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Transition to FTS

insanebikerboy

Internet killed the television star
pilot
None
Contributor
VR FTS pilots are gone frequently. There are some 6 month dets overseas that rotate through the C-130 dudes for an actual deployment, I'm not for sure if it's a specific C-130 squadron or is shared, I'll see if I can get some clarification for you asap. The majority of time gone for VR FTS dudes is a week trip here, a few days there, and covering for a SELRES when his orders are up and has to come home.

In the end, I'd recommend choosing the place you want to live. Surprisingly, a place such as SoCal VR is a popular choice...
 

Ken_gone_flying

"I live vicariously through myself."
pilot
Contributor
VR FTS pilots are gone frequently. There are some 6 month dets overseas that rotate through the C-130 dudes for an actual deployment, I'm not for sure if it's a specific C-130 squadron or is shared, I'll see if I can get some clarification for you asap. The majority of time gone for VR FTS dudes is a week trip here, a few days there, and covering for a SELRES when his orders are up and has to come home.

In the end, I'd recommend choosing the place you want to live. Surprisingly, a place such as SoCal VR is a popular choice...

Thanks for the info. My number one choice of location is Whidbey Island. Hopefully it pans out.
 

dustydog

Registered User
pilot
Pick location, if that isn't a factor, pick C-40s. The Herc community has some challenges that I don't foresee improving in the future. The Herc's have longer trips because they are very slow but they do go to some interesting locations. All VR, minus VR-1 and the ETD's, det out of three locations on a somewhat permanent rotation. C-40's fly a mix of everything and you will be gone quite a lot. I have probably averaged 4-5 months per year away from home over the course of my VR time (9 yrs). The Herc squadrons always seem to be undermanned, so the odds are that you will get one of them. Like everything in the Navy, its always timing dependent.
 

Ken_gone_flying

"I live vicariously through myself."
pilot
Contributor
Pick location, if that isn't a factor, pick C-40s. The Herc community has some challenges that I don't foresee improving in the future. The Herc's have longer trips because they are very slow but they do go to some interesting locations. All VR, minus VR-1 and the ETD's, det out of three locations on a somewhat permanent rotation. C-40's fly a mix of everything and you will be gone quite a lot. I have probably averaged 4-5 months per year away from home over the course of my VR time (9 yrs). The Herc squadrons always seem to be undermanned, so the odds are that you will get one of them. Like everything in the Navy, its always timing dependent.

Thank you for the insight. I will be thrilled going anywhere to fly anything so the preference list is minor. Just glad to get the opportunity to stay flying.
 

Ken_gone_flying

"I live vicariously through myself."
pilot
Contributor
Does anyone know much about VR-1 in terms of how long their trips are or how often you'd spend away from home compared to the traditional VR squadrons? Any major advantages or disadvantages to that mission?
 

zippy

Freedom!
pilot
Contributor
Does anyone know much about VR-1 in terms of how long their trips are or how often you'd spend away from home compared to the traditional VR squadrons? Any major advantages or disadvantages to that mission?

High vis/profile missions and all the associated drama and politics that go with it.
 

dustydog

Registered User
pilot
Very different animal than a traditional VR. They usually don't send many new guys there but it does happen depending on manning. Nice planes, good RONs, full dispatch, DV silliness.
 

Ken_gone_flying

"I live vicariously through myself."
pilot
Contributor
Very different animal than a traditional VR. They usually don't send many new guys there but it does happen depending on manning. Nice planes, good RONs, full dispatch, DV silliness.

That's what I read, that it was a second FTS tour thing. It was on the slate, though.
 

jollygreen07

Professional (?) Flight Instructor
pilot
Contributor
Regarding bonus recipients applying for FTS...

From the PERS-43 FAQ page:
As a 1xFOS under the ACCP, you are eligible for the lateral transfer or FTS board and if selected, future ACCP installments will be cancelled.

It doesn't address monies already paid out. Anyone have any idea if those 1XFOS officers selected have to pay the bonus money back?
 

zippy

Freedom!
pilot
Contributor
Regarding bonus recipients applying for FTS...

From the PERS-43 FAQ page:


It doesn't address monies already paid out. Anyone have any idea if those 1XFOS officers selected have to pay the bonus money back?

If it's the same as previous years (and it looks like it is), no bonus repayment due to 1xFOS and selection to a different community.
 

jollygreen07

Professional (?) Flight Instructor
pilot
Contributor
Zippy, thanks for the answer. I call the OCM and the individual who runs the ACCP program and both confirmed that no repayment is required. They both did say that there has to be some mention of the bonus in the skipper's endorsement letter, acknowledging the fact that you know that you will not receive any more bonus payments if accepted into FTS.
 

Ringer

New Member
pilot
Anyone seen someone jump to FTS post their DH tour? I ask because I want to stay flying throughout my 20 and then transition to the airlines. Staying Active Duty 1310 VFA post-DH in a flying billet is not easy nor guaranteed. Without being current at the end of 20, I can kiss airlines goodbye.
 

zippy

Freedom!
pilot
Contributor
Without being current at the end of 20, I can kiss airlines goodbye.

That is certainly False.


You may not get picked up directly by a major airline depending on how far out of flight currency you are but plenty of people are leaving active duty after not flying for years and picking up flying jobs the Monday following their separation (I had 3 years non flying and had a job waiting for me when I separated, for example).

Your best shot to get to the majors relatively quickly is to hop on to a regional. Can't stomach the paycut and/ or willing to risk taking a little longer? ISR contractors are you answer. Both will get you flight current and 500+hrs your first year.
 
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