MOOSEDRVR728

Thanks for replying, I sent you a private message. Also just curious did you have to do a completely new physical or did your AF one count. The recruiter I am dealing with seems to not know alot about the whole DCA program. Thanks again.

USMCFLYR

Do you happen to remember this guy's name? This would have been my preference. It is funny - I would choose Falcons, but I think the most interesting and rewarding flying would have been in the helos. Do FW guys have an opportunity to cross train?

USMCFLYR

MOOSEDRVR728

I had the same question about r/w. But of course the recruiter didnt now.

4FrozenFans

Dual-qualified aviators are rare. There are only a few billets coded as such. If so qualified, you are an AC in one acft and a CP in the other.

Helo drivers are in on the action; the only ones closer are the Rescue Swimmers deploying into the water. The vast majority of acft transitions I've known of are rotary to fixed wing. Some in the Aviation Engineeing career track switch airframes at a new assignment, or an in-bound CO/XO/OPS may have to qualify in the type of aircraft at their new command.

Sorry I didn't answer more questions; I don't type fast and my connection always seems to time out.

(MOOSEDRVR728, I replied to your PM.)

-4FF

grdownflaps22

Hey guys I have some questions about the Coast Guard hopefully some of you can answer.

I have always been interested in flying for the Coast Guard, and quite frankly I could really care less what type of equipment I would fly for them. I am a recently furloughed airline pilot in my mid 20's, and graduated from college with a BS a few years back.

How difficult is it to get into the Coast Guard as a pilot, especially without any prior military experience? The one thing that has always discouraged me from really pursuing any kind of military aviation is the fact that my eyesight without glasses or contacts is not very good. Obviously I am able to obtain a civilian Class I medical, but would this be a factor with the Coast Guard as well? Also, if my research is correct, you have to go through OCS just like the other branches, but are you given a flight spot when you first sign up, or is there a significant chance of getting assigned to something else? Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated...and thanks in advance to the replies.

4FrozenFans

In your circumstance you would go to OCS (17 weeks in New London, CT) and have to apply for a flight slot. The number per class varies. My OCS class had 12 apply, 6 got selected. I was not one of them. I went to a cutter for 2 yrs and then went to flight school. Not sure what your degree is in, but that could dictate where you go if you have to wait.

To be a direct commission aviator (DCA) you have to be military trained with a minimum of 1,000 hrs. With a prior civilian aviation background you would be competitive for a flight school slot right out of OCS. As far as the eyesight goes, the last I heard it was 20/20 near, and 20/50 distant (correctable to 20/20). Most everything is waivable, to a degree.

Hope this helps.

-4FF

antares666

Don't remember the F-18 driver, he's at Miami now. Lately getting an airframe transition is becoming more of a rarity F/W to R/W or reverse. Most of the guys I know did it as part of the engineer (maintenance) officer track. You can go 60's to 65's or Herc to falcons a little easier, but you most likely will start as co-pilot again.

Thegooch

Any tips for transferring from the army?

Im an army CPT with 800 fw hours in the dash 7, also rated in the blackhawk, with a masters degree.

Wondering if I'm competitive and looking for any help.

Thanks

Alfred E Newman

Don't know about anywhere else, but the only Falcon remaining at Cape Cod CGAS is on a stick out front next to the old Albatross. They have CASAs now...

fwmiv

For anyone interested, the next two deadlines for putting a DCA transition package in are: 5 Oct 15 and 14 Mar 16.

More details here:
Direct Commission Aviator (DCA)