RCAF TFW Pilots

[B208]

Three years at best but when the course dates don't all line up it can take a lot longer than that.

Things were backlogged in the early 2000's, but the training system is getting guys to wings in about 3 years now.

I believe you could put an experienced bomber pilot into a heavy Air force twin

Dude, if they are a bomber pilot they are already in a (Non-Canadian) Air Force.

Ragbagflyer,

You are entitled to form and express your opinions. However, given that you have not been in the RCAF and have not seen what is expected of RCAF pilots the information on which you are forming those opinions is incomplete. The RCAF is currently looking to recruit pilots. Go down to the recruiting centre and put in an application. If you are successful you will be a Lt flying something interesting, (in about three years). The pay you get while you are training is better than most FOs make, and the training itself is a great experience. Do a few years flying the line as a Sqn pilot. If, after doing all that, you are still of the opinion that bringing high time civi guys in and making them direct entry air to air refueling commanders, (or putting them in command of a CC130J heading into a shooting war), is a good idea, I will listen to you more closely.

[ragbagflyer]

Sorry B208, I meant to say high time water bomber pilot because they tend to have worked in many sectors of the industry. And I'm not suggesting that they should go direct entry AC, but to claim it would take more than a few years to convert a motivated high time pilot (who meets the enrolement standard, aptitude-wise) with a diverse flying back ground to competency as an AC is incorrect in my opinion. It may be the case under the current forces structure, and I suppose they are under no obligation to change things. My point is just that if they wanted it badly enough or had no other option it would be possible. Assume that the CF wasn't allowed to bring in foreign pilots for long term contracts under any circumstances. Would the entire Air Force collapse or be completely incapable of responding? I suspect not.

Like Gilles has said many times, it's not that it isn't useful or cheaper or easier to bring in TFW's, it's that we have a large enough population that we should be able to solve these challenges domestically.

[trampbike]

Same goes for putting a high time heli guy with thousands of hours in the bush and a solid offshore/IFR background into a SAR machine.

Aren't most of these guys ex-military anyway?

Like Gilles has said many times, it's not that it isn't useful or cheaper or easier to bring in TFW's, it's that we have a large enough population that we should be able to solve these challenges domestically.

I don't know if it could be solved domestically, but I'm one of those guys that actually enjoy the fact that we (noob canadian pilots) get to work with experienced pilots fcoming from different air forces.

[DonutHole]

Aren't most of these guys ex-military anyway?

Not even close.

[trampbike]

Heck I wouldn't want to be the one to pay for my own multi-engine-multi-crew-IFR-turbine-NVG-Helicopter PPC

[DonutHole]

Im not sure if you've ever worked in the rotary industry outside of the military, but the vast majority are private (non-military) guys who took the traditional route, pay your own way up to cpl then the employer takes the hit for training....

So, what is your point exactly?

If your point is that nobody wants to pay for these things I see your point as valid, and part of the problem. In Canada, well in the old times, we didn't require ppcs and type ratings, we took otherwise qualified pilots and trained them. Now with this TFW bullshit we don't do that any longer because we don't need to, why would we when we can just download that cost onto other people? Right?

[trampbike]

pay your own way up to cpl then the employer takes the hit for training....

So, what is your point exactly?

I honestly didn't believe there were still employers that did this.

End of thread drift.
Cheers.
Oli

[DonutHole]

Wow. Yeah there are tons. Not every operator requires bonds, and even under bond technically the employer still pays for the training so long as the employee meets the conditions of the bond.

Paying for your type rating and training is far more uncommon than having the employer pay.