Steps to becoming USAF cargo pilot?
02-08-2017, 06:06 PM
#11
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: May 2010
Position: Baja Vermont
Posts: 5,176
As the result of flying fighters, I flew cargo (C-5) AND got to live with back pain. A two-fer! I don't know a tactical guy without back or neck pain. A friend has a spine surgeon on speed dial.
Liftr92,
It's not the IQ, it's having a reasonably humane personality that disqualifies you!
GF
Liftr92,
It's not the IQ, it's having a reasonably humane personality that disqualifies you!
GF
02-08-2017, 06:36 PM
#12
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,622
Originally Posted by Flyguy4723
So I've always had an interest in flying for the military, preferably cargo because I honestly don't think I could take the G's that these guys pull on a constant basis in the fighters. Not to say that I have a weak stomach but I would be much better suited on something other than a fighter. What is the process to getting into something like this? I'm currently enrolled in a collegiate flight school program, I'll have my Aviation flight science bachelors degree in 2 years, and I'll have my CFI here shortly. I know you need a college degree, I am also wondering about the health requirements, I have a first class medical, 20/20, flawless health history, however, I do get these random heart palpitations, I'm doing testing later in the week to see exactly what they are, sounds like they're benign and aren't a big deal. What these be something that would disqualify me? Any advice is appreciated.
Do not quote me on this, but I am fairly certain that any heart issues as a potential pilot candidate would be disqualifying.
Back when I went through, we had to go down to Brooks AFB in Texas and have a echocardiogram video of our hearts made and sent to the flight surgeon.
02-09-2017, 03:38 AM
#13
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: May 2006
Posts: 2,889
Originally Posted by galaxy flyer
I don't know a tactical guy without back or neck pain.
GF
GF
02-09-2017, 05:17 AM
#14
Line Holder
Joined APC: Jan 2015
Posts: 87
One son, no back or neck problems (other than just getting old), 21 years of tactical flying. Granted yes, most of that was in the mighty Mud Hen. However, I'll counter that with also doing a 3.5 year tour flying the AT-38 as an IFF IP - back in the parachute days. It can be done, don't believe the rumors.
And you know what? Flying fighters, while it entails mental and physical work, is damn fun. Along with every other type of flying (hard work yet fun). To the OP - never, ever close any doors based on your personal preconceived notions. Let your own performance and actions during UPT help determine your future, based on your desires and the needs of the AF. However, if a guard/reserve unit hires you you likely won't have a choice in what you fly unless it's an unsponsored hire by AFRC. And there's always that chance that halfway through your UPT course you'll find out the Guard unit that hired you is converting to RPAs!
Remember, the guard and reserve are great, but (at least for the AFR) the grass isn't greener - it's just a different shade of green. An overused saying but all too true. I've been in the RegAF for 17 years, Reserve for 5, and have been an ART, IMA, and AGR. I've loved every part of my entire AF career. Never been in the Guard so won't talk to that but I'm sure you'll find a few Guard guys who are willing to admit it's a true statement.
And you know what? Flying fighters, while it entails mental and physical work, is damn fun. Along with every other type of flying (hard work yet fun). To the OP - never, ever close any doors based on your personal preconceived notions. Let your own performance and actions during UPT help determine your future, based on your desires and the needs of the AF. However, if a guard/reserve unit hires you you likely won't have a choice in what you fly unless it's an unsponsored hire by AFRC. And there's always that chance that halfway through your UPT course you'll find out the Guard unit that hired you is converting to RPAs!
Remember, the guard and reserve are great, but (at least for the AFR) the grass isn't greener - it's just a different shade of green. An overused saying but all too true. I've been in the RegAF for 17 years, Reserve for 5, and have been an ART, IMA, and AGR. I've loved every part of my entire AF career. Never been in the Guard so won't talk to that but I'm sure you'll find a few Guard guys who are willing to admit it's a true statement.
02-09-2017, 05:52 AM
#15
Prime Minister/Moderator
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Engines Turn Or People Swim
Posts: 39,244
Originally Posted by Albief15
If you do, probably the same guy who has sons instead of daughters. He needed to pull more Gs. I got the three girls and two back surgeries. One surgery was probably not related. The girls and other surgery probably are....
03-28-2017, 01:05 PM
#16
Gets Weekends Off
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Jan 2016
Posts: 149
Originally Posted by rickair7777
Guard first, then reserve in that order although it may be easier to get into the reserve depending on location.
Guard prefers local boys/girls, so in-state is the best place to start.
If you can't get a part time gig but don't want to do fighters, I would skip AD entirely and just go the airline route ( you can keep trying for guard/reserve until about age 30 while you build airline experience and seniority). The hiring opportunities right now are great and getting better but you might well be on the back side of that curve by the time you finish school and an AD service obligation.
Guard prefers local boys/girls, so in-state is the best place to start.
If you can't get a part time gig but don't want to do fighters, I would skip AD entirely and just go the airline route ( you can keep trying for guard/reserve until about age 30 while you build airline experience and seniority). The hiring opportunities right now are great and getting better but you might well be on the back side of that curve by the time you finish school and an AD service obligation.
03-28-2017, 01:23 PM
#17
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2017
Posts: 102
Originally Posted by Flyguy4723
Whats the military's stance on people that get motion sick? Will they award them fighter slots? Would you recommend AF or Navy?
Nah if you get motion sick and can't get used to it you'll wash out of training. They will work with you a lot as long as you have the drive, but at a certain point they will give you the boot.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
03-28-2017, 04:05 PM
#18
trip trading freak
Joined APC: Oct 2010
Position: MD-11
Posts: 673
Originally Posted by liftr92
Yeah, I wanted to be a fighter pilot but unfortunately having an IQ above 45 disqualifies you
Never been a problem for me, because my IQ is so low, I didn't know any better! With that said, I guess that the ladies always seem to like the dumb ones then....
I crack myself up!
03-28-2017, 04:08 PM
#19
trip trading freak
Joined APC: Oct 2010
Position: MD-11
Posts: 673
Originally Posted by Flyguy4723
Whats the military's stance on people that get motion sick? Will they award them fighter slots? Would you recommend AF or Navy?
Friend of mine got really sick... They had what we referred to the spin and puke. He kept at it until he couldn't puke any more. He finally got over it but a few didn't.
03-28-2017, 09:57 PM
#20
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jul 2016
Posts: 463
Originally Posted by Pakagecheck
Friend of mine got really sick... They had what we referred to the spin and puke. He kept at it until he couldn't puke any more. He finally got over it but a few didn't.
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