Rat Posted August 27, 2008 Report Share Posted August 27, 2008 Since I'm too old to go back to the military as a pilot, I was curious if any opportunities exist to fly military aircraft as a civilian. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all of our veterans on this site for there service to our counrty. Thanks in advance for your responses. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FLHooker Posted August 28, 2008 Report Share Posted August 28, 2008 go to usajobs.com there are Civilian (Dept of the Army) jobs on there. All (unless there are some out there I don't know about) require that you have a pretty good amount of flight time in the airframe that specific unit is flying. That being said, I haven't a clue what your background is. Either way the DA Civilian pilots are (in my opinion) taken care of. CHAD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rat Posted August 28, 2008 Author Report Share Posted August 28, 2008 go to usajobs.com there are Civilian (Dept of the Army) jobs on there. All (unless there are some out there I don't know about) require that you have a pretty good amount of flight time in the airframe that specific unit is flying. That being said, I haven't a clue what your background is. Either way the DA Civilian pilots are (in my opinion) taken care of. CHADFLHooker, I just started my private, second career. As a civilian, is there any way to build time in a military airframe ? Unless your prior service and have flight time this might be tough or impossible. Flying and having the pride of serving our country in some capacity would be great. Doesn't hurt to dream. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gomer Pylot Posted August 28, 2008 Report Share Posted August 28, 2008 The instructors at Ft. Rucker are mostly, if not completely, civilian, and mostly old. If you have the qualifications, Lear-Siegler is usually hiring. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FauxZ Posted August 28, 2008 Report Share Posted August 28, 2008 Border Patrol also flies Blackhawks and will hire civilians with 1500 hours IIRC. So if your interests extend more towards the hardware, that may be a option. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
palmfish Posted August 30, 2008 Report Share Posted August 30, 2008 (edited) Rat, if you are looking to build time in a military aircraft (I can't imagine why it matters what you're flying), your closest match would probably be a Bell 206 (civilian version of the OH-58) or Hughes 500 (civilian version of the OH-6). Customs & Border Protection and LSI won't touch you until you have many hours of experience. Columbia and ERA (and others) also fly civilian versions of military helicopters (the CH-46 and UH-1 respectively), but again, you'll need plenty of experience before they'll talk to you. Good luck. Edited August 30, 2008 by palmfish Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FLHooker Posted October 7, 2008 Report Share Posted October 7, 2008 Rat, I'm sorry to say, but the previous posts, are pretty accurate. If you are looking at a 'Legacy' airframe, it's difficult, if not impossible to get into as a civilian. As stated before though, Customs does fly the Hawk (UH-60). LSI is also a pretty damn good option. They fly the TH-67 (Bell 206) and teach the up and coming Army Aviators the basics... to include touch down Auto's. Best of luck to you! CHAD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darkhorse Posted October 7, 2008 Report Share Posted October 7, 2008 Border Patrol flies UH-1's, 500's, and astars. About 8 months ago they were hiring left and right and you didnt have to be airframe qualified. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rat Posted October 11, 2008 Author Report Share Posted October 11, 2008 I would be very content with a long career at LSI. Getting the family to Alabama would take a little work. When the time comes, I will also look into U.S. Customs and Border Patrol. Thanks for all your responses. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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