Introduction
Hey all,
My name's Chris Funke (Funky). New to BogiDope, heard about this platform through a podcast with two mil pilots and super excited to be here.
Currently taking the long way around towards aviation. Prior E for 8 years as a med tech and currently in my 12th year as a Reserve MSC officer out of Wright Patt. On my civ side I work in pharma manufacturing where I've worked from temp through manager. Prior to that I worked as a pharmacy tech.
School-wise I'm an average mind with time on their hands. I've achieved my B.S. and Master's, currently a doctoral candidate in Business Admin with my research proposal presentation on the horizon. Once I've finished there I will start my PPL. Eager to start so I've settled for Microsoft Flight Sim and the Pilot's Handbook.
Married mil to mil (Army NG) with two huskies and a cat. Love riding motorcycles, anime, manga, renaissance festivals, and dramatized historical reenactment / biographies.
I look forward to getting to know more folks. If anyone or their friends are interested in the Reserve MSC career path or in pharma feel free to message. Other than that I'll be around lurking on discussions and in the backlog of webinars. Have a great day!
V/r,
Chris
Hi christophher.funke ! Welcome to BogiDope!
Did your med tech experience at WP ever overlap with the pilot medical process? If so, I'm sure you will become a very popular guy in this community!
Food for thought...If your goal is to become a military pilot, any thought about knocking out your PPL BEFORE your Ph.D? It should take way less time and has a much bigger impact on your pilot application.
Welcome to the community!
Hey SLAP, thanks for the welcome!
Unfortunately not. I've never been with the AMDS who accomplish the physicals. My missions have either been with the staging or aeromedical evac squadrons thus far.
Foe the PPL, I will keep that in mind. I'd like to accomplish the doctorate before taking on another big task. My thought was to start the PPL while studying for the AFOQT/TBAS, but you've given me something to think about. If things slow down for the doctorate I'll attack the PPL before starting SOS (4th year Capt). I'll talk to my county's airport this week or next to look at my options; I'm about 5 minutes from them.
I'm 36 now, so an ETP will be required for me. My thinking is to be involved in the pilot briefs before our AE missions launch to familiarize myself with the squadron, then come with a package including doctorate (showing I can stick with something for an extended period), PPL + hours, 95+ TBAS/AFOQT, and a FC1 physical in-hand to start. Thoughts?
Thanks again for the welcome!
V/r,
Chris
