Nav to Pilot. Bad Plan?

[Checks]

Greetting,

I am an army helicopter pilot looking to join my local ANG unit flying C-130's. I know going to the FWQual Course is a long shot so what if I just go Nav first and then a short time later try for a Pilot slot? My fear is since they seem short on Navs I will be locked into being a Nav(even if they say otherwise).

Any thoughts?

Thanks You

 

[Hugh Jorgan]

I know a lot more helo guys that went FWQ at Vance in the last couple of years than I know Navs who turned pilots. I know it's not much help, but they do have a FWQ flight for a reason... Good luck.

 

[pilotyip]

short of Nav's

If they are short of Nav's and you hold a crew qual as a Nav, you don't have a snowballs chance in that unit. Try to get any military fixed wing transion, go to the ROA (Reserve Off's Assoc)and find out what units are desparate for pilots and then sell yourself what a good deal you are. You will probably have to travel to get the slot like Fargo, ND, Ft McCoy, WS etc. Don't go Nav, you will not become a pilot. Been there seen that.

 

[Skyrunner]

If going nav, try this

If you still want to go the nav route, try to pick a unit that is losing their navs, ex. C-130Js. This is a sure thing for pilot training. The units do not want to lose people, so the find jobs for the navs. Most retire, but some go to UPT. This route is not ideal and is very long, but it will get you there.

Units that are losing navs:

Penn ANG EC-130 Comm Solo - Going to Js
KC-135 units that are going to Pacer Craig

Good Luck,

SR