Forum: Future F-16 crew

It's been my life long dream to be a viper pilot... ever since I was 6ish I wanted to fly (F-14 at the time, until i found out I'd have to take off and land carriers all the time...lol). The time is getting closer, and I'm trying to find the best route to get in the pit of a viper. This is what I'm thinking:

Graduate in fall '07 with my A&P license, associates degree. Plan to then transfer to Western Mich. Univ. and get a bachelors degree as a pilot.

I'm looking at possibly joining ANG before getting my bachelors, joining as a mechanic, that way I'm on the "in", which, as I understand, is one of the best bets towards getting selected as a pilot (that and having flying experience). I'd join at Selfridge ANG in MI.

Thoughts?

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Active Member Joined: Nov 29, 2004 - 01:40 PM Posts: 146

Sounds like a reasonable plan.

I actually spoke with them back in March about meeting their board, but ended up not applying to them for some reason I cannot remember. I may try with them again if the application window is still open.

The only thing I will tell you to check into with the 127th is that I was told by them that they will be changing to A-10s in the near future. If this is true, you might want to re-think your plan if Vipers are what you want to fly.

1-800-645-9420 is their phone number for details.

Just remember that there is no guarantee that this plan will work. But then again, there is no guarantee that ANY plan will work.

You do have a good plan though.

Incidentally, I was originally going to join the navy to fly the F-14 (my grandfather helped build it over at Grumman). When I found out that it would be retiring from the operational Navy right about the time I would be getting to the active fleet,

yeah, just heard that they'll be switching to a-10's.... so i'm gonna have to edit my plan a little... find another unit, like Tulsa or something

A good job to look into would be 2A332 F-16 Avionics Technician. You'd learn how to operate every system in the cockpit (Radar, comm, targeting, ILS, TACAN, IFF, fuels...). Check out http://usmilitary.about.com/od/airforce ... b2a3x2.htm for that job or http://usmilitary.about.com/od/airforce ... afjobs.htm for the full list. Enjoy.

hmm, that looks interesting... thanks for the tip! I still have to decide where I'd like to apply to.... considering selfridge is out of the question. I'm looking at Tulsa, OK; Toledo, OH; or McEntire, SC. Or perhaps Richmond, VA. Kinda depends on where I can get a civilian job as Aircraft Mechanic or Pilot... Also on where my future wife can get a job...

The Richmond unit is transitioning to the F-22A. Some other guard viper units include: Atlantic City, NJ; Tucson, AZ; Washington, DC; Burlington, VT; Springfield, IL, plus many more. You could also look into the reserve viper units. You also might want to call a viper unit and see if they are taking pilot applications off the street. And find out when their next pilot selection board is. Try www.wantschek.com
They have fourms about how to get a slot in the ANG/AFRES. And also pages and links to help find out when the next pilot boards are. Hope that helps, Good luck.

McEntire, SC is a great unit. The 389th swapped jets around with them several times and I've crewed several of their jets. Block 52's are good jets to work with. Plus the -229 Pratt is the only Pratt worth a crap... Evil or Very Mad

No offense but if I got into Richmond and they were transitioning to Raptors I wouldnt care at all :p

Theyre both awsome air planes.

Look at Toledo too, they are getting more planes soon and will remain Viper. Some of their opening slots will be filled by IPs from Springfield while I was also hinted they would take new hires too.

-Aaron

Look at DC. We are in Andrews and have lots of jobs. We have had several pilots that started as crew chiefs.

TenguNoHi wrote:

No offense but if I got into Richmond and they were transitioning to Raptors I wouldnt care at all :p

Theyre both awsome air planes.

haha...i wouldn't either, but just figured i'd let him know.

Hey Redvan, good luck with everything! I have a similar plan as yours except I was going to wait until I get my bachelor's (2 more semesters) to apply for ANG...but now that I think about it, maybe joining before would be more advantageous. Anyone know if the Guard will work around your school schedule? I was thinking of applying as a part-timer. When I spoke to a recruiter at the CA ANG, he said that I might have to take time off school for training if I join the Guard. Kinda scared me cuz I really want to finish school. My 1st choice would be the CA ANG (my home state). Here's a link to find some job openings in guard units. Just type "pilot" in the search. Last time I checked I think AZ and a couple other units had openings for pilot.

http://www.goang.com/search/#results

yeah... i'm gonna wait until after bachelors if being in the guard would take away from school time...

viperman, that wantscheek link doesn't work... what is it?

I screwed up the link its www.wantscheck.com

Its a site that has tons of info about the pilot selection process. They have tons of stuff that im sure will really help. Good Luck.

sweet thanks! Now I'm thinking I may join before getting bachelors to get some military experience, and possibly a slot at selfridge before they loose their 16's (friend that works there says there is no set date that they'll be movin out)... so yeah... lots to think about!

Any future pilot candidates from Selfridge will learn to fly the A-10, that could change but that is the story as of today.

Forum: Future F-16 crew

Looking at joining ANG before getting my bachelors