C-12 flying for the guard

[aerosquirrel]

Are there any slots open for a C-12 pilot in the Army Guard. I've got 15 years of service (4 active- 11 NG); just making CPT (03E), currently branched Armor. I wear glasses but otherwise in good health.

I hold an ATP multi rating with a BE 1900D type, ASEL/ASES Commercial with CFI, CFII, MEI. 3700+ hrs with 1600+ hours turboprop and jet.

Just curious what possibilities may be out there in National Guard Aviation.

 

[weekendwarrior]

My experience with talking with C12 guys in the guard is that it is a good ole boys club to an extent. (I want that job, too!) Most if not all of the aviators were rotor guys first, paid their dues for years, then went fixed wing. Also, the units are small, and when people make that job they tend to keep it until retirement.

Being an O-3, that may be of some advantage, though. In the active Army, they need branch officers for PL's and Company Commanders. But, in the same token, you might find a unit that has a Warrant slot open and you could take that if you don't mind downgrading your rank.

You say your branch is Armor. Never been an aviator? You would need to go through flight school and get your wings before they would send you to fixed wing school. So, I guess you would be rotor qualified anyway.

With your qualifications, I say the best thing to do is research the C12 units around the country and call them. Call the State Aviation Officer (SAO). Perhaps they have an exception to policy that would allow you to come in and go right to fixed wing school, although I have never heard of anyone not having to go to Army flight school first. Can't hurt to ask.

Also, you eyes. Current regs say that for initial entry aviators, you need to have no worse than 20/50 correctable to 20/20. There is a laser option available. You have to pay for it yourself, but then you get evaluated by USAARL for 12 months before you go to flight school. The part that stinks is that after you get your wings, you eyes can go to sh!t and still fly as long as they are correctable.

Best of luck.

 

[aerosquirrel]

I checked into it a little further and found ouit that my age was the disqualifier. Ft Rucker (flight school) doesn't give out waivers for my age (33). Thanks for the reply though. I'll just have to stick to tanks (mil) and airplanes (civ).

 

[2LT]

Age Waivers -- FYI

The ARNG hands out age waivers w/out much difficulty. It took me about a week to get mine. Your previous aviation experience will help you in that regard. It seemed so in my case anyway. I'm also on a vision waiver for LASIK -- that took close to a year.

 

[aerosquirrel]

I get different answers from everyone I talk to; It sounds like the entry standards to the flight school at Ft Rucker are a little fluid now days. Question is, who can I talk to at the school that can give a clear answer as to the enrty requirements, and waivers currently available.

The entry exam at the school seems to be the big hurdle. I believe if get something from the school saying they will accept me, the state would be more than happy to give me a slot. I would be willing to go to Aviation Officer Advance Course (if that's the proper name), and later putting in for a WO packet.

I'll talk to the unit and see if they can call Ft Rucker. I figure it's worth a shot.