CSO/Navigator value to airlines
06-11-2009, 08:28 AM
#1
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CSO/Navigator value to airlines
I've been offered a Nav slot through OTS and would like to hear from any civilian pilots and current or former navs if Navigator training and experience is of any value to a future civilian pilot career. I put "airlines" in the title but any flying that puts food on the table is ok with me, ie cargo, etc.
I've read lots of posts where plebes like me get admonished not to take a Nav slot but I am too old to reapply for UPT and I have to wonder if UNT doesn't have some value out there.
So far, working a desk job as a civilian, I've got just under 300 hrs and a Commercial/Inst.
Any thoughts on this matter are appreciated.
I've read lots of posts where plebes like me get admonished not to take a Nav slot but I am too old to reapply for UPT and I have to wonder if UNT doesn't have some value out there.
So far, working a desk job as a civilian, I've got just under 300 hrs and a Commercial/Inst.
Any thoughts on this matter are appreciated.
06-11-2009, 08:39 AM
#2
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Joined APC: Jul 2007
Position: 767 Captain
Posts: 3,988
Originally Posted by injunear
I've been offered a Nav slot through OTS and would like to hear from any civilian pilots and current or former navs if Navigator training and experience is of any value to a future civilian pilot career. I put "airlines" in the title but any flying that puts food on the table is ok with me, ie cargo, etc.
I've read lots of posts where plebes like me get admonished not to take a Nav slot but I am too old to reapply for UPT and I have to wonder if UNT doesn't have some value out there.
So far, working a desk job as a civilian, I've got just under 300 hrs and a Commercial/Inst.
Any thoughts on this matter are appreciated.
I've read lots of posts where plebes like me get admonished not to take a Nav slot but I am too old to reapply for UPT and I have to wonder if UNT doesn't have some value out there.
So far, working a desk job as a civilian, I've got just under 300 hrs and a Commercial/Inst.
Any thoughts on this matter are appreciated.
He started out flying at the base flying club, instructing and worked his way through the regionals. So, as far as accelerating his process to get to his dream job....
No, I'd say his nav experience was of little actual value to the airlines he applied to and worked for. I doubt it made much difference in his getting hired. Airlines are going to look at pilot flying experience primarily.
Perhaps (and I'd say highly likely) his flight experience in the military enhanced his personal flying skills, air sense, judgement, etc. In that way, it probably made it easier for him to succeed and excel during his training.
06-11-2009, 08:44 AM
#3
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Position: FAA 'Flight Check'
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I have been around many of the BN/ECMO/RIO/WSO transitions and I've not heard any of them mention that thier backseat (or sideseat) time was of value when they went to a job interview. I agree with Adler though that the increase in SA can only be a good thing!
USMCFLYR
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06-11-2009, 09:03 AM
#4
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Also from time to time, the Air Force has given age waivers so Navs can go to UPT. I would not count on this, but it may happen. Also, you will make lots of contacts in the military that may help you out in the future, when it comes to job recommendations, etc. I know several Navs that flew civillian on the side, and later went to the regionals, fractionals, and majors.
Good luck, and beware of "goat night" at nav school.
Good luck, and beware of "goat night" at nav school.
06-11-2009, 09:49 AM
#5
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Joined APC: Nov 2008
Posts: 293
Just my opinion, but if I wanted to fly and be the pilot only, I would turn down the NAV slot. If AD will only offer you a NAV slot, I would try to find a guard or reserve unit flying anything and go that route. You can apply for pilot training as a NAV, but guess how many other NAVs are applying to do the same thing? Very limited amount of slots for NAVs to go to pilot training. From an AD pilot point of view, I would turn it down and seek out a pilot slot in the guard/reserve, or another service. I too have known Navs who have eventually wound up at civilian flying jobs, but they are rare and do not think their NAV time helped them at all. IMO doing the NAV route not only slows down you to where you want to be, it take up too much time to get there as well. Just my .02
06-11-2009, 11:15 AM
#6
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Well lots of good feedback here, thanks all. It sounds like the only reason to be a CSO is if I want to be a CSO. While I'm not opposed to it all, if it is a detriment to higher priority goals then I will have to turn it down.
06-11-2009, 12:38 PM
#8
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Position: 767A (Ret)
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Nav options
Originally Posted by PittsDriver
You can apply for pilot training as a NAV, but guess how many other NAVs are applying to do the same thing? Very limited amount of slots for NAVs to go to pilot training.
06-11-2009, 01:37 PM
#9
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Position: PA28 Flight Engineer
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You won't be getting any stick time as a CSO, but you sure will be making a lot more money than any CFI, and probably more money than most pilot jobs these days.
Not what you are asking, but perhaps a different perspective.
Not what you are asking, but perhaps a different perspective.
06-11-2009, 01:44 PM
#10
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Joined APC: Nov 2008
Posts: 293
Lots of good advice here, but if you want to be the guy driving, I would not do the CSO. I would apply to every single guard and reserve unit and hope to get picked up that way, or the Navy/Marines or at worst case the Army.
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