I did mid July... I can't PM you yet because you don't have enough posts. Have someone send me your email address and I will fill you in.

 

Hey everyone. I'm an avid reader of these forums but rarely post (had to get a new user name its been so long).

I am debating on sending in my resume to AAR Corp (formerly Xe and Blackwater). I know a couple people that may help me get in. I have searched these posts read them all, but I was wondering if anyone had some updated information. I'm assuming AAR will be continuing on doing the same contract stuff Blackwater did. Dash 8/Casa 212 in Afghanistan and Africa (and I guess some other places as well).

I am a King Air guy now with over 3000 hours. No military experience but I do have plenty of 135 exp.

How long is the training?
Do they train pilots on firearms?
Are pilots allowed to be armed?
How much do they pay now?
What is the lifestyle like over there/here during training?
How would a pilot like myself (135 pilot with 1 and 2-pilot experience but no military experience) fare in an environment like that?

I have talked to a couple military guys and they say the contractors and contract pilots are not looked down upon over there at all.

It seems like some interesting flying and definitely something I'd like to do while I'm still young. Thanks to anyone who has some info for me.

-Jeff

 

I can almost guarantee you won't get firearms training. Most likely you won't be allowed to carry a weapon anyhow. I'm going to venture to say that if you have no weapons training, it means you were never military and its not likely you will get hired. I could be wrong, but I'm speaking from my personal experience and observations. A big help is already having a security clearance. A secret does the job, a TS is great. Most military already have a clearance, well, depending on your job.

 

Thanks for the info, Tink. Yea I know its pretty tough to get on there without any military background. I do know a couple people that are there, but that doesn't mean I'd even be a good fit for their mission.

 

If you're a King Air guy, why not look at the King Air contractors?
-Dynamic
-L3
-Avenge
-Air Scan

All the players prefer to have prior military guys, but they all accept civ only aslo, just a bit harder. As to pay... my current understanding from my friends at the various companies would put pay as follows:
-L3
-Avenge
-Blackwater... whatever their name du jour happens to be
-Dynamic
-Air Scan

 

Dont talk yourself out of a job. Apply to all and see what happens. Your experience is not a deal breaker, just a little outside the norm. Some contracts allow you to carry, some do not.

 

Air Scan IS NOT a King Air contractor

 

Presidential had a lot of airline guys come through. Some are still there, some are not. They're overhauling their training process and have a lot of need for pilots still. The new ownership highly values the DOD contracts in place and is bidding on new contracts as they come up. The flying ain't taking a load of ****ed off passengers to EWR. Visit AARcorp.com for their job openings. 500 multi is a hard minimum.

 

Does anyone know anything about Presidential or Evergreen flying Dash 8's in Afghanistan?

I have applied to both and have 121 & 135 exp. also Dash type. I haven't heard anything back and was wondering if there would be anything else I could do to get hired?

Thanks

 

Thanks,

I called also and left a message. I guess next step is maybe just driving down there (NC) and see if anyone will speak with me.