Pilot slot for a Loadmaster/CFI
 

Hey everyone!

I had a few questions about getting a pilot slot. I will explain where I am at as far as qualifications first. I did the flight school gig and some instructing for a little bit so I am coming out of that with a Commercial w/ Instrument, CFI (all SEL), and 340 hrs. I am an active duty Loadmaster on the 17 right now and have 3 years left. I have a clean record. I still have to finish my "professional aeronautics" degree, which will be about 3 more years but it is easy stuff. This is where I might have a snag... I am 25 and will be 28/29 when I get it all done. I am concerned whether I will be able to get in the seat by the cutoff or not. I am active so I do know that anything can be waived. Since I am on the 17, I am looking to stay with the 17. I am in the progress of getting everything ready to go to get some CAP flying in my logbook to cover me as far as volunteering. Do I have enough qualifications to not even worry about the age waiver (AD/RES)? Is it worth it to go active and run the risk of getting a different jet? I guess I am just wondering how valuable of a candidate I would be, in their eyes, pending the tests of course. Is there anywhere anyone can point me to for reference/guide for putting together my package so I can start planning now. When should I start talking to someone so I can make a smooth transition from the enlisted side when my time is done?

Thanks for all your help everyone!!!

You didn't mention where you were stationed, but you probably know that there are quite a few AFRC C-17 units out there. If you are located at a base that has AFRC units, start schmoozing them now and maybe flying with them as a LM. You're credentials as an AD LM should get you in the door, I would think. Good luck.

Like Deuce said, check with a Reserve squadron whereever you are stationed. I made the change from -141 load to C-17 pilot a dozed or so years ago. I now do the UPT hiring for my squadron. The age limit is essentially non-waiverable. The only way to get a waiver is if the AF messed something up (lost paperwork, etc.). If you can Palace Chase into a reserve unit earlier, that might give you more time to get everything else squared away. Good luck! I hope everything works out.

Can you take any Cleps/Dantes to finish your degree quicker? If you're getting a "Professional Aeronautics" degree, are you going to Riddle online? The counselors might not mention it, or might try to talk you out of it, but Cleps and Dantes are a great idea to speed things up.

Try and finish your degree quicker, then apply for an OTS slot or comparable program to get you to the officer ranks....can't be a pilot without becoming an officer first (at least in the air force). Start talking to your supervisor about the transition programs, and get that degree completed. You can't do any Air Force piloting without those two things. I would curtail your flying on the side to take a few more classes. I am a UPT instructor and most of the kids make it through without any outside flying...none without a degree or butter bars! It might be more difficult to do the reserve C-17 thing if there are already LMs in the squadron who are trying to do the same thing...my guess is that they would have a leg up already paying there dues in the squadron....Good Luck!