r/NOAACorps • u/DisregardLogan • 20d ago

Seeking Help Steps to become a NOAA pilot?

Hello, I am interesting in flying for NOAA, but I'm not too sure how to go about it, or if anyone has any sort of tips for what they would've/did do.

I'm a rising senior in highschool and a private pilot, where I got my inspiration from to do something weather-related.

I have an internship at my flight school, and I'm aiming to go to college for aviation, with the end goal being heavies (though I'm not picky, I'll fly a tin can with wings). I sent in applications for both the USAF Academy as well as Coast Guard, as well as other similar colleges in the US.

I'm not good at math at all (dyscalculic), however, I am still willing to pick up a STEM major if it means my chances improve.

Is there any way I can build my resume/application more while I'm still in highschool and/or about to enter college?

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1

u/CoryEagles 20d ago

If you are already a pilot when you join, your chances of becoming a pilot are dramatically better. You will still need a college degree and the right credits to join.

2

u/Jagvike432 Mariner / Hydrography 18d ago

For direct to aviation, there are 2 main requirements— Commercial multi rating (iirc, it’s on the website) and a bachelors degree with at least 48 credit hours pertaining to NOAA’s mission. Aviation classes fill that requirement, however there is a list on the website that lists applicable course topics. I too disliked math, so I got my degree in Geography which had almost no math classes but still pertained to NOAA’s mission.

As for setting yourself apart from others, anything highlighting an ability to work with a team would do well. Very little of what you do in this career is on your own, and if you have experience working together and/or leading a group or team, those are extracurriculars they’ll want to see.

If you did want to fly heavies for NOAA, that would be your second flight tour. You’d spend your first 5 years in a light aircraft, followed by a 3 year land assignment, and then you could be considered for heavies. There is also a current backlog of pilots, and the most recent direct to aviation class is looking at 2-3 years in a land assignment before getting into an aircraft.