Boomer

What is the age limit to enlist as a USAF FE?

yacko

Well I seem to keep getting the same reaction here, go right into the pilot seat. I thought being a FX first might help me get there for sure, but like some have said, I am already 26 and time is closing in. I am going to talk to them about this but must admit, my B.S. in non-technical, and my GPA is certainly not anything to brag about, though maybe my masters will trump that. I did do it will on active duty working the line which anyone who has been there knows is not an easy task, so maybe that would go into consideration? If I decide to try for the pilot slot right away am I limited to only the state in which I live to apply? I'll have to check into that. Thanks for all the help everyone and anymore info. is greatly appreciated!

cbire880

Remember, its the Guard. They have different rules although even AD doesn't really care what your degree is in, just the GPA. If the Guard likes you, you will get a good shot at the slot assuming you are otherwise qualified.

Slice

You can be born and raised in Maine and have never left the state other than to interview and get a slot with the Hawaii guard! Some units will give preference to locals but it is by no means a requirement. Apply to every guard unit in the country you are interested in flying for.

duvie

Go for a pilot slot for sure. You are definitely competitive, you don't need the "in" of being a FE.

nicholasblonde

I jumpseated on a cargo 744 the other day...one of the FOs had originally been hired as an FE on the 742, and had only 100 PIC as an RJ pilot before going there.

There are still some ACMI ops out there which require FEs. And FEs are becoming more rare. And being an FE is always a good way in the door at smaller, close-knit ad-hoc ops...there are a handful of guys out there sitting right seat on a 74 who started out as FEs with not much actual pilot experience. Not to say that pipeline is still possible with so few planes requiring an FE, but it's worth a shot for networking and experience.

Go to Aeroservice in MIA after you finish AF training and get the rating on a 74 classic. Then go out and get a JP Fleet guide and send your resume to every 74 classic operator on Earth. You might end up somewhere awesome, and somewhere other than the sideways seat!

Slice

If he gets a guard slot it will be all but impossible to maintain mil flying currency and be based outside the U.S. Also, I wouldn't waste any money getting an FE rating. Any operation worth a damn will train you for the seat in which they hire you into.