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Difference Between the Pipelines

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TXHusker05

Guest
Ok, this might have been covered in some early post, but I couldn't find one topic that covered everything so I'd like a little input from those of you who have selected your pipeline...

What are the pros and cons of each aviation pipeline (as a pilot, not NFO). This is not only during the rest of training but when you get into the fleet. I am not looking for a this is better than that type thing, just cover everything. From excitement of the job and flying to time away from family and even location of possible duty stations.

I'd like input on all the pipelines too, jets, props (both P-3 and the C-2 pipeline), helos, E-6 Mercury. I'd especially like to here from any current/former/future E-6 Mercury pilots because I am leaning towards choosing that pipeline when the time comes (More time with family, close to home (Nebraska), etc.) I just don't know if getting winged to fly a very expensive and very fully loaded commercial aircraft is worth it when I could be out in the fleet.
 
Schnugg

Schnugg

It's gettin' a bit dramatic 'round here...
None
Super Moderator
Contributor
Also try google for CNATRA...check out the first hit.
 
T

TXHusker05

Guest
Are E-6's forward deployed ever or is it mostly fly over America all day?

Having a bigger crew is also a draw for me, I like being around people and 10 hours in a Hornet only allows for so much interaction with people. I know the EP3's are forward deployed and have a big crew, are there any P-3 or EP-3 pilots here that can tell me about their job.
 
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TXHusker05

Guest
Thanks for those links, I will take some time to read over it all in a bit. I was reading a really old thread about an aviator who was thinking about changing his designator (I think it was to Intel) and I had a question... if a winged aviator changes his designator (we will use intel as an example), can he keep his wings?

That is just a random question but it seems like it would be a waste to go through all that work to get your wings only to lose them by transferring to another designator.
 
zab1001

zab1001

Well-Known Member
pilot
Super Moderator
Contributor
TXHusker05 said:
... if a winged aviator changes his designator (we will use intel as an example), can he keep his wings?
Click to expand...

Depends. Short/easy answer, if he's changing voluntarily and it isn't due to an issue where the aviator would be under review for a situation where he/she could lose wings (safety), then the wings stay.
 
T

TXHusker05

Guest
Yea, he isn't transferring for medical reasons or because he isn't fit to fly from what I gathered, he just didn't want to fly. Thanks for the answer. This forum is a lot of help, I am glad I found it.
 
e6bflyer

e6bflyer

Used to Care
pilot
E-6's are mainly CONUS based, with an east coast, west coast, and central alert location. Deployments vary between the two squadrons and change from time to time, but for the most part are between two and three weeks in length, with about a month off in between trips (optimal). Without going into too much depth, I can tell you that just like any other platform, it is what you make of it. I personally had a blast. The best part for me was being a mission commander and being given the keys to a $140M aircraft and a crew of 14-16 people. Not many other places that a 25-30 year old is given that kind of responsibility. The flying is fun, but don't expect to do a lot of super high speed stuff or anything that leaves you feeling like you are doing a meaningful mission. The whole purpose of TACAMO is deterrence, and you are constantly practicing for something you will hopefully never have to do. No bombs, no rescuing people from the ocean, just practicing all the time. Quality of life is the reason that I went there and it is the best deal in the Navy, QOL wise. Oklahoma City is a great place to live, minus the ocean. It is cheap and the community is great for family life, not to mention that military people are treated like royalty there. You will get lots of home time, especially for being on "sea duty".
The flying is plentiful, and there are good times to be had. The aircraft are all top notch, in beautiful shape, and have the latest and greatest bells and whistles in the cockpit.
Long story short: If you don't care about landing on ships or dropping bombs, it is worth a shot trying to get E-6's. All the other stuff is there, the location is OK, and family life is great.
Any more questions, just PM me.
 
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