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Question
I had two questions.
1. I currently have a Commercial Multi-Engine Instrument Land pilot license, but unfortunately i can not finish school due to lack of money issues. I want to join the Air Force as an aircrew member to stay flying even tho I would no longer be a pilot. My percentile score was a 74 on the ASVAB. Is it possible to get a guaranteed job/guaranteed base location with that score? I am interested in becoming a boom operator at MacDill in Tampa.
2. As far as hours go, what a normal day like for an aircrew member? Do you have specific hours, or are you on call 24/7?
Sean -
The types of jobs and bases you can choose via MEPS or a recruiter depends on what is available at the time. There are many different tests that make up the overall ASVAB score, and each of the aircrew careers have specific limits. All aircrew jobs require you pass a flight physical, as your vision has to be corrected to 20/20, and you hearing has to meet certain limits.
The hours you would experience depend on whether you are on a mission, or doing office duty in your squadron. They vary way too much to give you a specific breakdown, as every day, and every mission is different.
I hope this answers your questions. If not, or if you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to write back.
Sincerely,
James Bell
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Answers by Expert:
James Bell
Expertise
I am a retired MSgt (2004) with 24 years experience in the aircrew career field, both as a loadmaster (AFSC 1A2x1) and flight engineer (AFSC 1A1x1). I have been to every continent at one time or another, and regularly flew 300 to 500 hours a year. I have been involved in the operations in Grenada, Panama, Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq. I can answer most questions you may have about enlisted Air Force life in general, assignments, benefits, and enlisted aircrew operations. NOTE: If you have specific recruiting and/or medical questions about how to get into this career field as a civilian, they have changed since my time, so that is best answered by a recruiter or MEPS. I can answer questions about military personnel wanting to RETRAIN. If you are asking about being an Air Force pilot, please be advised my area of expertise is ENLISTED aircrew operations, NOT OFFICERS.
Experience
Loadmaster (AFSC 1A2x1): 7 years - 2,000 hours - C-5A Galaxy cargo plane. Flight Engineer (AFSC 1A1x1C): 7 years - 2,500 hours - C-141B Starlifter cargo plane, 10 years - 3,800 hours - KC-10A Extender aerial tanker. Served as aircrew Flight Instructor, Flight Evaluator and Training Manager
Education/Credentials
Aircraft Loadmaster Initial Qualification - 1980. Mission Qualification (C-5A) - 1981. Fixed Wing Aircraft Performance Course - 1987. Initial Flight Engineer Qualification (C-141B) - 1987. Mission Qualification (KC-10A) - 1988. KC-10 Initial Qualification Course - 1994. Mission Qualification (KC-10A) - 1995. Instructor Qualficiation (KC-10A) - 1997. Evaluator Qualification (KC-10A) - 2000.
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