ItnStln

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The list seems outdated as it still has the C-23, so if anyone has any newer information, please let me know.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.

Ohlsan

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.

ItnStln

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?

Ohlsan

If your goal is to make it to the majors, I would look into the Air Guard, you will have a much better chance and will get your time a lot faster.

Ohlsan

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

ItnStln

The Air Guard people I've spoken to said I'd need a PPL to be competitive, and I'm 28 so I was told I'm too old.

So if I want fixed wing look at WO? Also did anything replace the C-23? How hard is it to get an instructor job?
Thanks again for your answers!

Ohlsan

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.

ItnStln

I'm sure you're right, timing and luck are everything! Is the 340+ hours you mentioned in a full time capacity, or m-days? I'm just trying to gather as much information as possible before calling another recruiter, so thank you for answering my questions!

Ohlsan

Full time I average 380 a year, as a part timer, in a good unit, you will be able to fly as much as you want. But I would plan on 300-400 a year if your trying.

Ohlsan

If I was you I would skip the recruiter and call directly to the units. The FWAATS guys are great and I'm sure if you asked they would give you a tour and answer any of your questions.