Originally Posted by
BaronPete
As for the vision situation, I understand I will get a full medical during the process, but isn't that after I've already signed service contracts and such? I don't want to make agreements only to find that my vision is unacceptable and I have to become a mechanic or navigator. I just wish there was somewhere I could find out definitively once and for all.
All military officer candidates get a physical BEFORE they actually join the military. In your case you will be able to apply for a pilot slot (and get the flight physical) before you commit to anything. If you do not complete pilot training, or fail a flight physical at some point AFTER getting your commission you may or may not be obligated to serve in a non-flying role (depends on your contract).
Originally Posted by
BaronPete
As for the letters of recommendation and such go, I'm lucky enough to have two men that I consider to be second and third fathers to me who are airport directors of their respective airports. They know me front to back, side to side, and will go to bat for me in any walk of life.
Pilots don't really have anything to do with airport managers. For military purposes you will want a letter from a (ex) military officer. For airline purposes you will want letters from professional pilots (preferably employed by the airline in question).
Originally Posted by
BaronPete
Where would be a good place to start researching the application process and finding out what kind of package I'll need to get together. As I've stated, I'll graduate with about 350 hours flight time with about 50-60 of that being multi engine time. I'll have my commercial, instrument, multi, and CFI ratings.
I'm not ANG...the best thing would be to find somebody who is who could walk you through that maze. The biggest step is finding, getting in touch with, and establishing a relationship with an ANG unit which may sponsor you. They may prefer people who are residents of their state, but the C-130 units at Charleston, WV and Cheyenne, WY may have difficulty finding enough locals due to being in the middle of nowhere.
Note: I believe that if you join the AFR you will be assigned an aircraft type (possibly helos) during flight school...I don't think you get to pick your squadron like in the ANG, which makes the ANG a very good deal.
There may be some info here:
http://www.ang.af.mil/
I can't pmail you. I don't really want to post my email, I'll get spammed for sure.