Want a pilot slot - settle with Flight Engineer??
#1
Want a pilot slot - settle with Flight Engineer??
I am currently a CRJ 900 FO. I was previously an F-16 crew chief in the Air Force, active duty. I have my B.S. in Professional Aeronautics, almost done with my Masters in Aeronautical Science, CCAF in Aviation Maintenance Technology and my A&P license, 26 years old. I have been talking with the guard base near my home which is a C-130 base trying to get information about getting hired as a pilot. Instead they keep wanting to talk about being a flight engineer for them. They have immediate spots available and would like to hire me on. I have been told that most guard units dont like to hire off of the street but take their own guys for pilot slots so I would have a good shot at moving into a pilot slot eventually. If I was a few years younger I would definetly sign on as a FE and then pursue the pilot slot after getting to know everyone and would feel pretty good about my chances. With my age though, I feel I would just be "settling" for an enlisted position with no chance of getting the pilot slot after the time spent in training and then serving with the unit because of my current age. Not that there is anything wrong with being enlisted or being a FE but I am a pilot and that is what I want to serve as..I have been trying to contact other guard units and either do not get my calls returned at all or just get vague information or told they are not currently hiring. I am starting to feel the way I did when I orginally enlisted in the military and had to deal with recruiters and their BS..Luckily I have been there done that and know better now. Anyways, would I be selling myself short if I just went ahead and signed on for the flight engineer position and then continue to pursue the pilot slot with very limited time and chance to actually get it?? I miss being apart of the military and really want to serve again but also do not want to not live up to my full potential and worth. What would you guys reccomend I do. Just looking for any words of advice before I wind up signing on the dotted line. Thanks
#2
Would you be selling yourself short? Of course you would be. Have you spoken with the unit's chief pilot? I am certain he would not be advocating becoming an FE with your background and qualifications. You should try some Reserve units as well as they seem to be a little more standardized and less of a boys club like the Guard.
#3
Would you be selling yourself short? Of course you would be. Have you spoken with the unit's chief pilot? I am certain he would not be advocating becoming an FE with your background and qualifications. You should try some Reserve units as well as they seem to be a little more standardized and less of a boys club like the Guard.
#6
Line Holder
Joined APC: Apr 2008
Position: Mil Leave from NWA...Now DAL, IP in KC-135R
Posts: 50
What state do you live in? I'll be honest, most prefer homegrown with roots in the local area. Not saying that's all that gets hired, but it does weigh in when considering who to hire.
#7
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Aug 2006
Position: Mostly Herks. Soon to be Guppys and FRED
Posts: 280
I agree with the previous recommendations. Time is of the essence here and going for the FE slot might prevent you from going to UPT. Good luck.
#8
Im from Illinois and the unit Ive been talking with is fifteen minutes from my house. I agree they like local guys and thats why I figured my best shot was with them. Ive been to baseops and the ANG home page that lists who is hiring, just not getting my calls returned which again is why I figured the local unit would be easier. Thanks guys..
#9
Big thing and someone may have hit on it - DON'T talk to the recruiters, they have certain billets to fill and the enlisted ones are always tougher to fill then the pilot slots.
Like another poster previously mentioned BaseOps.net has a good jobs board, but call the units near you and talk to the Squadron Commander or the pilot in charge of hiring.
Like another poster previously mentioned BaseOps.net has a good jobs board, but call the units near you and talk to the Squadron Commander or the pilot in charge of hiring.
#10
Big thing and someone may have hit on it - DON'T talk to the recruiters, they have certain billets to fill and the enlisted ones are always tougher to fill then the pilot slots.
Like another poster previously mentioned BaseOps.net has a good jobs board, but call the units near you and talk to the Squadron Commander or the pilot in charge of hiring.
Like another poster previously mentioned BaseOps.net has a good jobs board, but call the units near you and talk to the Squadron Commander or the pilot in charge of hiring.
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