Late, late (!) re-entry into military as pilot

[CirrusF]

I'm a former squaddy grunt who after leaving the UK Army ten years or so ago has subsequently qualified as ATPL, and am now in early 40s.

Now I know that most military pilots of my age are desperate to leave the military and go civvie, but I'm the other way round! I really miss military life and would like to return, but only as a pilot in some capacity.

Now I know that under existing rules this is out of the question, but I was just wondering whether there are many people here who would think that it would be not a bad idea if qualified pilots with some military training could serve again in the military?

[gijoe]

A good idea but it is not going to happen in the ageist British society.

Have you thought about Australia?

g:ok:

[chopper2004]

Hi cirrusfrance (http://www.pprune.org/forums/member.php?u=154670)

I know its a long shot and when I mean a long shot , have you got any flight instructor ratings as maybe if you have ATPL(H) and have AS-350 rating then tr your best at approaching FB Heliservices and ask about jobs instructing at DHFS in Shawbury, or Middle Wallop. But in all essence they may want military aircrew experience as you'd be passing on your knowledge and experience to the next generation of rotary wing crews.

Or find a company that does military contracts regarding flying or find the Defence Elementary Flying Training School - DEFTS such as Babcock PLC
who run the DEFTS at Barkston Heath and Cranwell.

Or go to Bond Air Services or British International assuming you are a rotary wing qualified and apply for a job and maybe be lucky and do some MOD work or COMR...i e with BI, they fly AS365N for Flag Offficer Sea Training /VERTREP for the fleet and I know BAS has and probably still support exercises.

Good luck
:cool:

[Zoom]

Does the Omani Air Force still take contract military pilots?

[breakscrew]

Cirrusfrance,
Without knowing all of your circumstances I cannot give you any detailed advice, but I know that the Army are very keen for fixed wing pilots (islander and Defender). They are also happy to take ex-military people, including those at 40+! They value experience and can give careers to 55. If you want to find out more write to:
SO2 G1
HQ DAAvn
Middle Wallop
Stockbridge
Hants SO20 8DY
or phone 01264-784402 or -784826
Good luck.

[Snakecharmer]

When I was serving as an Eng O, the deskie didn't seem too impressed when I put 'JEFTS QFI' on my annual dream sheet (!)... could still apply I guess... but one kinda gets used to a hot drink from a pretty girl before TOC!

[richatom]

I've read that the JHC are short of qualified military helicopter pilots, and the Navy are badly short of Harrier instructors. So just maybe some forward-looking and cash-strapped top-brass might see the savings and advantages of bringing in suitably qualified and motivated civvy pilots to fly some of the non-tactical aircraft, thereby freeing up specialised military pilots for the advanced tactical and front-line stuff.

There is historical precedent - in WW2 civvy pilots were hired to do aircraft deliveries and if I recall correctly there was even a "civilian" Mosquito that used to do "cargo" deliveries to and from "neutral" Sweden.

As an example, the AAC could save itself a few bob if instead of paying for expensively qualified army helicopter pilots to do their fixed wing IR/ME in 1 AAC "resettlement" regiment/651 squadron, or whatever it is called these days, they just recruited suitably motivated and apt civvy pilots who were already qualified at their own expense. Moreover, they might even be better motivated as they would be volunteering rather than counting down the days to demob day.

TA and RNR have both bought motivated and specialist manpower (eg medical, press relations), to recent deployments so why not extend the same imaginative use of civilian experience to the aviation sector?

BTW, if the RN want a civvy FI to train up as a Harrier instructor just drop me an email:O

[cazatou]

ichatom

The Mosquitos which you refer to were operated by BOAC and ran a regular service past enemy fighter bases on the 800 mile trip to Sweden lasting two and a half hours. "Passenger accommodation was not quite up to the standard of the pre-war Albatross service to Paris."