Expert: Eric Ernst - 11/28/2009

Question
QUESTION: Dear Mr. Ernst.
My question is simple. I have a family in I'm interested in geeting a sobering picture of the work demands of perahaps a Jayhawk pilot. In other words, how much time will I spend away form my family?  I would like to know as specifically a possible if your able to. Thank you for your time.

ANSWER: Patrick,
I have a couple questions for you first. Do you have a College Degree? In order to be a pilot you need a Bachelors Degree in order to fly. Also you say you have a family, how many children do you have? The reason I ask is because the Coast Guard looks at how many dependents you have to see if you are eligible to join.
As for being a HH60J pilot, I can tell you a few things about it. The aviation world is the greatest portion of the Coast Guard in my eyes. If you love the idea of going out when no one else would even dream of going on, in weather conditions that everyone else would be heading to the basement...we go out. But in order to be a pilot you will need to complete the training first. Which is OCS (Officer Candidate School) and you need to complete flight school which I believe is at least a year.
I hope that I was able to answer some of your questions if you have any other questions please let me know.
Thanks,
Eric

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello again Mr. Ernst,
My new question is about the dependents.  I was wondering if there was any possibilities for waivers in the case that you have more than two dependents? And if so, what other things should I be concerned about that could prevent myself from being in the Coast Guard?  Thank you.

Answer
Hello Again Patrick,
To be honest no there isn't any waiver system for having more than 2 dependents. The Coast Guard is very strict about that. It's just your wife and your child correct? There's no problem with that. If you have any other questions please let me know.
Thanks,
Eric