Civvi pilot to military pilot
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Civvi pilot to military pilot
Hi all,
I know it's not uncommon for military pilots to join the airlines after they leave the forces but has anyone heard of anybody doing it the other way around and going from a commercial flight deck into the FAA for example? I can imagine this would be fairly rare but if anyone has heard of it, I'd appreciate your experiences.
Thanks everyone
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I know it's not uncommon for military pilots to join the airlines after they leave the forces but has anyone heard of anybody doing it the other way around and going from a commercial flight deck into the FAA for example? I can imagine this would be fairly rare but if anyone has heard of it, I'd appreciate your experiences.
Thanks everyone
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Nothing to stop you doing it, but it makes no difference whatsoever to your training. You would start at the begining and do all the training just like everybody else.
Doesnt mean its a bad idea though.
Did you work for XL?
Doesnt mean its a bad idea though.
Did you work for XL?
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Thanks Tourist, yeah I wasn't expecting any dispensation training wise. Thankfully I wasn't one of the unfortunate XL pilots, but the instability of the airlines recently is a worry. The real reason for me asking the question is because I want more variety and challenge in the flying I do at this time in my life. Don't get me wrong, I love my job but I feel like I could accomplish more of my personal goals in the military environment, than I can in my present job.
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Your biggest risk is that you get assigned as an Observer, not Pilot. While you can express a preference, you will be given what is best for the Service, so if you have a high Obs aptitude score, and a lower Pilot score, you could end up as a directional consultant 
At AIB you are bound to be probed as to why you want to start over. The RN/FAA is looking for very good officers who will also be very good aviators, rather than superb aviators who slope off to the bar/beach/home when they have finished flying, which is very different to what you have done to date.
At AIB you are bound to be probed as to why you want to start over. The RN/FAA is looking for very good officers who will also be very good aviators, rather than superb aviators who slope off to the bar/beach/home when they have finished flying, which is very different to what you have done to date.
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Thanks AA, but am I right in thinking that you would be offered a place at BRNC as either a pilot or observer, so you would know which trade you would be joining as before you sign on the line? Or have I got the wrong end of the stick here? Cor, bar then beach then home after work!? That would be nice!
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Red On, Green On
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EOF - - ring and ask - they won't bite.
If you are interested, get down to the AFCO, meet the RN officer recruiter, and ask for some acquaint visits, and make sure you get to go to Yeovilton/Culdrose for a potential officers' course. Courses are eight per year, and almost always start on a Sunday evg., finish on Thursday. A ship visit is also a must, and timing will be more flexible.
PM me if you need help.
If you are interested, get down to the AFCO, meet the RN officer recruiter, and ask for some acquaint visits, and make sure you get to go to Yeovilton/Culdrose for a potential officers' course. Courses are eight per year, and almost always start on a Sunday evg., finish on Thursday. A ship visit is also a must, and timing will be more flexible.
PM me if you need help.
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Thanks again AA, have been killing time this afternoon with a tech aircraft, just been building up a better picture of the situation before dropping into the AFCO when I get chance. Thanks again all!
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
established, you are on the right age side, just. 23 yrs and 12 months - a day before entering IOT. Time from application to operational on a sqn about 4 years.
If you look there was another similar questionier, or 2, and you may find the answer in the OASC sticky.
That you have your ticket suggests you will pass the aptitude tests the rest is up to you - fitness, interviews, PQs and of course the bug bear for many - 5 GCSE, 2 A-level.
If you look there was another similar questionier, or 2, and you may find the answer in the OASC sticky.
That you have your ticket suggests you will pass the aptitude tests the rest is up to you - fitness, interviews, PQs and of course the bug bear for many - 5 GCSE, 2 A-level.
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You will indeed know BEFORE you join whether it is as a Pilot or Observer. If you do better in the tests for Obs they may try and push you that way - but it is up to you to be firm and tell them what you want. Either way, you don't have anything to worry about as if they offer you Obs and you don't want it you can turn it down. I guess the key is to be good enough to be able to say "no I would not accept Obs, I want to be a Pilot". We are short of Pilots though, so give it a go, and don't be put off by people badmouthing it - they are only happy when they are complaining!
If you need any other info or contacts please do not hesitate to PM me.
If you need any other info or contacts please do not hesitate to PM me.
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PN - the man has taste, so he wants to join the Dark Blue. That gives him an extra 24 months, which should be fine.
Link to RN career page
Link to RN career page
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I'd draw respondents to the rather 'Classic' track, by 'Dos Gringos' 'Want to take off from a Carrier'
I don't know how to post a link, but, if you google it, you'll find it! Also available, live on YouTube.
Advo
PS: Dos Gringos - Fighter Pilot Songs for Our Generation - MUSIC
I don't know how to post a link, but, if you google it, you'll find it! Also available, live on YouTube.
Advo
PS: Dos Gringos - Fighter Pilot Songs for Our Generation - MUSIC
Last edited by advocatusDIABOLI; 15th Sep 2008 at 23:40.
There was a chap (Steve Thompson) on my IOT who was ex-Bristow. He'd been through their ab-initio CPL(H) course and was a co-pilot. Seemed to do ok - got the sword of honour, then went creamie then fast jets! Ended up with BA after he left, I believe.
