanical issue, sudden weather change, or an unexpected obstacle, you must quickly determine the most critical tasks and execute them efficiently.

You excel at quickly assessing the urgency and importance of multiple demands, allowing you to effectively allocate your attention and resources under pressure to deal with multiple urgent requests at once.

Team Synchronization

Whether coordinating with a co-pilot, ground troops, or air traffic control, your missions demand seamless communication and coordination to achieve a shared objective.

This demonstrates a mastery of collaborative work, including the ability to communicate clearly, anticipate the needs of others, and operate in a cohesive unit.

Degraded-Mode Operations

Helicopter pilots are trained to handle equipment malfunctions and navigate operational challenges in less than ideal conditions, relying on backup systems and ingenuity.

You're adept at problem-solving under pressure and maintaining performance even when resources are limited or systems fail. You know how to adapt and find solutions when things don't go according to plan.

Resource Optimization

Piloting requires constant awareness of fuel consumption, aircraft capabilities, and mission requirements to maximize efficiency and mission success. You are tasked with achieving maximum output within constrained resources.

You have a demonstrated ability to manage resources effectively, making strategic decisions about allocation to achieve optimal outcomes.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Emergency Management Director

SOC 11-9161.00

You've been trained to manage complex situations under pressure, coordinate teams, and make critical decisions in high-stakes environments, all of which are essential for leading emergency response efforts.

Logistics Manager

SOC 11-3071.00

You've been responsible for planning and executing complex missions involving personnel, equipment, and resources. Your experience optimizing resource allocation and coordinating logistics makes you well-suited for managing supply chains and distribution networks.

Project Manager

SOC 11-9199.00

You've been entrusted with high-stakes projects under strict timelines and requirements. As a pilot you have the experience to use resources efficiently and manage risk effectively.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Primary Flight Training, Naval Air Station Whiting Field; Advanced Helicopter Training, Naval Air Station Corpus Christi; Fleet Replacement Enlisted Personnel (FREP) Training, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River

1,200 training hours52 weeksUp to 30 semester hours recommended in aviation technology and management.

Topics Covered

  • Aerodynamics and Helicopter Flight Controls
  • Navigation and Instrument Flight Procedures
  • Tactical Formation Flying
  • Low Altitude Tactics
  • Night Vision Operations
  • Search and Rescue Techniques
  • External Load Operations
  • Naval Gunfire Spotting Procedures

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Commercial Pilot License (Helicopter)70% covered

FAA written and practical exams, specific flight hour requirements based on FAA regulations, and potentially differences in civilian aviation regulations and procedures.

Certified Aviation Manager (CAM)40% covered

CAM requires aviation management experience. Study business management principles, aviation safety management systems, and resource management specific to civilian aviation operations.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) - HelicopterAirline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate - HelicopterRemote Pilot Certificate (FAA Part 107)Aviation Safety Officer (ASO)

Technical Systems Translation

Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
AN/AVS-9 Night Vision Goggles (NVG)High-resolution night vision equipment
ARC-210 RadioCommercial aviation VHF/UHF communication radios
AN/APN-194 Radar AltimeterCivilian radar altimeters
Doppler Navigation SystemGPS-aided inertial navigation systems
FLIR Systems on aircraft (e.g., AN/AAQ-27)Commercial Forward-Looking Infrared (FLIR) cameras
Blue Force Tracker (BFT)Real-time GPS fleet management systems
Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM)Long range telemetry and guidance systems

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