Reserves Tanker Pilot Application as Engineer

[SpaceCadet]

Hi all,

25M Civilian Pilot Applicant

BS in Electrical Engineering 3.13 GPA

MS in Electrical Engineering 3.24 GPA

AFOQT: 99 Pilot 96 CSO 99 ABM 92 AA 92 Verbal and 84 Quant

84 PCSM with 12 flight hours (93 at 40-60+).

I have already attended MEPS and passed my commissioning physical.
Attended water survival training and dunker training at Fairchild AFB.

I currently work in search and rescue as the chief engineer on the technology side for NASA. My job mainly involves leading a small team of engineers to improve SAR technology both terrestrial and in support of human space flight. I am also involved in crew recovery operations for the Artemis program.

Letters of Rec: master thesis supervisor, national affairs manager of SAR, and a now-retired AF Colonel who I've known for >10 years.

My goal is to fly heavies for reserves or guard (KC-135/KC-46 is in my area). I am just about starting to finalize my package before reaching out to units, and any insight on chances would be very much appreciated!

Edited December 18, 2024 by SpaceCadet
title change

[ryleypav]

Pretty darn good numbers if you ask me. Any previous flight experience? Most units these days want at least a PPL. Not a hard line in the sand on paper, but pretty much is. Get your packet together and start throwing apps together. I'd imagine you'd get an interview at a tanker unit with those numbers/work experience. With that said, get flight time if you dont have it. Even tanker units are getting a good amount of apps these days and they can be pretty competitive. 

[SpaceCadet]

@ryleypav I have relatively limited flight experience other than the 12 hours I currently have in my logbook, which I agree is my weakest point. I have already passed the FAA medical exam and Baltimore MEPS and finished the FAA written exam. I am currently working towards my PPL, but progress is primarily dependent on funding availability. I am still working on paying for my graduate and undergrad degrees, and progress on my PPL should increase once those are finished.

I have tried reaching out to the units I am interested in to see if I could get my name/packet in front of them before the next UPT board opens, but I will continue working on getting more hours and submitting my package the next time the board comes around.

I appreciate the input!