JuanMo

I'm an active duty CW4 SP/IE in UH-60's getting out this fall. I'm scheduled to complete my ME Commercial Instrument ticket at the end of March with a part 141 school, but other than that, my only FW time is 62 hours of C172 I flew in college for my PP SEL license. I don't think I have time from now until fall to complete 250 FW PIC hours. Envoy's program is right now looking most attractive. Does anyone have any experience with this transition? How long will you owe Envoy after training in the event that other opportunities become available? Is there a catch?

paulpedals

The catch is they expect you to fully exhaust your AD GI Bill on the flight training, and then they pay the remainder. From what I can tell, if you have already used your GI Bill they will still pay a portion, but the most they offer is $23,000 and it is through a program at Coast Flight in San Diego that costs $48,000.
It definitely sounds like a good program, but for those of us who have already used GI Bill money, or like myself are reservists with little to no GI Bill money, it has less of an advantage.
I'm not sure how long you are obligated to stay after training, 2 years maybe?

Ohlsan

If your at Rucker, Envoy will be recruiting at Dothan airport on Feb 22, 1100-1600

BeatNavy

If you already have a comm MEL almost in the bag (presumably a comm asel as well?), get a CFII add on (not difficult since you presumably have a mil comped H-CFII). All that time towards the ratings can be logged PIC. Then you can instruct, find a skydive job or some other entry level job, or something else to get the last 200 hours or so. not sure what your GI Bill situation is but you can get a lot out of that (a lot more than the $10k a year for flight training) if you go to an aviation university. I got about $50k of flight training and used 3 months of my 36 post 9/11. I'll try to PM you some more info when I get more time. That envoy program might work out well, but I'd hate to be tied to one specific regional for an average to not so great deal, which I don't really know with your situation what it would be.

tattooguy21

Sent a PM, I'd like to know more.

Tester130

From a few guys I know that went through the Envoy program, they ended up using about seven months of GI Bill money and the rest Envoy took care of. Envoy is using Coastal in both San Diego an in Texas now. Not a bad deal when you consider you don't have to pay anything out of pocket and you still get their full bonus. It is also pretty fast as it is in their best interest to get you qualified quickly.
Don't feel like Envoy is your only option though. PSA and Peidmont both have rotor to regional programs in the works. That haven't fully worked out the details yet and which schools they will be partnered with, but if their bases work better for you and than Envoy's then it would be worth a call to their recruiters. I'm pretty sure I'm heading to PSA and if you have questions about that airline feel free to shoot me a PM. I'm Navy rotary with quite a few fixed wing qualifications so I'm not using one of the programs, but I've spoken with PSA's president and their recruiter for their rotor program and they are looking for good pilots.
All the best, Tester

Tester130

Here is the "official" stuff for the PSA program. The school in Pensacola forwarded it on to a friend of mine, but it was originally sent out by PSA

Forwarded message below:
"I am a Pilot Recruiter from PSA Airlines reaching out to you because at some point in recent history you have inquired into a First Officer position, & more specifically a Rotor Transition Program leading to an FO position with our airline. Well, it is finally here!

PSA Airlines has recently partnered with Sky Warrior in Pensacola, FL & we are looking to start our first RTP class in mid-March. In order to be considered for our program, you will need to officially apply through our company website. Attend & panel interview in CLT where you will also learn more about PSA Airlines, our mission, the Rotor Transition Program, & how RTP costs are covered. After passing our panel interview we will place you in contact with our partnered school Sky Warrior to discuss class dates, & pursue final required ratings & flight times.

After your application has been screened & you are selected, you will be expected to provide copies of the following documents at the interview:

1. First Class Medical Certificate
2. Flying Licenses
3. Driver’s License
4. Passport
5. FCC Radio / Telephone License
6. Updated Resume
7. Logbook(s)
8. DD214 Member -4 document, or an official Armed Forces record showing current service.
9. An official U.S. Armed Forces record that shows the person graduated from a U.S. Armed Forces undergraduate pilot training school & received a rating qualification as a military pilot.

We understand that there are certain occasions where some of the documents may be in the mail such as an FCC license, & can waive some documents on a case by case basis. However, an official FO class date will not be given until all documents are accounted for. Please ensure you logbooks are in good shape. Logbooks Matter More Than You Think - Here's What You Need To Know | Boldmethod .

We are looking forward to meeting & working with you!

If you have any questions with regard to any of this please reach out & contact us.

V/R
XXXXX XXXXXX
CAPTAIN & PILOT RECRUITER
Mobile: (XXX) XXX-XXXX"

Diverb

Have you thought about working for Customs and Border Protection (CBP Air Marine) ? I'm only a backseater, but we can't fill our pilot positions, mainly since the airlines are paying more. About 3 months ago CBP did away with the dual rated requirement, so just having the rotor rating is good to go.

You could most likely go through the hiring process while your in your last year and maybe even start the academy while your on terminal leave. Out of 30 pilots here in my office, only 3 are non military guys. Lots of Warrants here and a few commissioned guys from other branches. I'm a walking Warrant (150U) myself.

If you want more info just PM me and I can get you more information or get you over to a recruiter

https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/462503400/

Tester130

The airlines actually are not paying more (at least during your 1st couple of years). I looked at Customs and Boarder Patrol quite a bit. They are recruiting heavily right now as they are in a pilot shortage as well. Within a couple of years you will be over $100k. Job security is great. Missions can be challenging. There is room for advancement if you are willing to move around. There are a lot of good things going for them.

The downsides though can be a turnoff for many folks.
-As a new hire pilot you can expect to go to the Southern boarder someplace. The upside of this is that the cost of living is really low. If you end up in Texas there is no state income tax.
-You will be at that first station for a couple of years. The example their recruiter gave me is that if your station's minimum manning is 20 pilots, and you are at minimum manning then for a guy to leave they have to get a new one in there. When one does come in, then the most senior guy has the option to leave. If he wants to stay, then it will go to the next most senior.
-They do have openings in air units that are not Southern Boarder, but as that is where they are critically manned, that is where all their new hires go first.
-You also need to have flown 100 hours in the last year. Not a killer, but eliminates a lot of guys who might be otherwise interested.

In my case, I couldn't see taking my family down there for two plus years (the very rough estimate on how long it would take to get senior enough to transfer). I also was not eligible due to retiring as an O-4 (or above) and being over 40. They can wave the age if you retire O-3 and below. Right now they also can't wave the 100 hours in the last year requirement. They are trying to get around this by hiring guys that are not current as air systems operators and then after they get 100 hours transfer them over to being a pilot.

It is a great job so long as you do not mind the Southern Boarder, you are current, and you meet the age/retirement wickets. For us, staying where we are with great schools and a base where I can sit reserve in my living room, but get paid less with less benefits, was more desirable.