captnmo

Hello,

Currently on deployement flying UH-60 Blackhawks with the Army National Guard. I fly for a regional with a lot more fixed-wing time than helicopter.

I've entertained the idea of finishing my 20 years in the Air Guard with 9 already behind me. I'll be 27 years old in November this year. So I'm wondering does the Air Guard or even the Air Force Reserve need/want service transfers with military rotary-wing/civilian fixed-wing time? There's a C-17 unit near home and I think they're Reserves. I've also got a contact with the A-10 unit in Boise and would LOVE to fly those if possible.

I'm also unsure of the culture in the Air Force. From what I've heard, you're a pilot first, then a manager. It's really the opposite in the Army unless you're in a line unit. I like the guys I work with but will be further removed from flying as time goes along. I don't really know how much I like that idea.

Maybe someone can give me some insight on making that change while having a love to fly airplanes rather than a desk and want to keep serving. No offense to the active duty career guys, it's just not what I invision in my future. With already having an airline career, I feel I have a little room to explore options to really do what I enjoy and am good at. Thanks!

Blackhawk

Yes, you can. Been done numerous times.
Go to http://aptap.forumco.com/Default.asp and ask the question. Some who have done it will be able to help. Just understand, there are problems on both sides.

DustoffVT

I've wondered the same thing. I'm in the same boat - far more civilian FW than -60 time. I'm 32 so don't know if it's still possible? Plus, another consideration is getting your career job before making the jump and getting behind another couple years of flight school. I think it'd be better to have that seniority number first.

As far as managing more/flying less, after my MSC bonus is up, I'm going to take the promotion to W2... you could always try for C-12/Sherpa, too.

Fly safe, bro. And, trust me, give yourself six months after you REFRAD to come to any decisions. It took that long for me to get my head clear. Good Luck.

Slice

What's your rank? The higher you are the harder it will be to find a billet to fill. Officer first in the AF/ANG. However, you will still fly to keep your currencies. As always, the higher up the chain you go, the more non-flying queep you will deal with.

9999

There seems to be alot more title 32 positions being advertised as of late as well. I know WV, NY, ME and IN had some within the last couple months. You may want to consider them as well.

I spent my first 15 years as a active duty -10 Army pilot and have spent the last 6 as a active duty -32 Army pilot. The only differences in the two is the ability to buy back -10 time after retirement if you opt to work at a place that allows it (Post Office, FAA, ect.) and the benefits of not having to move after deployments with -32 jobs. I have not moved once in 6 years and will have 3 deployments in that time frame by the time I retire.

As a -32 pilot you belong to the state you fly for and not the Federal Government. The state approves deployments (Governor) and not the President. For -10 guys the Federal Government owns you and can move you based on their needs.

Here is a HRO site on the Minnesota Guards site that will allow you to check out all the jobs throughout the country. The AGR C-12 and Sherpa jobs are popping up more lately. Good luck in whatever way you decide to go.

http://www.minnesotanationalguard.or...nationwide.php

9999

One more thing. When I made the switch back in 2001, you couldn't have an ADSO of any kind and had to be in a PCS status inorder to make it work. I am not sure what the requirement is now.

captnmo

Thanks, I'll defintely check that out.

Slice, I'm a 1LT. If I could, I'd stay here forever, but I know that's not possible.

DarbyTee

It can definitely work. Look into the fixed wing qualification program at Vance AFB. It's made for military helo pilots (any branch) who want to transition to the ANG. It's essentially a shortened version of UPT without all of the hazing. I can't say for sure right now, but when I went through it in '04 there was no age limit and a minimum military flight time requirement of 400 hours. As far as the rank, I was a Captain when I went through and there were also Majors and a Lt Col in the course. It's all about finding a unit that will give you a slot.

hjs1971

Ditto what DarbyTee said, we have 3 guys in my unit that have done it lately...1 Cobra from the USMC, 1 UH-60 and 1 AH-64 from USA...start looking now!