Is it worth applying for ANG pilot positions if I'm still waiting on my medical cert from the FAA?

[latetotheparty]

I'm 29 years old and want to become an ANG pilot, but my 1st class medical cert app has been under review for over 8 months now and I don'd know when I'll receive my cert. My AME, HIMS case manager, and neuropsychiatrist have all given me positive endorsements to begin flight training and I've been issued my student pilot certificate. Of course without the cert, I cannot solo and get my PPL but I've already begun ground school, simulator lessons, and some flight lessons. My hope is to qualify for my PPL with flight hours and written and have my cert by that point so I can solo. Worst case scenario if the cert isn't issued by that point, would I still be competitive for ANG pilot slots? My preference is helicopters, but I'm also happy to fly heavies. I've also heard mixed reviews on if I should enlist in a unit first before applying for a pilot slot, and I've been considering enlisting to make my way into the unit and begin networking. I think this option could help me with my ultimate goal while waiting for my cert, what do y'all think? 

Edited Monday at 04:09 AM by latetotheparty
forgot to add question

[brabus]

You only need a 3rd class medical to fly as a student and once you get your PPL. Why are you trying to get a 1st class medical?

HIMS (and whatever your specific, related situation is) isn’t going to look good, so if you do get an interview, be fully transparent, honest, and discuss how you’ve learned, become a better xyz, etc.

PPL is subjective; some units hard require it while others will hire a guy with 1 hr of flight time. So it may not matter a ton, but it is guaranteed to help you in many ways, so certainly keep pressing towards that goal.

You’re old to be starting this process - time is your worst enemy right now. If you’re going to take a shot, start getting apps together right now and throwing them in. Even if it sucks now, maybe you send in a much improved app a year or two later and that gets noticed. You never know unless you try.

[Flev]

Don't enlist with the expectation of commissioning in a unit, especially at your age. You need to get this ball rolling ASAP, even if you don't have your FAA medical yet. Keep pushing on the flight training and build/submit the rest of your package.

[nunya]

I'll give another piece of advice you didn't ask for.

Keep working on whatever demons you've wrestled or are wrestling that led you down the HIMS and neuropsychiatrist path. Counselors, ministers, therapy, whatever. Flight training, especially mil flight training, and military life can bring out the best and worst in people. If you're starting from less-than-100%, it may not end well for you and the collateral damage may affect those around you, too. It's very unlikely that your problems are unique or insurmountable. Others likely have blazed the path ahead of you. It sounds like you need to be especially aware of the challenges ahead for you in mil aviation and the mil lifestyle. Good luck man.

[blueingreen]

If flying with the ANG is what you want to do in life, then give it everything you've got! I'm just a civilian who's still in the application process for ANG fighter units, but I wouldn't recommend enlisting as it's going to be a huge time sink and there's no guarantee you'll be selected over another candidate. Given your age, I would start getting an application together as quickly as reasonably possible. I don't know how far along you are yet, but assuming you're starting from scratch: You're going to need to be coordinating multiple things at the same time such as studying for and scheduling an AFOQT / TBAS ASAP (I would schedule one a month out and use the time to prepare), studying for the PPL written exam, establishing a clear roadmap with your CFI on how and when you'll be completing the practical requirements for a PPL, working on a resume and cover letter that differentiates you (in a good way) from the rest of the crowd of applicants, and getting three letters of recommendation that speak to your character, skills, and how they make you a good USAF Officer Candidate and Pilot Candidate. You'll also need to find a good explanation for that HIMS; be honest about it but find a way to "spin" it in a positive way, show what you've learned and how you've improved, etc. Lastly, I would just get a 3rd class medical for now. You'll have to get an FC1 in the event that you're hired by an ANG unit anyway. Best of luck brother!

[O Face]

I’ll second what Brabus said while adding that assuming you got a DUI, or something similar that lead to HIMS, is also going to require a waiver to get you into OTS. This can be very time consuming as well. Coupled with your age, you have some serious hurdles. I’m not telling you to give up, but figured you wanted to hear some truth. My buds in ANG heavy squadrons love to hire their enlisted aviators. At your age I’d normally agree that enlisting might not be the best idea, but if you are needing a moral waiver, enlisting may be your only choice, as I highly doubt any unit is hurting so badly for pilots, they’ll go get a moral waiver and then possibly an age waiver for a stranger. 

Edited yesterday at 06:03 AM by O Face
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