Thread: Transfer to Coast Guard
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Old 10-13-2008 | 03:05 PM
  #16  
4FrozenFans
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From: C-130H (ret)
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Originally Posted by grdownflaps22
Hey guys I have some questions about the Coast Guard hopefully some of you can answer.

I have always been interested in flying for the Coast Guard, and quite frankly I could really care less what type of equipment I would fly for them. I am a recently furloughed airline pilot in my mid 20's, and graduated from college with a BS a few years back.

How difficult is it to get into the Coast Guard as a pilot, especially without any prior military experience? The one thing that has always discouraged me from really pursuing any kind of military aviation is the fact that my eyesight without glasses or contacts is not very good. Obviously I am able to obtain a civilian Class I medical, but would this be a factor with the Coast Guard as well? Also, if my research is correct, you have to go through OCS just like the other branches, but are you given a flight spot when you first sign up, or is there a significant chance of getting assigned to something else? Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated...and thanks in advance to the replies.
In your circumstance you would go to OCS (17 weeks in New London, CT) and have to apply for a flight slot. The number per class varies. My OCS class had 12 apply, 6 got selected. I was not one of them. I went to a cutter for 2 yrs and then went to flight school. Not sure what your degree is in, but that could dictate where you go if you have to wait.

To be a direct commission aviator (DCA) you have to be military trained with a minimum of 1,000 hrs. With a prior civilian aviation background you would be competitive for a flight school slot right out of OCS. As far as the eyesight goes, the last I heard it was 20/20 near, and 20/50 distant (correctable to 20/20). Most everything is waivable, to a degree.

Hope this helps.

-4FF
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