Hello Everybody,
I'm hoping that some current CF Pilots might have some answers to my questions.
Here's my situation. I'm a 21 yr old college aviation grad with a commercial Multi-IFR, finishing up an instructor rating, and sitting at about 250 hours. I've been in the civilian aviation industry for over three years, and despite its tendency to eat its own young, the market is opening up once again.
From my current position, with the usual amount of hard work and some time, I can probably make a descent career for myself. But, the forces are still an option, especially with the CEOTP still open, at least for now, and I must admit I’m tempted once again.
So assuming I can actually work my way through all the known steps, and I choose to sign the papers, what can I expect from there on? That's a pretty vague question I know, but any information regarding everything from the flight training to the lifestyle, job satisfaction, and quality of life of a forces pilot is much appreciated.
During the course work, how big are the flying classes, and what seems to be the best skills or tools to have to have a real shot of finishing at the top? Is it practical flying stuff; met, air law etc? Or is it more of an abstract topic base?
I'm also wondering about things like, can I use the privileges of my civilian licenses, say instructing at a local flight school on the weekends while currently in the forces? Also, at what point can you start living off base if you choose? What about flying "tours" versus desk jobs. How much of you seven years can you expect to be pushin' pencils, and how much of that is at your control?
Anyway, sorry for the longer post, I’m just really interested in getting some "real" info from those in the training process and those already serving our country. Any information is much appreciated, thanks in advance.
Gand
I'm hoping that some current CF Pilots might have some answers to my questions.
Here's my situation. I'm a 21 yr old college aviation grad with a commercial Multi-IFR, finishing up an instructor rating, and sitting at about 250 hours. I've been in the civilian aviation industry for over three years, and despite its tendency to eat its own young, the market is opening up once again.
From my current position, with the usual amount of hard work and some time, I can probably make a descent career for myself. But, the forces are still an option, especially with the CEOTP still open, at least for now, and I must admit I’m tempted once again.
So assuming I can actually work my way through all the known steps, and I choose to sign the papers, what can I expect from there on? That's a pretty vague question I know, but any information regarding everything from the flight training to the lifestyle, job satisfaction, and quality of life of a forces pilot is much appreciated.
During the course work, how big are the flying classes, and what seems to be the best skills or tools to have to have a real shot of finishing at the top? Is it practical flying stuff; met, air law etc? Or is it more of an abstract topic base?
I'm also wondering about things like, can I use the privileges of my civilian licenses, say instructing at a local flight school on the weekends while currently in the forces? Also, at what point can you start living off base if you choose? What about flying "tours" versus desk jobs. How much of you seven years can you expect to be pushin' pencils, and how much of that is at your control?
Anyway, sorry for the longer post, I’m just really interested in getting some "real" info from those in the training process and those already serving our country. Any information is much appreciated, thanks in advance.
Gand