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- - Coast Guard (https://www.airlinepilotforums.com/military/29303-coast-guard.html)

Has anyone here ever flown for, or know someone who has flown for the US coast guard?

How hard is it to get hired as a pilot? And is it possible to get hired as a pilot that can only fly planes and not helicopters...

Any info on this subject could be great. Right now I'm a volunteer firefighter who enjoys helping people when they have no one else to turn too. I also like the ocean and have always wanted to live by it. Now that I'm a pilot in training, I'm definitely interested in finding out what life in the coast guard is like and how one could go about joining it...

The application process for pilots is similar to other services. USCG flying jobs are in relatively high demand (due to lack of deployments and the feel-good factor of saving, vice killing, people), so they are able to attract some pilots from other services.

The training is actually navy pilot training.

You cannot pre-select helos or fixed wing. The ANG/USAFR is the only branch which allows that. You will be randomly assigned an aircraft, and it will probably be a helo since that is what the CG flies mostly.

I do not think they have a flight-guarantee program...I think you have to join the CG and complete OCS before getting assigned to flight training, and there are no guarantees.

There's been a couple of previous threads on the Coast Guard that may help you. Try starting here:
http://www.airlinepilotforums.com/mi...ast-guard.html

or here:
http://www.airlinepilotforums.com/mi...-aircraft.html

or here:
http://www.airlinepilotforums.com/mi...uard-info.html

If that doesn't tell you what you need, try the search function at the top of the screen. It's magic.

Good luck

Quote:

Originally Posted by rickair7777 (Post 434858)

There is a possibility of getting a guaranteed flight training assignment through the "Blue 21" Flight intiative program. From my understanding, you'll need to be enrolled/ or have a degree at a school that has a minimum of 25% minority population and you will need to have either a private pilot's license (at least) or have a degree in aviation, engineering, or otherwise technical program. Upon completion of OCS, you will be sent to flight training in Pensacola, followed by an 11 year AD obligation.
There is information on the USCG website pertaining to this. Competition is very heavy for this program as per what Rick said above.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rickair7777 (Post 434858)

Depending on your personal views - either the USCG or other military flying can be quite satisfying. You don't really have to *enjoy* killing (sane people would not); but defending your country from those that would do you and yours harm is very satisfying - whatever that entails. Btw - I'm in that category. Now that I have plied my trade, if I were able I'll interservice transfer to the USCG. What better feeling than to come home and spin a yarn over dinner about how you pulled 3 people off of a sinking boat today!

Flight training is more accurately NAVAL flight training ;)

USMCFLYR