Originally Posted by
pandaairlines
Hey guys hope all is well going well in your lives! Long story up front, I am being medically attrited from Advanced Helo’s. I’m pretty frustrated, sad and everything in between. Flying is the only thing I’ve ever wanted to do (besides being an officer and serving). Now that military aviation is out of the question, I wonder if there are any prior military aviators/fallen angels that pursued a successful transition into civilian aviation? I did finish primary (T6B training) so I wonder if those hours can be used to obtain a PPL? Also what are some options for obtaining the other Certs? My end goal is to fly for EMS someday or even go cargo/corporate. Any and all insightful inputs are greatly appreciated!
100% doable.
Look up your condition to see if you can hold an FAA medical with it. Military medical standards are way different than FAA. If so, or it's waiverable you're good. If you're not sure contact a company like wingman med who specialize in FAA medical issues for a free consult.
Get on Facebook and join RTAG. They're a great mil-civilian aviation transition resource and there's several fallen angels there. Depending on your circumstance you may be GI bill eligible (Think you've got to be on AD for 180 days) and can use that to fund flight training (figure that the requirements before you get the PPL, for some programs it may disqualify you).
Next big hurdle is redesignating. Push for medical retirement if that's an option. If not, attempting to redisgnate into closed designators will increase the chances of you non selecting and being released from active duty if you want to get right into civilian flight training. A 2 year part 141 program with an Associates degree will get your hours/ratings and reduced R-ATP minimums and will be GI bill covered. I know people who went through MTSU and Mercer county community college/infinity flight group in Nj to do this. I'm sure there are more programs out there.