Pilot opportunities in the CG?

Nytoga330 said:
What types of fixed wing equipment? Is it just c-130s?
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www.uscg.mil

Aircraft

The Coast Guard operates 202 fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft – airplanes and helicopters – to support its work as a law enforcement arm, a military service branch, and a seafaring service
www.uscg.mil

More fixed wing types in the USCG than rotary.
 
Helen737 said:
I am hoping for some feedback from people with CG Academy experience. What are the actual opportunities to become a fixed wing pilot? My DS really wants to be a pilot (he has no experience to date fyi). Got an appointment to CGA but is hoping for AFA or NA. I would really like to make sure he has done all his research before making a decision. Thank you!
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Hello! I'm about to start my last year at the Academy, and I'm currently pursuing flight school. I also spent the fall semester at USAFA as part of the service academy exchange program, so I'm in a good place to help with your decision.

The info in this thread is accurate. About 10% of the graduating class goes directly to flight school, which is around 20 cadets. It is a special assignment, which means that while your class rank is taken into consideration, you also interview in front of a board, which might produce some surprises. For example, someone who is 100th in the class but is highly involved in Aviation Club and received an excellent ASTB score might get picked over someone who is in the top 50. But if you aren't one of the lucky few selected, there's no need to fret. The majority of our pilots are pulled from the fleet. In fact, going directly to flight school is a recent development in CGA's history.

Now let's compare that to USAFA. There, you have approximately a 40% chance of being selected for flight school. That's 400 cadets compared to CGA's 20. However, the Air Force pulls the vast majority of their pilots from commissioning sources. There is an extremely low chance of receiving a spot after graduation.

In my personal opinion, just based on post-graduation flight opportunities, I would choose CGA over USAFA. Four years is a long time, and 18-22 year-olds are prone to stupid mistakes that could prevent them from getting selected. Plus, the Coast Guard gives you an opportunity to change your mind. You can enter the academy, get convinced to go afloat, graduate, do your time underway for a year or more, and still make it to flight school. There's a lot to consider while making this decision, and I'd love to help. Feel free to send me a private message.
 
Something also of interest. The CG was given 14 C-27s by the Air Force in FY2014. Attempts were made to missionize them. They have failed and all C-27s currently in use will remain cargo only and will be phased out by 2028.
 
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