Navy Helo to NOAA/USCG FW

[pilot_throwaway]

Hey all,

Does anyone happen to know someone that transitioned RW-FW via the Coast Guard DCA program or via IST to NOAA? Niche question I know, just trying to evaluate my options. Currently on my first shore tour in HSC for timing considerations, no FW experience outside of flight school.

 

[Gatordev]

My info is pretty dated, but in the past, if DCA is open, you would reach out to the program and apply. You would then go to a CG fleet concentration area and interview. At the time when I was looking at it, everyone got the same 5 questions which included a sea story, how to fly an approach with a plate they hand you, and a couple of other aviation questions.

I was at Whiting, so all the guys that went would go over to ATC in Mobile for their interview, but I don't think that was required, it's just where they have some senior pilots to do the interview (PIE, SAN, ECG, etc).

It seemed the only guys that could get interviews at NOAA were the VP guys, and of the several guys that went, none were hired. They all went down to Macdill, I believe.

Again, dated info, but that was the general flow.

 

[zippy]

Hey all,

Does anyone happen to know someone that transitioned RW-FW via the Coast Guard DCA program or via IST to NOAA? Niche question I know, just trying to evaluate my options. Currently on my first shore tour in HSC for timing considerations, no FW experience outside of flight school.

Math or science degree required for be considered by NOAA. They don’t care about flight experience as much as they care about technical education. They can teach anyone how to fly but can’t teach anyone how to understand whats going on in the back and CRM with the scientist, apparently.

 

[MGoBrew11]

I went through the Coast Guard DCA application process this year. Going VRs FTS instead but happy to share some gouge. DM me if you want.

You can go fixed wing in Coast Guard but it is not guaranteed by any means.

 

[SynixMan]

I know two people who went the NOAA route. They do lat transfer boards as people leave. I spoke to their recruiter via phone in 2020 when I thought my civilian route was drying up. Literally, shoot them an email or call and they'll walk you through it, it was just one LT back in 2020.

DCA should be open too, know a few folks in Milton who did it. Good deal as well if you wanna stay wearing a flight suit. They used to want a conditional release from big Navy. Not sure how that's being handled today as the PERS-43 folks were making people go through all the resignation wickets to get the conditional release, which was bullshit.

Oh, and I doubt it'll let you dodge a disassociated tour if that's what you're thinking.

 

[MGoBrew11]

I know two people who went the NOAA route. They do lat transfer boards as people leave. I spoke to their recruiter via phone in 2020 when I thought my civilian route was drying up. Literally, shoot them an email or call and they'll walk you through it, it was just one LT back in 2020.

DCA should be open too, know a few folks in Milton who did it. Good deal as well if you wanna stay wearing a flight suit. They used to want a conditional release from big Navy. Not sure how that's being handled today as the PERS-43 folks were making people go through all the resignation wickets to get the conditional release, which was bullshit.

Oh, and I doubt it'll let you dodge a disassociated tour if that's what you're thinking.

Coast Guard requires the “conditional release” even if you’re still resigning. That’s ultimately how my application got messed up. Big Navy took too long to approve my resignation and Coast Guard was demanding a conditional release that wasn’t even necessary since I was resigning. Resignation got approved the day of the DCA board, but Coast Guard said it was too late.

And yes, applied from the boat. So you’re not getting out that tour.

 

[Ventus]

Math or science degree required for be considered by NOAA. They don’t care about flight experience as much as they care about technical education. They can teach anyone how to fly but can’t teach anyone how to understand whats going on in the back and CRM with the scientist, apparently.

What if you used to be a forecaster?

 

[HSMPBR]

What if you used to be a forecaster?

They need people to fly planes, not lie to them.

 

[Griz882]

What if you used to be a forecaster?

Who’s going to win the World Series?

 

[Flash]

What if you used to be a forecaster?

A math or science degree is a pretty firm requirement from what I know.

 

[zippy]

What if you used to be a forecaster?

There’s an app for that these days… but here’s what they’re currently looking for.

NOAA Corps to offer direct-to-flight career path | Office of Marine and Aviation Operations

The NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps will be holding a unique opportunity for licensed pilots to apply for a direct-to-flight career pathway into the NOAA Corps.

www.omao.noaa.gov

Eligibility and Benefits | Office of Marine and Aviation Operations

Learn about our eligibility requirements, pay and benefits, and pre-commissioning requirements. The NOAA Corps seeks officer candidates with science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) backgrounds, a desire to serve their country, and leadership potential. If you have these qualities...

www.omao.noaa.gov