-
Rated Heavy Pilot to fighter/bomber
Hey guys, got a question that I have been wondering for awhile.
Does anyone know if a rated heavy pilot on the guard side can transition to fighters later in their career? I have family members that are heavy pilots and what I have always been told is that you’re a fighter/bomber guy you can always go heavies later, but it may be difficult or even impossible the other way around.
Any insight helps. Thanks!
-
4 Replies
-
@NJCS13 In our experience, what you’ve previously heard is accurate: fighter pilots can transfer to heavies easily, but not the other way around. There’s no rule precluding heavy pilots from becoming fighter pilots, and there are (very rare) examples of it happening, but it’s uncommon due to the amount of retraining (ie time and money) a heavy pilot would likely have to go through.
Fighters to Heavies only requires completing the 4-6 month transition course in the new aircraft (ex: C-17 school) and the squadron would get someone with a lot relevant flying experience.
Heavies to Fighters would require going to 15-18 months of training (the centrifuge, T-38s, IFF, and then a full fighter B-Course), and after all of that the squadron would still get someone with very little relevant fighter experience and less time to develop that skillset because that person already used up part/all of their initial pilot training commitment from their time in heavies.
Ultimately, however, if you’re applying to a Guard/Reserve fighter squadron, you just have to convince one squadron that you’re right person for the slot, so anything is possible.
-
Pile-on there’s also an age component in the transition. Flying fighters, especially when you are learning, is super physical. Pilots who are converting tend to be a bit older which just makes it harder.
While you never want to move your head under G. Doing so when you are 22 is okay. At 32 it might put you out for a week. When you’re 42…well you have to use the force at that point, ask me how I know.
-
Hey, I looked into this as a C-130 pilot. A T-38 transition course does exist for those that flew T-1s. However from what I found the only way you’re getting a guard or reserve unit to sponsor you through that training is if you’re real close with a commander type in the squadron. That person would also have to really want you to come fly fighters with them.
-
Another piggyback… A big factor to consider in this scenario is the toll it takes on the pilot making that transition. I saw firsthand one rare instance where this occurred at one of my past squadrons, and I don’t think people realize how hard it is on the aviator transitioning from heavies/bombers to fighters.
It’s obviously hard to get a squadron on board, but that transferring pilot really needs to understand the demands of being a new wingman as opposed to a seasoned heavy pilot.
Log in to reply.