jnav

Hello all,
I'm looking for input and career advice.
I'm currently in the U.S. Coast Guard and have 6 yrs left to retire at 20 yrs. active duty. I'm an Aircraft Electronics technician on our HC-130's and fly as Flight Navigator on our various missions. I hold an A&P license also with civilian and military maintenance experience, acquired after serving 4 yr tour in USAF, and FCC license w/ Radar endorse.
I have my Commercial pilots license w/ SE/ME/IFR ratings and have approx.
247 hrs TT. Completed the latter half of last year.
I'm transfering this summer 2006 from sunny Hawaii to the Sacramento area where I look to have more available opportunities for flying.
I'm trying to prepare for my career after the Coast Guard. Mainly looking for the cargo flying scene or charter stuff, Ameriflight being one of the companies I'd like to work for. Main thing is that I want my next job to be fun and enjoyable without the rigors I experience now in my present job. I do enjoy what I do now but it's very demanding considering that I maintain/repair the aircraft equipment then fly as flight crew for whatever the current mission.
I just would like some good options that will enable me to build the time I need to get into the jobs I'm seeking while I'm finishing my time in the Coast Guard. I'm 36 yrs. old and will be 42 when I retire so I'm looking at age being a factor positive or negative.
I have the books for CFI and will probably attain that certification, but my work schedule will determine if and how often I can instruct. So all that being said can I get some incite plzzzzzzzz fellows.Thanks.

de727ups

I wouldn't think your age would be a problem for Amflight. Might even be a plus as they will see you as someone who might stick around a while. You'll need 1200/50, though. Somehow you'll need to get from 247 up to those numbers. Instructing is great. Ever think of buying a Cessna 150? Maybe find a partnership around SAC?

LAfrequentflyer

Try blue ridge aviation at Nut Tree Airport in Vacaville...The owner, Lou Tobin, is a retired AF 06 and likes to help out military. Travis AFB has an aero club you could get good proces on rentals and even finish you CFI with them...

You'll be in a good area for flying jobs and schools...

-LA

SkyHigh

Buy a Cessna 150 and get an autogas STC. Fly the heck out of it for around $20 an hour. Skip the CFI route since it is difficult and unproductive as a part timer. In a few years you could have 1000 hrs and then buy a Piper Apache, get your multi in it and fly the heck out of it for around $40/hour till you get 200 hours. In my experience it would be cheaper and more fun than loosing your weekends as a CFI.

SkyHigh

rickair7777

You have a lot of good background, but you will still need to meet the flight time minimums for cargo or airlines. 1200/200ME should work most places. You should be able to get there prior to retirement, depending on family commitments.

Navigator time will not count for anything.

Your age is not an issue.

Get the CFI, use it when you can.

Career wise, AmFlight and similar companies are usually viewed as stepping stones to a regional airline job. Night cargo pays very poorly, probably has no benefits, and can be very dangerous (single pilot, single engine, night, IMC, icing, mountains). A no-go decision is usually not an option. Most of those guys just want to survive long enough to get a job elsewhere.

As to the rigors of your current job, you will find that most entry-level civilian aviation jobs can be pretty crappy in pay, benefits, schedule, work rules, and working conditions. It is a very common misconception amongst active duty folks that the civilian world is better in all respects. The reality is that you will find that you were pampered in the CG, and that pay, lifestyle, and job security are usually worse in the real world, especially in aviation. I've been there, done that and have USCG in my immediate family.

You should be able to get a regional airline job right out of the service if you get your 1000+ hours. CFI is the most flexible way to build time, but you might be able to fly traffic watch, pipeline patrol, or environmental monitoring.

If you really prefer general aviation to airline work, look into Alaska bush flying. You'll probably need tailwheel and/or float, and 1000 hours for that. Beautiful country up there...

jnav

Thanks for the input guys. All of what you guys have said so far seem to coincide with what I've pondered. I was planning on buying a plane or partnering after I get stablize there after the move. My wife and I are going to Sacramento in MAY to scout for places to live before transfer in JUNE , so while there I was going to check out the area for flight stuff too.
Was really not looking to get on with an airline mainly cause I have kids and already deal with deployments and being gone alot.
I know all to well Rickair7777 about the civil sector heh heh, and your right about active duty guys thinking it's better on the outside. I state it to them all the time. Thats why I came back into the service to get a retirement with the time I had vested already. 100 of my hrs are multi in the Piper AZTEC the rest is in A 172 and 152. Alaska is nice too, I was stationed there on Kodiak Island. Was going back there if I didn't get my transfer to Sacto. Anyway I've
considered the regionals too, just think I would get bored doing that for the next 20 yrs. Whatever I get into next, I'm looking to stay even if the pay is so so at the start. I just want the job to be enjoyable where I don't mind going to it everyday or working extra hours if needed to get stuff done. Not to undercut those working long hours and flying for low pay to get into better Jobs. I will work to get my CFI then to do stuff on the side. ATP inc is there at Sacramento executive and looked like a good choice to get it done. Even though my Navigator time doesn't count for anything unfortunately, I still get good experience backing up my pilots with approaches and such. It's made me a better pilot observing them and learning the do's and don'ts, specially dealing with ATC. Best thing is that it's free and includes getting some stick time once in a while in the HC-130, though I can't log it heh heh. Any more input you have and/or connections into something still would be greatly appreciated. Thanks guys.

ERJ135

Thats true. Not much fun doing 10 times around in a pattern day in an day out dodging snow squalls and gusts to 40. Went to Portland Me the other day and atis was 300@18 G28. Pretty tame. When we were on finally she came over the radio and said winds were 320@30 G45. Approach went surprisingly well. Though not fun at all sometimes.

SkyHigh

Was that supposed to be sarcasm?? Just in case, I might of missed it.

SkyHigh

ERJ135

No, not all just agreeing with you

SkyHigh

Thats Cool.

SkyHigh