Army National Guard Fixed Wing Questions
#1
Army National Guard Fixed Wing Questions
I am looking to join the Army National Guard and becoming a pilot. The states that I am looking at are West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Each of those states has fixed wing units from what I saw online. What I would like to know is how does one become a fixed wing pilot in the Army National Guard? It seems like most of the pilots are rotary wing, so I am not sure the process to fly fixed wing versus rotary wing.
From what I found online, the fixed wing units are:
West Virginia
C-12C: Parkersburg (OSA Det 28) and Bridgeport (Fixed Wing Army National Guard Training Site)
C-23: Bridgeport (Fixed Wing Army National Guard Training Site)
C-26: Bridgeport (Fixed Wing Army National Guard Training Site)
Maryland
C-12F: Aberdeen Proving Grounds (OSA Det 13)
Pennsylvania
C-12: Fort Indiantown Gap (OSA Det 22)
C-23B: Fort Indiantown Gap (Det 1 F Co 192nd Avn)
Virginia
C-12F: Sandston (OSA Det 26)
The list seems outdated as it still has the C-23, so if anyone has any newer information, please let me know. From what I read the C-23 was retired, so what replaced it?
Also how do deployments work for fixed wing pilots?
My goal is to become a widebody Captain at a legacy airline before I retire. Currently I have zero flight experience outside of Microsoft Flight Simulator, but I enjoy aviation. I am not looking to become a fixed wing pilot in the Army National Guard just to get the flight experience however! In the past I spoke to some Army National Guard pilots who enjoyed their jobs, and did it to take a break from their civilian jobs for a couple of days. Any additional input would be appreciated as I am open to any and all input/criticism.
From what I found online, the fixed wing units are:
West Virginia
C-12C: Parkersburg (OSA Det 28) and Bridgeport (Fixed Wing Army National Guard Training Site)
C-23: Bridgeport (Fixed Wing Army National Guard Training Site)
C-26: Bridgeport (Fixed Wing Army National Guard Training Site)
Maryland
C-12F: Aberdeen Proving Grounds (OSA Det 13)
Pennsylvania
C-12: Fort Indiantown Gap (OSA Det 22)
C-23B: Fort Indiantown Gap (Det 1 F Co 192nd Avn)
Virginia
C-12F: Sandston (OSA Det 26)
The list seems outdated as it still has the C-23, so if anyone has any newer information, please let me know. From what I read the C-23 was retired, so what replaced it?
Also how do deployments work for fixed wing pilots?
My goal is to become a widebody Captain at a legacy airline before I retire. Currently I have zero flight experience outside of Microsoft Flight Simulator, but I enjoy aviation. I am not looking to become a fixed wing pilot in the Army National Guard just to get the flight experience however! In the past I spoke to some Army National Guard pilots who enjoyed their jobs, and did it to take a break from their civilian jobs for a couple of days. Any additional input would be appreciated as I am open to any and all input/criticism.
#2
Normally you got through the rotary wing school and fly helicopters until you prove yourself, then you apply for the fixed wing Det when they have an opening. I got put in a Det after volunteering for a fixed wing deployment, and have been in the Det ever since.
#3
Thanks for the information! How do deployments work for fixed wing pilots? Do you deploy under a division, ARCENT, or CENTCOM? Also I'm looking to go in as a Commissioned Officer, but would a Warrant Officer have a better chance at becoming a fixed wing pilot?
#5
There are very few fixed wing jobs for commissioned guys in the ARNG, most Dets have 4 warrant officers, and no commisoned. Some of the training units you posted about do have commisoned pilots though, just not a lot. You normally deploy as a Det and work for the aviation brigade. It all depends on the deployment
#6
There are very few fixed wing jobs for commissioned guys in the ARNG, most Dets have 4 warrant officers, and no commisoned. Some of the training units you posted about do have commisoned pilots though, just not a lot. You normally deploy as a Det and work for the aviation brigade. It all depends on the deployment
Thanks again for your answers!
#7
Nothing replaced the C-23, it takes about 2 years of flying the c12 to get to the IP course. The problem I see is getting to the C12, it takes time and it's hard to say you will ever get in a fixed wing Det. You may get in right away and you may not get in at all. It comes down to luck and timing. I got lucky that they needed someone to deploy so I did. I then got lucky again when we returned from the deployment and had a couple guys retire so I was able to stay in the unit and go to the IP course. The good news is if you get in the flying is great and you can average 340+ hours a year of king air time if you are available to fly.
#8
Nothing replaced the C-23, it takes about 2 years of flying the c12 to get to the IP course. The problem I see is getting to the C12, it takes time and it's hard to say you will ever get in a fixed wing Det. You may get in right away and you may not get in at all. It comes down to luck and timing. I got lucky that they needed someone to deploy so I did. I then got lucky again when we returned from the deployment and had a couple guys retire so I was able to stay in the unit and go to the IP course. The good news is if you get in the flying is great and you can average 340+ hours a year of king air time if you are available to fly.
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