Husky
Ace
Exam Ready
AFRC Pilot
USAF Pilot
ANG Pilot
Forum Replies Created
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It depends! But in general, I fly 6-12 times a month.
The most important factors:
1) Type of aircraft (fighters, heavy, help)
2) Sorites available (# of healthy jets vs # of pilots)
3) You!
As a full time IP in a fighter unit 12 was normal; I had a couple of months with 20.
As a part-timer I averaged 7.
It’s so variable from unit to unit that it’s a great question to ask any place you visit.
Get those counters!
Husky
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Definitely what the situation is with resources: can the keep you on full time orders?
I’d also ask how many enlisted folks they’ve set to UPT in the last 10 years. And if you can meet them.
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Ahem. 62 years ago.
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There’s not a lot of hard data for ABM/CSO, but some flight hours signals dedication, familiarity with flight and….that you won’t puke all over the screens…no one wants that. 10hrs? Maybe solo, after that I think the marginal value decreases.
I’ve worked with a lot of CSOs downrange in the stack – they do great work. SOCOM just bought the OA-1K sky warden – that looks like an awesome machine. Better yet the OK ANG is going to be the schoolhouse. I wouldn’t be surprised if the CSOs became FAC(A) which would be super rewarding. Hit My Smoke!
Cheers
Husky
airforcetimes.com
Oklahoma Air Guard base tapped as likely armed overwatch schoolhouse
No other installations are in the running to host the schoolhouse.
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Hey Brother, love the energy here.
– ROTC is a great way to earn a UPT slot. You’ll fly on active duty until you complete your ten-year service commitment and then you can switch from active duty to the guard.
– Enlisting in a guard unit and then competing for a UPT slot can work out, but in practice, it might not be as direct as you think. Most units have several folks interested in flying and often this means you’ll need to ‘wait your turn’ as a new guy.
– Since it sounds like you’re almost done with your degree, consider getting an OTS pilot contract.
– And of course, you could start applying directly to guard units.
That’s a lot of data, but there’s tons of resources here to help. Check out the webinars pinned above. I posted about this topic “differnts pathways” in the USAF a few days ago – have a look at that. And there are great academics available on the site as well. Lots of good knowledge.
Cheers!
Husky
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Certainly possible and I’ve seen it done. Context is everything. Definitely get with a coach 1-on-1 and we’ll set up a bespoke plan for you.
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CJ, I’ve always found fast friends for crazy hobbies in the USAF. Skiing, surfing, rock climbing – there’s always someone in the squadron who is ready to adventure.
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Carson, take heart brother! This is very doable, common in fact. There are plenty of Army and Navy folk who have joined the ANG and become pilots.
Q1: I’m not a doctor, but from what you describe I bet there is a path to victory. We offer a 1 on 1 coaching session with a flight doc who can get you dialed in on the process
Q2: The risk is perhaps smaller than you think. You don’t need to resign your USA commission until after a unit hires you for UPT.
Q3: Absolutely. My unit hired an O3 Army guy to fly F-16s two years ago.
Bottom line. Get a 1 on 1 with the doctor so you know where you stand medically and then rush units while still serving as an Army Officer. If (when really) you get hired into a UPT slot, you can weigh the options and (decide to) make the switch.
Good luck man! I think we’ll be out tank-plinking together in a few years.
Husky
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E.T. It’s super common. Our squadron has three Navy to ANG retreads. We love that flow because we can cherry-pick top DON talent and make it our own.
While you’ll be most competitive for 707 type units don’t limit yourself; you’ll compete well at any C prefix unit.
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Here’s the rule brother (AFMAN 36-2100):
3.3.1.1.2. ANG applicants must not be beyond their 33rd birthday nor have more than 8 years of TFCS by the date as specified in the individual unit’s Undergraduate Flying Training Selection Board announcement message. (T-2).
TFCS: Total Federal Commissioned Service. That 8 years is waiverable too.
Practically, 30 is a pivot point. If you are older than 30 your coach will work with you on specific strategies to market your experience.
Cheers!
Husky
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Concur with Slap,those anthropometric measurements are the key.
The viper is a smaller cockpit -I’m 6’4” 215 and while I can’t bring my golf clubs into the cockpit (looking at you F-15) I’ve got room enough to be comfortable. We’ve got two dudes in the squadron who are 6’5”, I’d guess 220-250lbs so it’s possible if you can make those knee to butt measurements.
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What I hear you asking is “Can I fly a bunch of different planes in a bunch of different places?”
Absolutely you can!
Proper ‘exchange tours’ for ARC folks are possible but uncommon. That said it’s very common for ARC pilots to switch airplanes if they join a new squadron.
Our F-16 squadron has former F-15C, F-15E, F-22, F-18 and A-10 pilots. As a WAG about 20% of all ARC flyers grew up in a different airframe.
Fighter to big wings (heavies) is common. Big wings to fighter much less so.
There are also plenty of pilots that fly fighters in ARC, airliners for their day job, and also do general aviation. It’s kinda an aviator’s dream.
Hit my smoke!
Husky
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Totally possible! It’s uncommon and you’ll need to guide the process along but you can definitely get there.
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Not a show stopper but expect to talk about it in the interview. Your squadron won’t want a teammate that is a liability to their mission or reputation.
But fear not. Someone on that board will have a similar experience and it’s easy to pivot your heavy foot into a strength. Airspeed is life right?
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Howdy back. Bottom Line Up Front: Rushing a fighter ANG and a USAFR fighter is same-same.
There’s some difference when we talk about big wing aircraft and the AFRC UPT program, but that doesn’t apply to fighter strongly.
The big difference is titles, authorities and chains of command. Here’s a diagram. There won’t be a test.
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Perhaps the best advice ever!
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As if on cue!
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Alex! Misty 01 is tally target, visual friendlies. Request my mark with WP, your brief, your control.
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@E.T. Some good data here but some mixed applications.
To clarify. There is now a pretty well-trod DON to ANG path. The cited age stuff is only a factor for UFT – you are considered prior rated so no factor.
At least in the fighter community, there’s no stigma for gold wings. Two of our current SQ/CCs are prior Navy.
Cheers,
Husky
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Sounds awesome! Consider your track direction. I think the coast guard rotary wing could be some of the most fun and rewarding flying out there. However the fixed wing flying will be more marketable when you get out.
A very personal decision. Happy to give you my 2cents via DM.
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Dude my timeline was pretty similar. I was AD (USAF) until I was 32 and then switched to Guard/Airlines.
I enjoyed (most) of my AD time. It was an adventure where I got to really focus on flying Air Force Jets.
Historically you needed about 10 years of flying to be competitive for a major airline. It’s crazytown right now; folks are getting hired at mins. But just keep in mind that the mid-30s is the usual age for starting the majors.
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Had a piper lance for a few years – loved it! Currently scrolling trade a plane for a new financial liability.
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Actually in a way you can! And if you’re really into aviation it’s kinda a dream.
So as a part time guardsman Monday through Friday I would fly my B767. Then on the weekend I would commute to my guard unit in my piper, park it on the other ramp and then walk over (brief) and fly my F-16.
I loved it! Each type is so different and the diversity makes you a better aviator.
Hit my smoke!
Husky
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Anytime!
