Originally Posted by jnav
Hello all,
I'm looking for input and career advice.
I'm currently in the U.S. Coast Guard and have 6 yrs left to retire at 20 yrs. active duty. I'm an Aircraft Electronics technician on our HC-130's and fly as Flight Navigator on our various missions. I hold an A&P license also with civilian and military maintenance experience, acquired after serving 4 yr tour in USAF, and FCC license w/ Radar endorse.
I have my Commercial pilots license w/ SE/ME/IFR ratings and have approx.
247 hrs TT. Completed the latter half of last year.
I'm transfering this summer 2006 from sunny Hawaii to the Sacramento area where I look to have more available opportunities for flying.
I'm trying to prepare for my career after the Coast Guard. Mainly looking for the cargo flying scene or charter stuff, Ameriflight being one of the companies I'd like to work for. Main thing is that I want my next job to be fun and enjoyable without the rigors I experience now in my present job. I do enjoy what I do now but it's very demanding considering that I maintain/repair the aircraft equipment then fly as flight crew for whatever the current mission.
I just would like some good options that will enable me to build the time I need to get into the jobs I'm seeking while I'm finishing my time in the Coast Guard. I'm 36 yrs. old and will be 42 when I retire so I'm looking at age being a factor positive or negative.
I have the books for CFI and will probably attain that certification, but my work schedule will determine if and how often I can instruct. So all that being said can I get some incite plzzzzzzzz fellows.
Thanks.
You have a lot of good background, but you will still need to meet the flight time minimums for cargo or airlines. 1200/200ME should work most places. You should be able to get there prior to retirement, depending on family commitments.
Navigator time will not count for anything.
Your age is not an issue.
Get the CFI, use it when you can.
Career wise, AmFlight and similar companies are usually viewed as stepping stones to a regional airline job. Night cargo pays very poorly, probably has no benefits, and can be very dangerous (single pilot, single engine, night, IMC, icing, mountains). A no-go decision is usually not an option. Most of those guys just want to survive long enough to get a job elsewhere.
As to the rigors of your current job, you will find that most entry-level civilian aviation jobs can be pretty crappy in pay, benefits, schedule, work rules, and working conditions. It is a very common misconception amongst active duty folks that the civilian world is better in all respects. The reality is that you will find that you were pampered in the CG, and that pay, lifestyle, and job security are usually worse in the real world, especially in aviation. I've been there, done that and have USCG in my immediate family.
You should be able to get a regional airline job right out of the service if you get your 1000+ hours. CFI is the most flexible way to build time, but you might be able to fly traffic watch, pipeline patrol, or environmental monitoring.
If you really prefer general aviation to airline work, look into Alaska bush flying. You'll probably need tailwheel and/or float, and 1000 hours for that. Beautiful country up there...