rickair7777

I have CG in the family...

That is probably true for inter-service transfers (navy/af/army pilots) who want to transfer to the CG or join the CG reserve. Not true for entry-level pilot applicants.

A word of caution about CG OCS. Last time I heard, if you want a CG commission you apply for that and attend OCS. Only after you are committed and in OCS do you find out what you will be doing in the CG. You MIGHT get a pilot slot, or you might end up in charge of maritime compliance...inspecting recreational boats for life-jackets and fire-extinguishers. This may have changed, but you need to find out for sure.

If you want to be a pilot DO NOT join the service without a guaranteed pilot slot. Honestly in your shoes I would pursue any military pilot slot you can get. The other services will give you a guarantee for pilot training, and if you really want to fly for the CG, do it in the reserves after your military stint.

I would also look into ROTC scholarships...the XC thing will help with that, and you can do both sports and ROTC.

G1000

Just did a little research on that, and it is in fact still the case. That's certainly a turn off for the CG. Ship driving is something I'm not interested in, and I wouldn't really call that a career advancing position...especially since I would hope to do something with aviation when I got out of the service.

I cant remember where now, but I did read somewhere that the Marines have some sort of program where if you can meet certain standards or something you have a guaranteed pilot slot. Does anyone know anymore info on this or if it is still the case?

rickair7777

Both Navy and Marines (and I'm pretty sure AF too) will allow you to sign up with a guaranteed flight slot. Obviously these are more competitive than going in as a general-purpose officer. You will get flight school guaranteed, but if you don't graduate you will probably still do a few years in the navy as a supply officer or maybe ship driver. If a marine drops out of flight school, I think you know what happens...

Standard Disclaimer: The recruiters will try to lie to you to get you to fill THEIR urgent requirements. They will tell you to go in as a general-purpose officer and that you will then have a great shot at a flying slot. If you want to be a pilot, don't buy that crap.

HercDriver130

About 1/3 of the guys who washed from my UPT class....and we had 39 washouts .... asked for and got their release from active duty. The others worked with AFMPC to find and assignment.

Falcon20

Here are some links to other threads with good CG info in them. http://www.airlinepilotforums.com/sh...ad.php?t=13411 and http://www.airlinepilotforums.com/showthread.php?t=7765

Here is a link to a CG message that puts out the contact info for applying to different programs. AVCAD or BLUE21 with guarenteed flight training for civilian applicants and DCA for military crossovers. http://www.fredsplace.org/announce/ann436.shtml

G1000

Wow, thanks for that. DCA program wont really apply to me though. But, how competitive is it to get into the BLUE21 or AVCAD programs? Is prior flying experience weighed? Ill be graduating college with at least a PPL and hopefully 200+ hours (and maybe even an IFR rating, that depends on finances though ). Also, lets say I make into that program, but Im givin a rotor wing slot. Is it hard to get FW later on?

Dave

G1000

So I did a little research on both the BLUE21 and AVCAD programs. And for the BLUE21 program it says that all applicants must have a degree from a university with at least a 25% minority population. I understand they want to encourage minorities to get involved in aviation, but it still sucks because none of the schools Im looking at have that. Will they still accept people into the program who dont meet that qualification. Also the AVCAD appears to only be for enlisted CG personnel who are trying to get into OCS and fly. Is that true or did I miss something?

Falcon20

G1000
Well I talked to a couple of guys here and you are correct. I don't know of any programs currently that guarentee flight school for the "average Joe". I recommend contacting the person in the message for OCS to find out if there is a way to better your chances for OCS direct flight school.

The Company Line is that you are applying to be a "Military Officer" (cue music from Stripes)!! This means that your primary job is a leader. Flying or whatever else is secondary. I know this isn't what most people want to hear but it is the truth. If you do become a military flier then you will do that until assigned to do something else. The other guys/gals out there can confirm but eventually most pilots are promoted or rotated out of the aircraft. Depending on the service depends on how quickly that may occur.

In the CG it is common to see 3 tours or roughly 12 years of flying after completion of flight school before being pushed out of the plane. I've seen several examples of 16+ years in the plane. Some of the Navy guys say you're lucky to get 6 years of flying before getting pushed out of the plane.

As far as civilian flight experience realize that you will have to complete military flight school the same as the guy with zero experience flying. It may help in the selection process but as far as going through the program I wouldn't know.

Finally, to answer the helo question. Right now everyone wants to fly helos for the CG in flight school. Blame it on KATRINA or The Guardian but they are forcing people to fly fixed wing?!?! That changes by the year but there are opportunities to swap communities. Like most things dumb luck has a greater effect than you might like. When I went through flight school they were forcing fixed wing graduates into the helo. Nothing like watching the pendulum swing!!!

Good luck with whatever you decide to do. Just remember that everyone (Military included) who hires a professional pilot is hiring a Captian/Aircraft Commander. It's not just your flying skills but more your personality, decision making, and leadership.

MOOSEDRVR728

I couldnt find the other thread about the DCA program, so if anyone can help I would appreciate it. I am a C-17 reserve pilot with about 1,100 hours in the jet. I was curious if you have seen crossovers from airframes other than 130's or do they only take herc guys. Also any info on what life is like, and average number of PCS's would be great. Thanks.

ryan1234

Check out the USCG "blue 21" program