Navy NFO to Major Airline Thread
#11
#13
New Hire
Joined APC: Jul 2017
Position: Navigator, Commercial Student Pilot
Posts: 8
Current Active Duty Air Force E-8C Navigator almost done with my PPL. My intentions are to finish my ratings, then become a CFI until I get the hours for the regionals. I’m hoping to Palace Chase to a C-130 unit and continue to serve being a Nav in the guard or reserves. Would love to meet others out there who have taken a similar path or are on the journey themselves.
#14
China Visa Applicant
Joined APC: Oct 2006
Position: Midfield downwind
Posts: 1,919
#15
Current Active Duty Air Force E-8C Navigator almost done with my PPL. My intentions are to finish my ratings, then become a CFI until I get the hours for the regionals. I’m hoping to Palace Chase to a C-130 unit and continue to serve being a Nav in the guard or reserves. Would love to meet others out there who have taken a similar path or are on the journey themselves.
Qualified and experienced are not the same thing! Bottom line, get ATP qualified! CFI is a proven pathway! However, buying a Cessna 150 and flying the hell out of it will work also! I am fascinated with these 135 outfits hiring SIC's flying Caravans and Pilatus aircraft. A few of these carriers have CASS privileges, so jumpseating to monthly drills is an option.
If you can get a "20 year letter", stick out the guard/reserves...one of my regrets! Also, there used to be a Civil Air Patrol category E reserve that earned retirement points without pay but things have changed.
Also, with your aeronautical experience, I would recommend taking the Certified Ground Instructor (CGI) both Advanced, Instrument and Fundamentals of Instructing. This FAA certificate does not require an Oral or Practical exam only a 70% or better on the three knowledge (written) exams. Utility may include teaching ground schools at the local flight schools or Civil Air Patrol, curriculum development at an airline (Cargo, Major, Regional or 135), not to mention getting you prepared for the CFI! You can buy the study guides cheap on amazon or other vendors like Gleim: https://www.gleimaviation.com/flight-instructors/
Good luck on your PPL checkride and fly safe! PM me if ??s
Last edited by 155mm; 05-23-2019 at 09:39 AM.
#16
....If you are a former NFO (or similar) currently at the majors, could you please post a bit about your background, the route you took to land that dream job, and any other pertinent details you think would be helpful for those following in your footsteps.
If you are a hopeful, post some stats about yourself, your career, and how things are going for you....
If you are a hopeful, post some stats about yourself, your career, and how things are going for you....
A-6, F-14,S-3, and E-2.
While in fleet and shore tours got at least PPL, several progressed from fleet to shore tour with commercial, multi CFI certificates. All ended up regionals and then destination airline.
They typically were on shorter end of min required hours based on military experience. Also we’re more consistent in training as dedicated training dollars
to train. Additionally, need to financially plan transition so can take low dollar wages while getting through first few years of civilian pilot jobs.
Good journeys!
SD
#17
Current Active Duty Air Force E-8C Navigator almost done with my PPL. My intentions are to finish my ratings, then become a CFI until I get the hours for the regionals. I’m hoping to Palace Chase to a C-130 unit and continue to serve being a Nav in the guard or reserves. Would love to meet others out there who have taken a similar path or are on the journey themselves.
There are very few of us, I know of one at SWA, one at AA, and one at UAL. It took all three a LONG time to get there through various routes, all so long ago that they are not really relevant to these times. I am still at a regional, but have been doing a lot of work on the mil side lately due to operational needs.
Good luck and feel free to PM if you have more questions.
#18
On Reserve
Joined APC: Feb 2019
Posts: 14
Current Active Duty Air Force E-8C Navigator almost done with my PPL. My intentions are to finish my ratings, then become a CFI until I get the hours for the regionals. I’m hoping to Palace Chase to a C-130 unit and continue to serve being a Nav in the guard or reserves. Would love to meet others out there who have taken a similar path or are on the journey themselves.
#19
New Hire
Joined APC: Jul 2018
Posts: 9
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