>> USCG Academy
I am aware of two (high school age) Auxillary members that were able
to secure Academy appointments. Both subsequently qualified for flight
school. Both had the HS grades. Both were very involved in Aux. Their
Flotillas made certain that they were well known to the Chiefs and
Officers, including commanders. Those letters of recommendation certainly
did not inhibit them.
> another option if you want to explore it would be the Coast Guard Auxilary,
> which also has an air branch. They can always use pilots and the CGAux
> works with the full time CG, so the attitude stays professional and relaxed.
> If you want to stay a civilian but still do things with the Coast Guard, this
> is an option.
You are describing (USCG) AUXAIR. Yes, we need pilots - that have an ownership
interest in an airplane. Rentals don't qualify. Some flying clubs might qualify. There
are also "TBO" limitations.
If you don't have an ownership interest, you can fly as an Observer.
We do not pilot USCG/govt aircraft. We fly our own aircraft. When we are flying, we
are USCG. Govt insurance. TFRs, mostly don't apply. If there is a reason, we can
use military fields.
We are reimbursed for fuel and get a maint allowance, based on HP. My 260 HP C205
gets $55/hour.
I find it a LOT more satisfying than CAP. No cadets. No formations. No saluting.
Lots of "mission" flying. If you are not interested in "rank" and "uniforms" ... that is
generally okay. The secret is finding a Flotilla that fits your interests and is aviation
friendly. Some are. Some are NOT! <g>
It's a govt operation. It requires a substantive background check (Google: SF86),
study, written tests, swim tests & check rides. If you're a PPL, you've got the chops
to get thru the book work and tests. It's a matter of perseverance.
The Gold-side (regular USCG) seem genuinely happy to have us around. Really.
IIRC, our little group in SE Michigan did ~900 hours last year.
We do many of the same missions that Gold-side does. Since my C205 cannot hover,
I fly "search," not "rescue." We are not allowed to fly (direct) LE missions, but we
can fly in support of LE. I don't fully grasp that distinction. <g>
Since beginning the AUXAIR-thing, I *think* that ATC has become more
helpful and accommodating my regular flying.
Whenever I use one of the magic squawks or a Rescue callsign ... ATC is
exceptionally helpful. One controller told me, "It's almost as good as AF2."
