I'm just about to leave so I can't really get into it. Try my website for now http:\\www.cgaux73.org and look at Air Operations. And try the links page.Inspired by a post over here, I'm now curious...what's the word on flying for the Coast Guard Aux? Requirements, type of flying, etc?
Inspired by a post over here, I'm now curious...what's the word on flying for the Coast Guard Aux? Requirements, type of flying, etc?
Depents a lot on where you are Matt. I had a couple friends fly in to eat lunch with me yesterday. One is a retired Captain form the shallow water Navy now flies with the Aux. He's in Savannah, but if you really get into it, I can see if he would mind exchanging e-mails with you. The other fella was an active duty Coast Guard officer flying helos. Got a medal during Katrina for his efforts. Very nice fella. Seems he's off to the D.C. area next to work that area. I asked him for his cell number in case I ever ran into issues there, but acquiesed when he told me they were actually busting some of their own folks that violated procedure. Now I think of him as more of a structured thinker
Best,
Dave
Inspired by a post over here, I'm now curious...what's the word on flying for the Coast Guard Aux? Requirements, type of flying, etc?
Actually, joining because you want something from them is a good idea. Just remember, you have to put in more than you get back. 4 million volunteer hours spread over 29,000 members is a lot of time. Besides, it's not free. There are dues.Just like CAP, join because you want to contribute to the organization, not because you want to get something from them.
My annual dues are $31 if I remember correctly. Part of the dues go to your local flotilla (chapter) which may vary, part to the district, and part to national....snip... pay dues of about $90 per year. ...snip...
You're correct. The aircraft are all privately owned, and in most cases, flown by the owner or with the owner onboard.Also, and please correct me if I am wrong, they are ALL private-owned aircraft. As such, there may not be one near you, especially if you are inland at all.
You can get a lot out of it, not just the reward of altruism.Just like CAP, join because you want to contribute to the organization, not because you want to get something from them.
I'm mostly just curious. I'm looking for pretty much any way to fly more for cheap, and if could be for a good cause, even better. I don't know how much time I'd have to give as CJC keeps me pretty busy, but I'm just kind of curious about their requirements and what they do.
200 hours for copilot rating is the minimum flight hours so this is not for those looking to build time. You need to pass a background check and obtain a security clearance, all at Coast guard expense. I am travelling but I will post more later. I am CgAux pilot and a staff officer for aviation officer. We do supplement the active duty guys slot which is very different than cap.
I'm not really looking for time building, just a way to fly more and fly different types of aircraft/missions. <snip> I'd be fun to actually do something productive with my flying.
Considered Angel Flight or one of the other charity medical airlift programs?
Matt;
You're in one of the more active districts for air operations. In fact, if you are really interested, the 1st district conference is Jan 5th and 6th in Quincy MA. Also, I'm not sure you will find much on AUX AIR on the flotilla websites since it is considered a district thing. (On the other hand, I just checked the district site - a013.uscgaux.info - and didn't find anything there either.) And as one person pointed out, the Auxiliary seems to pay more attention to surface ops.
Drop me a note if you're really interested. I can find a couple of pilots you can talk to in your area. (If you know Plum Island Airport in Newburyport, MA, there is a very nice L-19 Birddog that flys out of there. The owner is an AUX AIR pilot, a restorer of L-19s and is also the owner of the airport. I believe the airport manager at Nantucket is also a AUXAIR pilot.)
I just added this: http://www.cgaux73.org/AirOps-New.htmlI'm not really looking for time building, just a way to fly more and fly different types of aircraft/missions. I've got well over 200 hrs, so that's not an issue, I just don't really know much about how to get involved or what I can do once involved. I did CAP for a while, but we hardly did any flying, other than the occasional training flight. I'd be fun to actually do something productive with my flying. Unfortunately, the website of the local flotilla doesn't seem to have anything about an air wing on it.