career path

[JohnR]

hello all,
im a student in high school and i was wondering about what career path to take. I want to go into the military and fly the C-5 Galaxy, but i also want to go into the civilian flying for United or one of those major Airline companys. My first plan was to go into the military fly for 20 years or so and then go into civilian flying. Does any one no if it is really hard to be accepted into being a C-5 Galaxy and if it is really hard to be accepted into just learning to fly for the air Force? i also wanted to no what are some good colleges to go and what i will need to take for classes, thanks

 

[wingnutt]

go for it, www.airforce.com

 

[minitour]

I'd call an airforce recruiter in your area...

When I finished up my Private, I thought, "Hey, this is a way...".

To my surprise, the medical standards are kinda tough...your body weight/height has to be to certain proportions and your vision had better be pretty good too...not to mention other things the recruiter was telling me...

I think its a great idea and a great way to get all of your ratings and lots of time to be qualified, but make sure you talk to them and READ the contract before signing...a friend of mine thought he was going to be a pilot, signed on the line, only to find out he gets to learn how to fix jet engines...not his idea of a great time...

Good luck!

-mini

 

[Flyguy6]

DO NOT talk to a recruiter. All they want to do is enlist you and you dont have to go that route. Let me frist say there are two kinds of folks inthe military. Enlisted folks and officer folks. Enlisted folk are folks that join the military straight out of high school. Officer folks are folks that join the military out of college and get a commission. In oreder to be a pilot in the military (Air force or Navy or USMC), you have to be an officer. In order to be an officer youi have to have a college degree in anything. So, if you want to be a military pilot, your first focus should be becomming an officer. There are three different ways to becoming an officer. You go to one of the military academies, you can take ROTC at most colleges or you can go to OCS (OTS for the Air Force) after obtaining a college degree.

 

[JohnR]

okt hanks a lot guys! who should i be talking to then if not a recruiter, and if i could i would want to talk to one this year so i can start getting in shape and all that good stuff, im in 9th grade and almost 15 so i still got 4 years left, plus college but if i can get in shape now more off my sholders then. and any good colleges i should look into? And should i get my PPL in college, out of college or when i start my pilot training in Air force if i get in

 

[Jetdriver69]

Hey do what I did. Enlisted into the army at 17, took the FAST test, went to helicopter school, flew those for five years. Got my degree in the Army, paid by Uncle Sam thank you. Got out of the Army, went into the USAF, flight school flew jets until retirement and got my Master's degree paid for by the govment. Got about 6600 total hours, flew all over the world, got shot at, all that good stuff. Have to say that my military experience was 100 times more enjoyable than the civilian flying I'm doing now. Now I wish I would have stayed in while longer for more retirement money. Think long and hard about going into aviation these days. Even the military isn't the good deal it once was and the civilian side of the house is just plain cut throat.

 

[bobbysamd]

Piloting career considerations

For one thing, you will have to go to some form of college to be an AF pilot. A military school, such as The Citadel, V.M.I., etc., military academy, or an ordinary college. You have to be an officer to be an AF pilot and officers must have a college degree. Moreover, despite what you may read elsewhere on this board, major airlines such as United favor pilots with degrees. They also still favor military pilots. So, to accomplish your goals, you will need a four-year college degree. This means you have to decide soon if you want to go to college. It also means that you should start taking the right kind of courses, such as math, science and English, that will prepare you for college and flying.

Another thing is if you get to AF pilot training you may not have a choice which airplane you will fly. Usually, the Air Force assigns pilots to fighters, bombers or transports according to its needs and their performance in flight school. So, you may not have a say in which airplane you ultimately will fly.

Finally, as much as none of us would like to see it, United Airlines may not be around by the time you can qualify to fly for it because of its financial troubles. Several other of the so-called legacy carriers, such as Delta and USAir, are in the sme predicament. So, you should look at all flying opportunities if you are considering a piloting career.

Hope that helps a little more. Good luck with your plans.

 

[JohnR]

ok thanks alot guys,

i first wanted to fly fighters but then i decided id probally be better of flying the galaxy since i want to fly the 747 in civilian aviation, thats sad to hear the united might not be around when im able to fly but i guess there will be differnt majors out there like NorthWest( so i hope) and a few others, thanks for all the input, ill probally take math all my four years of highschool along with english and science since those three subjects seem to be the most needed thanks alot~ john

 

[typhoonpilot]

JohnR:

I'd agree with Flyguy6 that you don't want to talk to a recruiter unless you make it absolutely clear that you just want information from them on how to become an officer and a pilot. They will still probably try to get you to do something like Jetdriver69 did because that is their job.

At your age I would aim for the Air Force Academy, but I wouldn't limit myself to just that. You should also look at the Naval Academy, the Coast Guard Academy, and West Point. If aviation is where you want to be they all have aviation programs. Obviously the Air Force gives you the greatest chance to fly, but the others do as well.

The Academy's are not easy to get into. It takes a Congressional nomination as well as good all around scholastic aptitude and other activities that show you can be a good leader. Sports is another area that is also important. Every year there are close to 14,000 applicants to the Air Force Academy and only just over 1000 get in ( old figures, may be different today ). The SAT scores are very important so you want to do well at both Math and English.

I would look into the local Civil Air Patrol cadet program as that is a good introduction to some of the things you can expect if you go into the military. It is an excellent program for young people to expose them to the Air Force and some of the basics of the military as well as a good way to learn basic leadership skills. If you are lucky the local squadron will have active duty military officers who are also CAP members and they can be a wealth of knowledge on how to pursue your dream.

As a side note, the Civil Air Patrol has two nominations to the Air Force Academy prepatory school in Colorado Springs every year. That is an excellent, but not well known, method of almost insuring acceptance to the Air Force Academy.

I wouldn't pigoen hole yourself into just the C-5 either. Chances are it won't even be around when you graduate from flight training. I would keep an open mind on the subject, the important thing is to get the wings. Do that, and do it well and then you might have choice of aircraft.

Good luck and let us know how you go.


Typhoonpilot

 

[crudeoilpilot]

Ya ever seen a naked woman son? O.K. wasn't that in Airplane?

 

[JohnR]

ok,

i think im going to just go to a regular college but if i met the standars for any military acadamey ill probly try for it. As for civial air patrol, i was looking in to it the other night seems fun. ok i guess it the main thing to shoot for is my flight wings, as long as im flying!

 

[FlyChicaga]

At your age, I'd highly recommend joining Civil Air Patrol. Many people here knock it for the senior membership, but the cadet program is very different in my opinion. Look into it. I'll be very honest: If it wasn't for Civil Air Patrol, I probably wouldn't have pursued my dream of being a pilot. There was a time in my life (about your age right now) where outside influences began to cause me to stray from my flying goals. By joining Civil Air Patrol, it helped get me back on track. It even helped me get a Senatorial nomination and acceptance into the Air Force Academy (I didn't go), as well as an AFROTC scholarship.

I didn't end up in the Air Force, but 7 years after joining CAP I'm flying the Embraer Regional Jet for a large regional airline. Plus, I made life-long best friends in CAP. Was best man at my best bro's wedding, then helped him through a divorce, then helped him get back on the bandwagon during spring break in Daytona Beach. Spent a week in Hawaii back in June with another best friend from CAP who lives in Waikiki now. Even had the pleasure of flying a trip at my previous company with my old Squadron Commander who I knew when I was a senior in high school.

I think joining CAP would be a very good thing for you, especially with your dreams of being in the Air Force and flying for an airline. You'll have some great experiences... like seeing a couple dozen naked flashing soccer girls in the dorms across the courtyard after spending a day out learning to fly.

 

[FlyChicaga]

By the way John, what state do you live in?

 

[JohnR]

LOL thats great! i think i will probally join CAP as a birth day present in about 2 weeks, paying for the $30 fee and the clothes, and i live in minnesota, what airline do you fly the embraer?

 

[bobbysamd]

Cap

I heartily second the CAP Cadet suggestion. As part of their program, CAP cadets go on orientation flights in unit aircraft. I took many cadets on orientation flights. I flew right seat and let them fly the airplane as much as possible.

In Oklahoma Wing, we had an annual flight encampment. Selected cadets were given a week's worth of flight instruction in unit 172s leading to solo. It was a great opportunity for these young people - and for instructors. I participated two years; the first year, I was an instructor and soloed all my students. I was a new flight instructor and the learning I gained was unbelievable. I picked up a student from the encampment who became my first Private signoff. The second year, I was Project Officer. All but two of our kids soloed that year.

CAP provides a great introduction to military drill and discipline. CAP cadets who go on to the military academies and/or the military do well because they have learned how to drill, wear the uniform and address superiors.

Finally, FlyChicaga is absolutely correct about the friends you'll make and the experiences you'll have. CAP provides a great overall experience for young people.

Once more, good luck with your plans.

 

[FlyChicaga]

John,

Browse around www.cap.gov. It has lots of great information that wasn't available to me when I joined. The website has grown leaps and bounds over what it was four or five years ago. Good luck! You'll enjoy it.

Oh, and I work for Continental Express.

 

[Flyguy6]

John,

I totally agree with the above posters. Civil Air Patrol is a great way to get into aviation and the military. I was a CAP cadet and I am currently a Senior Member working with cadets. Pick a good squadron though as all units are not the same.

To answer your question about the who to talk to. I would talk to an ROTC instructor at a college near you that offers Air Force ROTC. Talk to the Navy guys too. Navy/ Marines have a good aviation program as well. Tne Navy and Marine Corp are part of the same group. If you want Army, thats ok too, but you will be limited to helicpoters which to me isnt too fun. If none is availiable, talk to a high school ROTC instructor. Or go to the websites. ROTC is a lot easier to get into and graduate from than the academies. But the academies are very pretegious and you are almost guaranteed to make General if you graduate from one, But if your goal is just to taste the military for a few years, I would go ROTC.

 

[JohnR]

ok thanks all,
if i want to do my PPL through the CAP will it cost alot less since they have there own aircraft? and i had heard from a friend that you can get your PPL for free if you get sponsered by the air fource, is this true? and if so how would one do that, there are 3 squardons i can chose from, two in eden praire and one in bursville any one no what one i should pick heres link for it https://creports.capnhq.gov/unitlocator/ULProcess.asp?Wing=MN what one do you think id be better off in if i got to chose?

 

[Flyguy6]

Ok, you're looking from the wrong perspective. DONT go into CAP looking to get a pilots lisence. CAP is NOT a flying club. It has three missions; Emergency Services, Aerospace Education and a Cadet program. Yes, the cadet programs has a few activities of which one is orientation flights where they take you up and give you a "feel"
of flying. They have solo scholorships, but you have to be a certain rank and there are a few other requirements as well. Its not an automatic thing. The main goal of CAP is to introduce you to aviation and the military. It is not to get you a pilots lisence. In fact some units dont do any flying at all. In my state the focus is on Emergency Services. Our cadets love to run through the woods loking for downed airplanes. There are very few cadets here that are interested in aviation.

I am telling you this so you wont go in thinking one thing and experience something totally differant and get upset. Can you get your Private lisence in CAP? Technically, yes. The thing is since CAP is a non profit organiztion, Instrcutors cannot charge for their time. Now, unless you know somebody, I would wage that it will be difficult to find someone that is going to give you serious instruction for free. They may take you up every now and then, but I doubt they are going to take you through an entire program for nothing. But hey, you never know. You do have to pay for the plane (unless you get one of those scholorships I mentioned and then thats only to solo) But the fees are incredibly lower than on the outside. Here in GA, the CAP planes go for $28/hr dry. When you add fuel its about $54/hr. Also, again Search And rescue is the primary mision for CAP aircraft, so if they are needed that takes precidence over all other flying activity.

Again, CAP is a great organization, but if you are just loking to use it to get a lisence, you will be disappointed

 

[JohnR]

ok thanks, i wasnt looking to go in just for getting my PPL wasnt really planning on getting that till i get in college or after college, for search and rescue and all that other stuff do you do practice ones alot of just every now and then, like going out and just pretending theres a downed plane? an what other things can i expect to do in CAP does it do physical training and all that?

 

[Flyguy6]

Again, differant states do things differantly. But generally yes, they do go out on SAREX's (Search and Rescue Exercises) There is a PT program. Tell you what, go to the CAP website. www.cap.gov and it will explain many of the things you are asking, then locate three units near you and visit them all and see which one you like best.

 

[JohnR]

ok thanks alot, i just asked for them to send me a info packet on it, when i get it i will probally visit the 3 places and chose thanks

 

[typhoonpilot]

You would do best at a Composite Squadron with an airplane. Composite Squadron means that they have both a Senior and cadet contingent. By having an airplane, I mean a corporate airplane, i.e. a CAP owned aircraft. If there are multiple senior members with their own personal aircraft as well then that would be even better. I would also look for a squadron that has at least 20 cadets that way you have more chances to attend wing and national activities.


Typhoonpilot

 

[DaveJ]

I'm a CAP instructor pilot and have taken one cadet all the way through his private (he's now at the AF Academy) and soloed two others. Many states have scholarship programs that can take cadets through solo (or even private).

In any case, as a CAP cadet, if you get permission, you are allowed to use a CAP aircraft and instructor to get a private rating. The expense involved is a fraction of what you'd have to spend at a commercial flight school because the CAP instructor is donating his time.

 

[JohnR]

ok thanks just my luck one of the squads is a compsite squad so mabe they have a airplane ill have to check it out big gummer is i cant start till mid december or january because the times the group mets is on my drivers ed classes, but i will probaly visit them some time soon

 

[bobbysamd]

Composite squadrons

You would do best at a Composite Squadron with an airplane. Composite Squadron means that they have both a Senior and cadet contingent. By having an airplane, I mean a corporate airplane, i.e. a CAP owned aircraft. If there are multiple senior members with their own personal aircraft as well then that would be even better. I would also look for a squadron that has at least 20 cadets that way you have more chances to attend wing and national activities.

Exactly. My unit in Oklahoma City was a composite squadron with a large cadet contingent. Our squadron had two aircraft. The other composite squadron had one aircraft, but any qualified member in any unit could fly it. The student whom I finished for his Private belonged to that squadron and we flew that squadron's airplane.

I must second the comments above about CAP's primary mission. It is not a flying club. The organization is there to serve people. Aircraft can be flown for proficiency at a fraction of the retail rental cost. Proficiency flying is encouraged because aircraft that are flown regularly are cheaper to maintain.

By the way, in a good CAP unit, there are great training and personal development opportunities, excellent networking opportunities and even better comaraderie opportunities. CAP is an outstanding experience for the senior members as well as cadets.

 

[JohnR]

thats great! i cant wait to join CAP, i hope it will also get me more in shape also but we will have to see, thanks for all the info guys

 

[Flyguy6]

Differant states do things differantly. We dont have aircraft assigned to squadrons in our states. Anyone in any unit can use any aircraft inthe state they want to. All units dont meet on or near airports. My unit meets in a church. There is an airport about 3 miles from us and there is a CAP plane stationed there , but it isnt solely ours.
Also, you can join either a composite squadron or cadet squadron. There really isnt a difference as far as cadet training is concerned.

And lastly, when the above posters talk about proficiency training, thats for senior members,not cadets. The only flying that I know cadets do is orientation flights, flight training and thats it. I have never hard of cadets doing proficiency flgihts, but then again, differant states do things differnatly find out what your states policy is.

 

[JohnR]

ok i noticed there was a compsite squad and a cadet squad was wondering about that

 

[bobbysamd]

CAP squadrons

ok i noticed there was a compsite squad and a cadet squad was wondering about that

Composite squadrons have a senior member (adult) and cadet contigents, and activities for both. Cadet squadrons have cadet contigents and a few senior members to run them. They have fewer activities for senior members. By the same token, there are senior squadrons, which have no cadets.