Flight Engineer turned Dispatcher

daays

daays

Well-Known Member
Hey everyone. I've recently started to think about what I want my future to look like once I separate from the Air Force. The quick run down is that I'm currently a Flight Engineer (KC-10) in the Air Force.

When this enlistment runs out in 2021, I'll be 32. It's far away I know, enough so that this may be pointless right now. However, I know the writing is on the wall for my jet and unfortunately (or fortunately depending on who you ask) my job has gone the way of the dinosaur on the outside. So I need to look at the future. My goal right now is to have at least an AA (Av Bus Mgmt) from ERAU-WW when I separate. Pair that with a DX certificate and 5-6 years of experience flying, I want to see what you guys think that'll do for me when it comes time to submit resumes.

As an Eng I deal with regs, systems, navigation and more every day. My hope is that I may be able to line something up with relative ease. The other variable right now is whether to fully cut ties with Uncle Sam, or get some side work in with the Reserves, more than likely still flying.

So, what I'd like to know is how many of you had a past aviation/ops background (.mil or civ) and what that meant for you when you started out. Just as well, do any of you work with Guard/Reserve members and if that's a realistic possibility or if I should shelve that idea. Thanks!

Edit: And since I forgot to ask earlier, what's the general consensus on accelerated courses via Sheffield, etc? I don't know how likely it'll be that I can swing 5-6 weeks for class with how our ops tempo has been lately, but it may be possible.
 
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Hey there! glad to hear you're thinking about getting into dispatch. It's a difficult but rewarding occupation with a lot of benefits. I've been in the Guard for 6 years and have held a three different civilian positions ( part 91/121 regional and now 121 major) and have a good handle on managing both careers. So, Definitely don't discard the idea of going Guard/Reserve. There are quite a few co-workers at my current company who are Guard/Reserve and I also know other folks at different carriers that are also serving and dispatching. I can expand or answer more specific questions if you have them.

I received my ticket from Sheffield and was very satisfied with the training and dispatching foundation to jump start my career. If you're thinking about getting your license now from Sheffield but not planning on using your license until 2021 you're most definitely going to get rusty in some areas, but the benefit of going to Sheffield is that they allow you to go through the course as a graduate any time, so it may be advantageous to jump on that when/if you separate from the Air Force in 2021 and prior to applying to Dispatch jobs.

You're at the right spot for gathering info, so good on you. Good luck and ask more questions if you need.
 
I was a Boomer on a KC-135 when I was in the AF. Dispatch is a great carreer change for your background.

Sandy
 
The former kc-10 boom operator in me is dying to know who this is.... lol :) Plus who doesn't recognize that PDX carpet! Nice one!
 
Haha. Shoot me a PM, your profile is private. Slim chance we've met but it's always nice to talk to other -10 crew.

Also, thanks for the info 3Green. I appreciate the insight.
 
One thing you might consider is if there is a way you can get your license while still in the military - that way you are ahead of the game when your enlistment is up

Not an Ex-Boomer but ex AF. Spangdahlem, Scott, Lindsey AS, Bitburg, and Hill.
 
I am also ex-Air Force. I tried out being in the Guard simultaneous with my first regional airline job and I didn't find it to be that great of a combination due to the non-traditional nature of an airline schedule. However - it was possible to do. I probably would have stayed in longer if I hadn't switched airlines, but my second job was in an area with no Guard or Reserve units nearby...so I just got out completely. If I'd had some sort of flying job or something I really enjoyed doing I might have tried to make it work for longer.

I agree getting your license out of the way while still active duty would be a good idea. Might see if there is any distance learning option available and then use leave for the week or two weeks of in-school attendance portion. Sounds like you've got some time to consider your options at any rate.
 
manniax said:
If I'd had some sort of flying job or something I really enjoyed doing I might have tried to make it work for longer.
Click to expand...

I can definitely relate to that. I spent an an entire enlistment term in the MX field and was definitely about pull chocks, but fortunately I switched units and got a flight engineer job. Now commuting to my unit is enjoyable knowing I have a job that I really like. The point is, if you are going to stay in the Guard/Reserve and pursue a dispatch career, make sure you enjoy both jobs.

F9DXER said:
One thing you might consider is if there is a way you can get your license while still in the military
Click to expand...

in addition to getting you license while you're still in (or after), I jumped on the Jeppesen and ifod websites and both have links that explain using your VA benefits, so maybe you could use your TA or post 9/11 / MGIB rather than having to come out of pocket for the school cost. I know Sheffield does this as well.
 
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