"Return to Active Duty" question

[dtzl]

I was wondering if anybody has gotten the poop on returning to Active Duty flying. I went to the afpc website and read all of their stuff, but still have a question. My last MWS flight (KC-135) was Dec. 1995. My last military flight (T-34C) was Oct. 1999. The website says that if you have been out of the cockpit for five years or less, you can go straight to re-qual on your MWS. I just have this funny feeling they mean 5 years or less in regards to your last MWS flight which puts me back to needing basic qual training (whatever that is) and the website says that if you need basic qual training, they don't want you back.

Also, anybody know what kind of folks they are taking for the U-2?

Have called and e-mailed afpc, but have not heard anything as I am sure they are busy.

 

[T1bubba]

dtzl,

MWS has nothing to do with it. It's 5 years from your last military flight, otherwise you have to go before an FEB for requalification. There's also a 5 year limit for those of us switching from gold wings to silver, if we want to get a waiver of an aeronautical review board.

If you want all the details, check out the AFI 11-402.

As far as the U-2, when I left one year ago they were taking anyone who could pass their interview and land the thing.

Were you at VT-4? I stopped in there for a few months in 99.

T1bubba

 

[Race Pilot]

I haven't dealt with the situation of someone coming back on active duty but I have dealt with the issue of requalifying in a MWS several times. The rule used to be (they change regularly as you are probably aware) that if you were out of your MWS for over five years you had to go through requal school which is less intense than initial qual but in your case would mean Altus for about 5 weeks if they take you. T1 may be right and if so I apologize. Since my retirement ceremony two weeks ago I refuse to read an AFI unless forced to at gunpoint.

 

[T1bubba]

Race,

You're probably right about the MWS qualification, I was refering only to reapplying for your aeronautical rating. It's a much bigger hassle after five years.

It is possible to go to assignments other than your MWS, so it may not matter anyway depending on what AFPC offers up.

T1bubba

 

[dog]

The one way to find out if you can come back and to what is to fill out the app (links on AFPC web site)and fax it in. Two things will happen 1) they will call, 2) you'll find out what you are eligible for. Having tanker stink on you will more than likely set you up for a return visit to the 135. I went through the process last spring and was not too painful. However the choice I was offered were 135 to which base. I wanted white jet (majority of my AF career was in AETC/ATC) answer NO. How about UAV? NO. -135 to Forks on McConnell...my choice. Things may have changed but the ops tempo for the 135 is high and suspect they need to fill more holes. You are not committed to anything until you sign the agreement letter at the end of the process(ie it will have base and airframe on it) You don't like their offer you can tell them to pound sand. The contact I used at AFPC was Maj. Joe Brownell(current -135 flesh peddler). Good luck

 

[michael707767]

Race,

You're probably right about the MWS qualification, I was refering only to reapplying for your aeronautical rating. It's a much bigger hassle after five years.

T1bubba

I think I know the answer, but are you telling me that a pilot who has not flown in the military for five years, but in the meantime has been flying in the civilian world, is going to have a hassle to get thier rating back? Depending on the flying he/she's been doing, they may be more qualified now than when they left.

 

[Slug]

yep

Yep,

That's what he's saying. The military only worries or counts military flying. But, whoever said the military was logical?

Slug

 

[LiveFreeorDie]

135 or T-34

I got out of the 135 this summer. I am teaching 135 sims at Altus (in the SWA hiring pool). We are looking for two sim instructors and the AF is looking for 135 drivers in a bad way. Problem is you will be gone to the desert atleast 180 days a year. So if you are married may want to reconsider. I have a friend here who is an active duty IP at Altus in the 135. His brother is furloughed from AA and got a three year tour (three year bonus too) to come back to the AF. He left as a C-130 pilot, AFPC wanted him to fly T-37 at laughlin, and he held out and now is flying T-34's at pensicola.

If you want call or email me and I will give you more info on active 135s or on this simulator job--one at Altus and one in California.

-Eric ([email protected]) 580-379-4538

 

[dtzl]

Thanks for the help! (NT)

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