NOAA Corps Aviation

Mongoose121

Mongoose121

Roger Ball!
Anybody ever heard of it? Yeah, I was afraid of that....

The United States NOAA Corps (NC) is that nation's 7th Uniformed service. We fall under the Department of Commerce and are directly commissioned officers by the President. In the entire NC, there's about 340 officers, zero enlisted, and about 35 aviators. Same pay and benefits as our brothers and sisters in the armed services (to which I have much respect and appreciation).

Bottom line is that we're well known for our Hurricane Hunting squadron at MacDill AFB which utilizes WP-3D's and a G-IV SP. What you may not know is that we also have a wing of Twin Otters, a King Air and a Turbo Commander that conduct scientific research. At our essence, we are experts at airborne data acquisition and it takes us all over this great world of ours. Could be collecting emergency response imagery in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, racking bowhead whales in the Arctic or assisting tagging efforts and aerial surveys for sea turtles off the California coast.

If you interested in learning more, don't hesitate to drop me a PM or check out our website. I went right into it after college in 2003 and can easily say that is has been one of the best decisions I have made:

Recruiting Video: http://www.corpscpc.noaa.gov/flash/recruit_video.html
Website: http://www.noaacorps.noaa.gov/recruiting/index.html

Mongoose
 
Mongoose121 said:
Anybody ever heard of it? Yeah, I was afraid of that....

The United States NOAA Corps (NC) is that nation's 7th Uniformed service. We fall under the Department of Commerce and are directly commissioned officers by the President. In the entire NC, there's about 340 officers, zero enlisted, and about 35 aviators. Same pay and benefits as our brothers and sisters in the armed services (to which I have much respect and appreciation).

Bottom line is that we're well known for our Hurricane Hunting squadron at MacDill AFB which utilizes WP-3D's and a G-IV SP. What you may not know is that we also have a wing of Twin Otters, a King Air and a Turbo Commander that conduct scientific research. At our essence, we are experts at airborne data acquisition and it takes us all over this great world of ours. Could be collecting emergency response imagery in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, racking bowhead whales in the Arctic or assisting tagging efforts and aerial surveys for sea turtles off the California coast.

If you interested in learning more, don't hesitate to drop me a PM or check out our website. I went right into it after college in 2003 and can easily say that is has been one of the best decisions I have made:

Recruiting Video: http://www.corpscpc.noaa.gov/flash/recruit_video.html
Website: http://www.noaacorps.noaa.gov/recruiting/index.html

Mongoose
Click to expand...

With only 340 members, how's the office politics? Where is a member most likely to be stationed when not on a boat?
 
b3181981,
Great question and thanks for checking in. With only 340 on the roster, eventually everyone will form an opinion of everyone for better or worse. That's the truth of the matter, although I can say with confidence that an officers performance is the driving factor. As for your potential shore assignment when not operational it can vary widely. NC has numerous land assignments offered throughout the CONUS, and indeed several in Alaska, Hawaii and the Antarctic. Like most things in life the timing of your rotation needs to mesh with the assignment you have your eyes on for the odds to be favorable.
 
I was actually really curious about what NOAA Corps was all about. I've run across the Twin Otter a couple times now and wondered how one gets a job flying that. Thanks for the links.
 
Mark815 -
More than happy to help my friend. We currently have 4 Twin Otter 310 Series in our squadron, and I've flown in all of them over the years. I'd be more than happy to answer any questions you may have about NC or NC Aviation.

Mongoose
 
I remember watching an interview from two pilots about what the NOAA was all about and the hiring process. What I took away from the interview was that it is incredibly rare to get hired directly into an aviator position, but instead, one needs to work a couple years on a boat before the opportunity for pilot training comes up. Is this an accurate statement? Can you shed some light on the typical path to a pilot seat? Thanks a ton for doing this! Fascinating.
 
Mongoose121 said:
Anybody ever heard of it?
Click to expand...
Actually, I have. Sounds like a great group.

bb10pilot said:
...one needs to work a couple years on a boat before the opportunity for pilot training comes up. Is this an accurate statement?
Click to expand...
That was my understanding too. I am sure that they want people with degrees related to their mission and heavy in math, engineering, and science. Having a degree in Management kinda rules me out I think, but sure sounds like a great way to serve one's country.
 
bb10pilot - I'd be happy to share my opinion on how you can become a NOAA Aviator - you're spot on with Pipeline #1 (that's how I got in the cockpit):
Pipeline 1: You accept a commissioning into the NC and conduct an outstanding initial sea tour (current going rate is about 3 years on either a Hydrographic, Oceanographic or Fishery focused research vessel). With the consent of your command, you'll apply to NOAA Aviation and make the cut

Pipeline 2: You accept a commissioing into the NOAA Corps and already have several ratings (Multi-Engine, Instument, Commercial). Depending on the needs of the service, we may need to pull you directly from your Basic Officer Training Class and send you straight to the squadron instead of going to see. A term we call 'Direct To Aviation'.

Pipeline 3: You're an active Naval Aviator and have significant experience on the P-3 aircraft. If the needs of service are such that we need a P-3 driver, we sometimes approve an inter-serrvice transfer from the Navy and bring them right into NC Aviation.

ShyFlyer - I'm impressed that you have heard of us and appreciate your degree in management. While a degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and.or Math) is desirable, it's not my opinion that the selection boards won't consider if you if there's something else on your transcript. If you can supplement the lack of STEM degree with skills or experience that is directly relevant and applicable to NOAA, I see no reason why you wouldn't get due consideration.

Mongoose
 
Mongoose121 said:
ShyFlyer - I'm impressed that you have heard of us and appreciate your degree in management. While a degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and.or Math) is desirable, it's not my opinion that the selection boards won't consider if you if there's something else on your transcript. If you can supplement the lack of STEM degree with skills or experience that is directly relevant and applicable to NOAA, I see no reason why you wouldn't get due consideration.

Mongoose
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Cool. However, the bulk of my work experience has been in security and I only have a PPL.
 
I didn't realize how intense it was to get into a flying spot. The crew I talked to in HYA and PWM were very friendly, and mentioned that there is a requirement and commitment to serving on a boat first. Didn't realize it was 3 years! Regardless it still seems really interesting!
 
Met a few NOAA pilots here over the years, fun people, great job, being at MacDill is pretty awesome. (My old dog, the drunkenbeagle - used to walk in the park with a NOAA pilot's dog all the time)

Great gig and you get to fly a twin otter, or gulf iv. Had I known 15 years ago, is probably be there myself.
 
Mark815 - Indeed, it's pretty intense to land a slot. We take (rough estimate) about 3 pilots per year and that can be + or - several depending on the staffing requirements. Our Twin Otters are often in HYA year round conducting Northern Right Whale aerial surveys. Be sure to swing by and tell the crew hello, we're always happy to offer a tour for those interested.

Drunkenbeagle - Glad you've had good experiences with us. A major factor in my decision to join was that the overall vibe was good people doing a job they really love. I've had the priviledge to fly both the Twin Otter for aerial surveys and the G-IV in support of hurricane reconnaissance, and I give thanks everyday. If you're ever around Hangar 5 give me a shout and we'd love to host you for a tour.

Mongoose
 
I agree, the NOAA crews are by far the best crews I have worked with. When I worked at Signature in Anchorage I would love it when they came through. This would be such an awesome job. Thanks for answering questions!
 
ASpilot2be,
If you worked at the Signature FBO in ANC, then I want to thank you for being so good to us. Quick with with the fuel, always calling us the aircraft commanders cellphone to inform us about the need to tow the aircraft - really, really solid support. You helped put our minds at ease by being competent, professional and polite, and you know our mechanics appreciated the maintenance support as well. My hats off to you!

Mongoose
 
Murdoughnut,
Better believe we have a strong presence at the Airfest - we're based in Hangar 5 at MacDill AFB! Ask for me the next time the Airfest is going on, I'll be happy to offer you a tour of any available NOAA aircraft.

Mongoose
 
I looked in to NOAA in the past before I had any flight ratings. I drove past a NOAA facility recently and out had resparked my interest. I'm currently working as a survey pilot and have my single/multi commercial with instrument. I'm also prior Marine Corps enlisted aircrew.

What are th he chances of coming in direct to aviation?

If I didn't come straight in to be a pilot, is it at least possible to work on or around aircraft while waiting for a pilot slot or does the first 3 years have to be on a boat?

Dan
 
Dan21 said:
I looked in to NOAA in the past before I had any flight ratings. I drove past a NOAA facility recently and out had resparked my interest. I'm currently working as a survey pilot and have my single/multi commercial with instrument. I'm also prior Marine Corps enlisted aircrew.

What are th he chances of coming in direct to aviation?

If I didn't come straight in to be a pilot, is it at least possible to work on or around aircraft while waiting for a pilot slot or does the first 3 years have to be on a boat?

Dan
Click to expand...
Have you looked at their site and the requirements? I posted this earlier this year when talking about the Global Hawk. Check out the links below. Also, Post 8 on this thread is very accurate and lays the info out. It's very slim to have a workaround/shot and not be assigned to a boat first.The requirements to be a pilot with NOAA are really very stiff. I'd tell you to PM the OP of this thread- but it looks like he hasn't been around in months.

http://flightscience.noaa.gov/

http://www.noaacorps.noaa.gov/recruiting/eligibilty_req.html

http://www.noaacorps.noaa.gov/about/about.html

http://www.noaacorps.noaa.gov/recruiting/application.html

NOAA Corps has two venues for recruiting pilots:

  • Personnel brought in as an Inter-Service Transfer from the US Navy for the distinct purpose of P-3 support.
  • Acceptance to flight training following an initial three year assignment at sea as a bridge watchstander. Unless you are a current P-3 pilot or navigator, you will only be considered for the flight program following an initial three year sea assignment. An officer is not guaranteed aviation training upon commissioning.
Note: Pilots and Navigators have strict vision and other physical requirements.

NOAA Otter Pilots........great article:

http://www.aopa.org/News-and-Video/All-News/2014/April/Pilot/1404p_noaa
 
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Yup. Heard of you guys.

The NOAA Corps always seemed to be one of those deals, like CBP or the Coast Guard where you'd best have a really strong interest in something other than flying, and if you happen to get to do some, then consider yourself lucky. Liking boats and/or nature seems to help.

From my interactions with the Coast Guard, they make do with a LOT less than the other services, so having super motivated, highly competent people who have more than one skill set seems to be really important to them. They also seem to heap a lot of responsibly on ranks that would nominally be two or three grades higher in other services.

I would assume the NOAA Corps is the same way.

Richman
 
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