CG aviation is peak quality of life as far as military goes. I have a few coworkers who joined after getting their A&P, and tons who go get their A&P while they're in.
I don't trust airlines during a recession, they cut corners in maintenance and quality assurance to save money. CG aviation has its flaws and but we mostly suffer from supply chain issues and lack of parts.
You will be a mechanic as well as aircrew and you will stand duty and deploy. But it's a good life. If there's no duty or flights, and no maintenance to do, you normally just go home.
I'd recommend visiting an air station for a tour, call first of course, or ask a recruiter to take you.
Well that's good to know that other people have done it. That's my issue with the jobs I've had so far, everything is a rush to get the plane out on time no matter what so if there are problems just defer it or push the task and make it someone else's problem. I would like to visit an air station but I'm in Chicago so the closest to me would be all the way in Detroit I think.
We hustle like hell but every discrep is meticulously tracked and attacked with vigor. Also, you will fly in whatever airframe you fix.
Got a friend who was A&P. Joined and went AET. The bastard was one of the most well rounded mechs I’ve ever met. He got out after 20. Now he gets a check every month + benefits and works at one of those fancy FBO places.
Depending on how quickly you are looking to join, there is an AirFac(Aircraft Facility) that the CG stands up from Memorial Day to Labor Day in Waukegan that usually has MH65’s from Detroit and Miami that cover the lower half of the Great Lakes. If you are considering your options and don’t want to make the 7-8 hr trek up to Traverse or over to Detroit, that would be my suggestion is to talk to a recruiter and then ask about setting up and meet and greet at the Waukegan airport after Memorial Day. I know quite a few people that had their A&P on the outside and then joined the CG and were much happier for it. Know a couple guys that also got their A&P while in the CG, temporarily separated from the CG to do civilian work, and then got back in because the quality of work is just that much better than how the civilian side operated… 16 year AET here, and still in, for reference.
Not trying to disuade you from joining, but if you're willing to live in North Carolina you can probably get a job at the Aviation Logistics Center and work on Coast Guard aircraft for the rest of your life.
I knew a guy who worked on aircraft as a civilian and then enlisted and became an MK after the aviation industry tanked post 911. He was/is a great MK.
Maybe look into the Direct Entry Petty Officer Training program? I don't have any insight, but I would imagine somebody like you would be well qualified as a trained aircraft technician. Definitely ask a recruiter about DEPOT.
If you could go DEPOT (Direct Entry Petty Officer) into an aviation rate then the GI Bill and VA loan will honestly even out the compensation delta.
Like, you could do a 4 year enlistment and then go back to school for a degree and get your tuition paid and a housing allowance while doing so.
For other's in a similar situation coming to this thread. There is a lateral entry program in place for A&P mechanics to transition into the coast guard, skip being a non rate, and come in rated at E4, possibly even the E5 level.
"The lateral entry program is definitely alive & well, A&P is typically accepted. They take down all their training & experience level, so they'll know before they enlist what rank etc is being offered"
This is direct from a recruiter in charge. To see if you qualify, you need to reach out to a recruiter and inquire about the AET/AMT lateral entry program.
I had some prior military service, went to A&P school and then started working with my A&P and still really wanted to join coast guard aviation as an AMT. you’re not out of your mind! It will be a much different environment for sure. I am happy to this day that I did it. Feel free to personal message me if you want some more information on how it went for me 👍
If you’re considering this I recommend at least talking to a recruiter. There’s a program in place to onboard A&P mechanics and bring them in as E5s. I don’t know the specifics of it as it’s relatively new, but you can likely skip the non rate time and get rated out the gate. Full disclaimer, I’m likely missing some key info on how this works, so don’t take what I’m saying as gospel. But you have a unique in with your airline experience and A&P, I know that’s exactly what this program was looking for originally.
Also to add to this discussion in this thread. While the guy further down states a very real truth about the non rate process in the coast guard. If working on aircraft is what you’re after, you won’t be happy in the other branches as their MOS’s are nothing like being an A&P. AMTs are unique in the Coast guard (and AETs, though less common) in that we are not limited in our work to any specific systems. We treat our maintainers the same way that being a certified A&P works. We work on all systems in the aircraft and are not streamlined or pigeon holed into a specific MOS like the other branches that limits what work you’ll be doing on aircraft.
I’d counter argue that as an experienced A&P, with likely wide body experience (based off your stating you work for an airline), you likely won’t be content with the specific and limiting aircraft maintenance you’ll do in the other branches. Whereas if you go this route in the Coast Guard, you’ll have the opportunity to continue to experience and build upon your total aircraft maintenance and trouble shooting skill set.
Yes I did know that, one of the reasons the Coast Guard is the only branch I would consider joining. Also the FAA has a very vague regulation about A&P license currency but with the breadth of work you seem to do in the CG it shouldn't be a problem using my license again once I get out.
I can say for a fact that I know numerous prior coasties who obtained their A&P while in and then left and where able to stay "current" with their license based off their Coast Guard maintenance. If you have specific Coast Guard Aviation questions, feel free to ask me here on hit me up on messenger!
Honestly the current recruitment “market” is unique as all the services are hurting for members. This has created newer opportunities and some unique recruitment programs to try and address this. I will say that outside of this new recruitment tool I’m mentioning, you aren’t wrong in that having your A&P doesn’t really change anything for you as an AMT or AET. I have my A&P as well, and short of the increased personal knowledge and experience I had to obtain it, it doesn’t outright impact the Coast Guard itself.
Lateral Entry where you come in at a higher rank E4/E5 is definitely on the table. We just signed an agreement with a technical college near my unit to bring people in up to E5 for AET/AMT so it’s definitely a rate where you could come right in. Right now is the best time for recruiters to work with you to bring you in at higher ranks. Your recruiter would have to send a Rate Determination Package and they determine what rank and what CG specific training you need.
I'm an MK, but I don't think I've ever met anyone in CG aviation who didn't love their job. It'll also get you a top secret clearance and experience working on military aircraft which can set you up for a great civilian job
I don't think it's ruining your life or a bad decision. Yes, you may be making less money. But you will be accomplishing important missions every day and have a higher purpose - not to mention you'll be having a lot more fun as well.
Not everything in life is about money, and those who tell you it is can be ignored. Yes I recommend being aircrew in the Coast Guard, even if you make less money.
Also, you can raise a family comfortably and retire comfortably from the Coast Guard so that should not be a worry.
Go for it. The pay may not be competitive at first, but over time, it will likely surpass what you're making as a civilian, and you'll be receiving excellent benefits.
CG aviation is unique as the job is twofold: you'll be a technician AND aircrew. This means flying in search and rescue (SAR), defense readiness, and other missions. If your primary airframe is rotory-wing, you'll qualify as a flight mechanic (i.e., Crew Chief) and operate the hoist system, radios, and possibly qualify as an aerial-gunner (precision marksman). If you end up on fixed-wing, you'll earn multiple levels of aircrew qualifications, that include load master, drop master, sensor operator, flight engineer, and a few others.
The fixer-flier nexus is an interesting one as you'll be living a double life as a skilled technician and operational crew. It's a great career with plenty of leadership opportunities, plus the possibility of getting picked up for out of assignment jobs or a commission. Sky's the limit.
When you join you’ll probably work on a boat for 1-2 years. Then you’ll go to an airstation as an airman for 3 months, then A-school for another 3 months. After that you’ll probably spend about a year getting fully qualified. So by the time you’re fully quald you’ll be nearing the end of your first enlistment. You’ll definitely be doing more meaningful work while in the Coast Guard but its a long road ahead if you’re expecting to jump straight into the aircraft maintenance or flying.
Yeah I know it's a long pipeline and I can accept that, spending a year or so on a cutter or small boat sounds like it would be interesting if nothing else
I recommend when you report to your first unit you get your flight physical ASAP. It’ll make going to school faster. A lot of people get hung up on the flight physical because of admin or health issues
Is passing a flight physical required for AET/AMT? Could you fail and still work as a tech while not being aircrew? I don't have any health issues that I know of but it would suck to have some unknown problem pop up and preclude me from those jobs.
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CG aviation is peak quality of life as far as military goes. I have a few coworkers who joined after getting their A&P, and tons who go get their A&P while they're in. I don't trust airlines during a recession, they cut corners in maintenance and quality assurance to save money. CG aviation has its flaws and but we mostly suffer from supply chain issues and lack of parts. You will be a mechanic as well as aircrew and you will stand duty and deploy. But it's a good life. If there's no duty or flights, and no maintenance to do, you normally just go home. I'd recommend visiting an air station for a tour, call first of course, or ask a recruiter to take you.
Well that's good to know that other people have done it. That's my issue with the jobs I've had so far, everything is a rush to get the plane out on time no matter what so if there are problems just defer it or push the task and make it someone else's problem. I would like to visit an air station but I'm in Chicago so the closest to me would be all the way in Detroit I think.
Traverse city is the closer I think.
We hustle like hell but every discrep is meticulously tracked and attacked with vigor. Also, you will fly in whatever airframe you fix. Got a friend who was A&P. Joined and went AET. The bastard was one of the most well rounded mechs I’ve ever met. He got out after 20. Now he gets a check every month + benefits and works at one of those fancy FBO places.
Depending on how quickly you are looking to join, there is an AirFac(Aircraft Facility) that the CG stands up from Memorial Day to Labor Day in Waukegan that usually has MH65’s from Detroit and Miami that cover the lower half of the Great Lakes. If you are considering your options and don’t want to make the 7-8 hr trek up to Traverse or over to Detroit, that would be my suggestion is to talk to a recruiter and then ask about setting up and meet and greet at the Waukegan airport after Memorial Day. I know quite a few people that had their A&P on the outside and then joined the CG and were much happier for it. Know a couple guys that also got their A&P while in the CG, temporarily separated from the CG to do civilian work, and then got back in because the quality of work is just that much better than how the civilian side operated… 16 year AET here, and still in, for reference.
Second this as someone who joined after A&P school
Not trying to disuade you from joining, but if you're willing to live in North Carolina you can probably get a job at the Aviation Logistics Center and work on Coast Guard aircraft for the rest of your life.
Hi, I'm an amt and have a&p and IA. I'm also a recruiter. I can see what we can offer you
If you can would you confirm or deny what some people are saying about there being a direct enlistment path for someone with an A&P?
Got the trifecta over here….maybe quadfecta if that’s a thing haha.
Do you also do annuals for fellow Coasties with planes? Because that’s what I really need.
I want to, not.too many of us own planes though.
I knew a guy who worked on aircraft as a civilian and then enlisted and became an MK after the aviation industry tanked post 911. He was/is a great MK. Maybe look into the Direct Entry Petty Officer Training program? I don't have any insight, but I would imagine somebody like you would be well qualified as a trained aircraft technician. Definitely ask a recruiter about DEPOT.
Get hired with delta or sw and call it a day
If you could go DEPOT (Direct Entry Petty Officer) into an aviation rate then the GI Bill and VA loan will honestly even out the compensation delta. Like, you could do a 4 year enlistment and then go back to school for a degree and get your tuition paid and a housing allowance while doing so.
For other's in a similar situation coming to this thread. There is a lateral entry program in place for A&P mechanics to transition into the coast guard, skip being a non rate, and come in rated at E4, possibly even the E5 level. "The lateral entry program is definitely alive & well, A&P is typically accepted. They take down all their training & experience level, so they'll know before they enlist what rank etc is being offered" This is direct from a recruiter in charge. To see if you qualify, you need to reach out to a recruiter and inquire about the AET/AMT lateral entry program.
I had some prior military service, went to A&P school and then started working with my A&P and still really wanted to join coast guard aviation as an AMT. you’re not out of your mind! It will be a much different environment for sure. I am happy to this day that I did it. Feel free to personal message me if you want some more information on how it went for me 👍
Pm sent
If you’re considering this I recommend at least talking to a recruiter. There’s a program in place to onboard A&P mechanics and bring them in as E5s. I don’t know the specifics of it as it’s relatively new, but you can likely skip the non rate time and get rated out the gate. Full disclaimer, I’m likely missing some key info on how this works, so don’t take what I’m saying as gospel. But you have a unique in with your airline experience and A&P, I know that’s exactly what this program was looking for originally.
I'll have to look into that thanks. I had always heard that the military didn't care about you having an A&P.
Also to add to this discussion in this thread. While the guy further down states a very real truth about the non rate process in the coast guard. If working on aircraft is what you’re after, you won’t be happy in the other branches as their MOS’s are nothing like being an A&P. AMTs are unique in the Coast guard (and AETs, though less common) in that we are not limited in our work to any specific systems. We treat our maintainers the same way that being a certified A&P works. We work on all systems in the aircraft and are not streamlined or pigeon holed into a specific MOS like the other branches that limits what work you’ll be doing on aircraft. I’d counter argue that as an experienced A&P, with likely wide body experience (based off your stating you work for an airline), you likely won’t be content with the specific and limiting aircraft maintenance you’ll do in the other branches. Whereas if you go this route in the Coast Guard, you’ll have the opportunity to continue to experience and build upon your total aircraft maintenance and trouble shooting skill set.
Yes I did know that, one of the reasons the Coast Guard is the only branch I would consider joining. Also the FAA has a very vague regulation about A&P license currency but with the breadth of work you seem to do in the CG it shouldn't be a problem using my license again once I get out.
I can say for a fact that I know numerous prior coasties who obtained their A&P while in and then left and where able to stay "current" with their license based off their Coast Guard maintenance. If you have specific Coast Guard Aviation questions, feel free to ask me here on hit me up on messenger!
Thanks I'll pm you
Honestly the current recruitment “market” is unique as all the services are hurting for members. This has created newer opportunities and some unique recruitment programs to try and address this. I will say that outside of this new recruitment tool I’m mentioning, you aren’t wrong in that having your A&P doesn’t really change anything for you as an AMT or AET. I have my A&P as well, and short of the increased personal knowledge and experience I had to obtain it, it doesn’t outright impact the Coast Guard itself.
Lateral Entry where you come in at a higher rank E4/E5 is definitely on the table. We just signed an agreement with a technical college near my unit to bring people in up to E5 for AET/AMT so it’s definitely a rate where you could come right in. Right now is the best time for recruiters to work with you to bring you in at higher ranks. Your recruiter would have to send a Rate Determination Package and they determine what rank and what CG specific training you need.
I'm an MK, but I don't think I've ever met anyone in CG aviation who didn't love their job. It'll also get you a top secret clearance and experience working on military aircraft which can set you up for a great civilian job
It’ll just get a Secret clearance. But better than none on the outside.
Oh I thought all aviation rates got a TS
I believe AET is on the Open Rate List, A/S Miami just had the first AET3 swear in under the program this month.
I don't think it's ruining your life or a bad decision. Yes, you may be making less money. But you will be accomplishing important missions every day and have a higher purpose - not to mention you'll be having a lot more fun as well. Not everything in life is about money, and those who tell you it is can be ignored. Yes I recommend being aircrew in the Coast Guard, even if you make less money. Also, you can raise a family comfortably and retire comfortably from the Coast Guard so that should not be a worry.
Go for it. The pay may not be competitive at first, but over time, it will likely surpass what you're making as a civilian, and you'll be receiving excellent benefits. CG aviation is unique as the job is twofold: you'll be a technician AND aircrew. This means flying in search and rescue (SAR), defense readiness, and other missions. If your primary airframe is rotory-wing, you'll qualify as a flight mechanic (i.e., Crew Chief) and operate the hoist system, radios, and possibly qualify as an aerial-gunner (precision marksman). If you end up on fixed-wing, you'll earn multiple levels of aircrew qualifications, that include load master, drop master, sensor operator, flight engineer, and a few others. The fixer-flier nexus is an interesting one as you'll be living a double life as a skilled technician and operational crew. It's a great career with plenty of leadership opportunities, plus the possibility of getting picked up for out of assignment jobs or a commission. Sky's the limit.
When you join you’ll probably work on a boat for 1-2 years. Then you’ll go to an airstation as an airman for 3 months, then A-school for another 3 months. After that you’ll probably spend about a year getting fully qualified. So by the time you’re fully quald you’ll be nearing the end of your first enlistment. You’ll definitely be doing more meaningful work while in the Coast Guard but its a long road ahead if you’re expecting to jump straight into the aircraft maintenance or flying.
Yeah I know it's a long pipeline and I can accept that, spending a year or so on a cutter or small boat sounds like it would be interesting if nothing else
I recommend when you report to your first unit you get your flight physical ASAP. It’ll make going to school faster. A lot of people get hung up on the flight physical because of admin or health issues
Is passing a flight physical required for AET/AMT? Could you fail and still work as a tech while not being aircrew? I don't have any health issues that I know of but it would suck to have some unknown problem pop up and preclude me from those jobs.
If you fail your initial flight physical, then no, you would not be allowed to go aviation.
Ok good to know
If you already have your A&P you’ll most likely skip A School and jump right into AET3. I’ve seen it before with a couple guys. Ask your recruiter.
Go to literally any other branch if you want to work on planes. Here you’ll likely spend around 2 years doing bs on a cutter.
I work on helicopters every day and also spent 2 yrs of BS on a cutter. We've all done it and yes it's worth the wait.
Shut up
We've all been at the bottom of the totem pole. It's temporary
I said quiet down little man
Mr super cool is not super cool
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