Joining Canadian Air Force.
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Joining Canadian Air Force.
I am 20, Canadian. Currently going to University in the States. Have 13 hours dual on logbook. I am wondering what's the chance that I will get into the pilot program in Canadian Air Force. Also I tried to apply online but it would not allow me to save my name and some information when I press "next".
Thanks
Thanks
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Your best bet is to pop into a recruiting centre next time you're home and have a chat with them there.
There are too many variables for anyone to be able to give you a reasonable answer here.
There are too many variables for anyone to be able to give you a reasonable answer here.
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I tried talked to them online and the officier was saying that it is very competitive and people wait in a long line for this position. I wonder how ture is this statement and what do they do while they are waiting.
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It is competitive, and you will wait. You will do your basic officer training, and be assigned somewhere else while you await flight training. I know someone who was a year at Shearwater before he started flight training.
I'd look into how much choice you'll have on whether you go fixed wing or rotor as well.
I'd look into how much choice you'll have on whether you go fixed wing or rotor as well.
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how are they going to determine what they are going to put you on? say if they put me on rotor, will they put you on fix wing later on? Is there any aputitude test sample for them available?
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These are great questions, and again, probably best asked the recruiting officer.
My understanding--not being a pilot, but having close ties in the naval aviation community here--is that there is VERY stiff competition for fixed wing since so many guys see it as an entry way to the commercial airlines.
This goes back 20-something years, but a close friend was basically told after flight training he would be flying helos. It wasn't his preference and he wasn't given a choice, but the job of the powers that be is to ensure they have enough guys where they are needed, whether it be in naval aviation/SAR (helos) or fighters/transport (fixed). It might be different now, but I doubt it,
My understanding--not being a pilot, but having close ties in the naval aviation community here--is that there is VERY stiff competition for fixed wing since so many guys see it as an entry way to the commercial airlines.
This goes back 20-something years, but a close friend was basically told after flight training he would be flying helos. It wasn't his preference and he wasn't given a choice, but the job of the powers that be is to ensure they have enough guys where they are needed, whether it be in naval aviation/SAR (helos) or fighters/transport (fixed). It might be different now, but I doubt it,
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As a former CF (and current commercial) pilot, my advice would be to apply at a recruiting center as soon as possible. If you are fortunate enough to get selected, you will have a decision to make. It doesn't cost anything to apply and could be the most rewarding thing you do in your life.
If you were to decide to accept an offer, the training is disciplined, difficult and demanding. Language training would occur unless you are virtually perfect in French and English. Waiting for your course will also occur with OJT (on the job training), likely at an operational squadron or headquarters.
What you would get in return is what I believe to be the best flying training in the country and among the best anywhere. I'll admit to a little bias here, but having instructed in Moose Jaw and seeing the program first hand, I stand behind this claim. You will also get descent pay, great benefits and more importantly, the best flying job anyone can have, with the added bonus of serving your country.
As far as the fixed wing/rotory question, IMHO there are no bad flying jobs in the CF. Determination after training is based on CF requirements, availability, course allotment, course placement and finally, consideration for your choice.
Keep the mind open and be ready to work hard and reap the rewards accomplishment brings.
Good luck.
If you were to decide to accept an offer, the training is disciplined, difficult and demanding. Language training would occur unless you are virtually perfect in French and English. Waiting for your course will also occur with OJT (on the job training), likely at an operational squadron or headquarters.
What you would get in return is what I believe to be the best flying training in the country and among the best anywhere. I'll admit to a little bias here, but having instructed in Moose Jaw and seeing the program first hand, I stand behind this claim. You will also get descent pay, great benefits and more importantly, the best flying job anyone can have, with the added bonus of serving your country.
As far as the fixed wing/rotory question, IMHO there are no bad flying jobs in the CF. Determination after training is based on CF requirements, availability, course allotment, course placement and finally, consideration for your choice.
Keep the mind open and be ready to work hard and reap the rewards accomplishment brings.
Good luck.
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What you would get in return is what I believe to be the best flying training in the country and among the best anywhere. I'll admit to a little bias here, but having instructed in Moose Jaw and seeing the program first hand, I stand behind this claim. You will also get descent pay, great benefits and more importantly, the best flying job anyone can have, with the added bonus of serving your country.
Far better benefits/pension/treatment than any pilot's association/union will ever get you!
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Sounds like a tough choice because what I am really looking forward is get my time there and get out as an airline pilot.
Last edited by CM6966; 25th Apr 2009 at 03:18.
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CM6966 - I believe that if your goal is to 'get out' and join the airlines, I would strongly suggest you 'stay out' and work your way up through aviation college, instructing or northern ops ... and then join the airlines. The CF needs dedicated people, not someone looking for what they think is an easier road to the airlines.
Just my opinion. Cheers.
Just my opinion. Cheers.
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I do agree 100 %.
Unfortunately the Air Force will not keep you after you turned 40 or something, so you have to do something to keep your retirement days busy...
Unfortunately the Air Force will not keep you after you turned 40 or something, so you have to do something to keep your retirement days busy...
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To join or not to join?
CM6966
I have done both CF military (f-5's and tutors) and Air Canada. Both were exciting and very rewarding. When I left the military, they could not compete wage wise with the airlines. That has changed substantially! I agree however, with others here and would not recommend joining the military with half-hearted committment to use it as your stepping stone to the airlines. You'll just be setting yourself up for bitter disappointment when you are CT'D (cease training). The military wants you to be super motivated or you'll wash out.
If you want to end up straight and level with the auto pilot on for 30 years then go to a flying college, get your multi ifr and then work to get on with Jazz and then as soon as possible join WJA or AC. However, be prepared for some lean and mean early years.
On the other hand, if you want adventure and the best flying anywhere then join the military. You may end up flying a desk when your forty but you'll have many fond memories. Moreover, the early years aren't quite so lean and definitely not mean and you can certainly make your own career based on performance rather than seniority or your CEO's whims.
I have done both CF military (f-5's and tutors) and Air Canada. Both were exciting and very rewarding. When I left the military, they could not compete wage wise with the airlines. That has changed substantially! I agree however, with others here and would not recommend joining the military with half-hearted committment to use it as your stepping stone to the airlines. You'll just be setting yourself up for bitter disappointment when you are CT'D (cease training). The military wants you to be super motivated or you'll wash out.
If you want to end up straight and level with the auto pilot on for 30 years then go to a flying college, get your multi ifr and then work to get on with Jazz and then as soon as possible join WJA or AC. However, be prepared for some lean and mean early years.
On the other hand, if you want adventure and the best flying anywhere then join the military. You may end up flying a desk when your forty but you'll have many fond memories. Moreover, the early years aren't quite so lean and definitely not mean and you can certainly make your own career based on performance rather than seniority or your CEO's whims.
Last edited by dadof6; 26th Apr 2009 at 18:52. Reason: spelling
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Dadof6: are you suggesting that military life is less politic? I was a Cadet for couple years, I like everything about being a cadet. Would this be similar to life in CF? Is th wash out rate high in CF? Is there any difference flying commercially and for the CF when you talk about regulation?
Thanks
Thanks
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Unfortunately the Air Force will not keep you after you turned 40 or something, so you have to do something to keep your retirement days busy...
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Well I'm 42 and currently flying the Hawk. If you think about coming into the CF on the "Air Canada training plan" then please don't bother applying. There is nothing more that we hate to hear than "I'm only doing my minimum time and then getting out." You will be passed over for someone else who has more dedication to the CF.
If you think you might like to fly at 420kts at 250'agl then put in an application to the CF. Good pay, great pension and they let you wear a cool looking flight bag to get sh1t faced in on friday nights
If you think you might like to fly at 420kts at 250'agl then put in an application to the CF. Good pay, great pension and they let you wear a cool looking flight bag to get sh1t faced in on friday nights