Can someone explain to me what the process is like for getting trained in a new airframe at AMC when you're coming in off the street with say 5,000+ hours?  Does AMC have their own sims if they are training you in something like a twin or do that contract that out to Flight Safety?  Thanks in advance for the serious answers. 

AMC doesn't have simulators for ever airframe they use, so the actual honest answer is "it depends".

Some guy's have gone to Dallas for EC135 simulators recently, instead of Denver.  So, it depends.

And, the standards are in black and white!   Written Pilot Training Manual containing standards.  So, the comment that there was no standard is simply bogus (due to being naive)

they have no clue how training works

???  What the h e ! ! are you trying to say?  BTW, I worked at FSI for a while and can tell you most of those 737 guys get their rating in a simulator and never fly an actual 737 with pax in the back until they're sitting in the right seat for their first day on the line.  Just saying....... 

The line check is in the actual airframe...   And, that is  true in the airline world as well!

Why does it matter?  If you've got 5000 hours you should be able to fly anything and don't need hours and hours of training.  Get your minimum training and go to work.  What's the issue?

Been over a year, but if you're A-Star, EC130, 407, or EC135 (granted, the comment previously about 135 sims may mean that's changed) are all done in Denver.  Sims for a few days. A quick day and a N/NVG check somewhere in the middle/end (basic flight, mission profile, then instrument return), then final full checkride/oral with all the EP's in the sim.  Pretty straightforward and overall is "enough" for the basic mission profile according to their GOM.  

If you're 145, 222, A109, or some other random helicopter that AMC still has then you'll just leave after the first week and they'll selectively schedule you to get training at your base or nearby base in that bird.  Same amount of training time; just won't do real EP's obviously.  

Durng the flight week in Denver, there are standards written (I forget what the document is called; it's written identical to an Army ATM), but per previous comments, there are some jack-in-the-box check airmen who have their own ideas of standards (namely one former Army guy in the 407 side; I still hear people complaing about him years later; dude needed to retire 5-10 years ago (and he's not an old guy either); his deskside portion was thorough and actually the most well crafted, realistic scenario based exam I've had in many years; I'll give him that). 

The A-star and EC130 guys (and gal) were some of the most professional I have seen in many years.  Quality, push-you, work-you training and they made the training fun and interesting despite the EC130 being so bad (not joking: it's the worst sim I've ever been in and I've been in all the Army ones over the years, Frasca, and the various FSI sims as well... it's horrible (word on the street was they never got Airbus to sign off the flight handling on it like the other sims??? who knows).

If you've never read an HAA GOM or been in the specific airframe then use the first week and weekend to study.  They'll give you access to the pubs during the first week (if you talk with someone at a base before you go they can usually get you the stuff early if you want to nerd out early).  The second week (flight week) goes quick. 

Overall it's professional, fairly well thought out, and you're decently taken care of while there (food/hotel/vehicles).  It's a good time.

So if they've got you doing training at your base in a 109 or 145 (and do they even have the 222 Still?) when and how do you ever practice EPs?

Call their HR department...The hiring process is a significant part of their job. 

Do something, warrior. 

Richard C., 

The HR-pilot Recruiter can answer the questions this person has about their programs. If unable to answer, as a general rule, HR is the POC to transfer the pilot to a person within the organization that can. As you are keenly aware, this Forum is notorious for putting out wrong and misleading information. 

go through the motions, make the most of what is offered, do your best, and you'll figure it out.  It is not much of a problem at all, maybe annoying at times, but just take it one day at a time.  If you are ex-military leave all that behind and start a new adventure.