Originally Posted by
Clue32
Were there a typical CG career progression for someone desiring to stay in for 8-12 years, what would it be? What opportunities are there for becoming an IP and progressing through the standardization ranks. At what point would you expect most aviators to get pulled from the flight line in favor of a desk, and are those moves to staff temporary for professional development or permanent as normal career progression.
Clue,
I can only speak from the Falcon side, not the Herc side, but a typical progression for our new pilots finishing their transition training is....
First 4 years at a duty standing unit upgrading to aircraft commander. Seldom make IP during the first tour.
Second 4 years most likely at a second duty standing unit with an upgrade to unit IP. Sometimes you can get a stan IP assignment as a second tour.
The third tour is normally where you head over as a stan IP for four more years if that's what you want to do and are qualified. (this is where I'm at now) Sometimes people go operationally for a third tour and others elect to go to a desk.
From what I hear from our assignment personnel, we are so short fixed wing pilots right now, our odds of flying until retirement are extremely high if that's what you desire to do. Some people choose to volunteer for desk assignment to increase their chances of making O-5......I'm just not one of those people.
Hope this is the info you're lookin' for.