2loud

Pendulum swing in progress indeed. Before you all congregate to the mass exodus, my recommendation is to join a guard/reserve unit. Pays big dividends during furloughs and pay cuts. Plus, that extra cash could come in handy when you turn 60, if you can get 20 years out of the guard/reserve.
Airline life style isn't what is used to be but it's far better than active duty, JMO. No more non-flying deployments up to a year, no more additional bs duties, no more moving every 3 years, no more remote tours, no more being told that flying is a privilege and best of all, no more checking 6 for "brown nosing back stabbing a$$ clowns" looking to make O-6 at your expense! These a$$ clowns are also in the airline world. They tend to migrate into management pilot positions and also serve as the company mole in the union, looking to someday slide into a pilot management position. Too many of these guys make Lucifer look like a saint. Consider yourselves fore warned.
Good luck and happy hunting!

Jetjok

I couldn't agree more with your above statement. The guard or reserve is a wonderful fallback option that pays dividends, both now and in the future. It's not only about the $$, but when you turn 60, and you'all will, the healthcare aspect becomes a real golden egg. As well, in retirement, a few thousand dollars a month can sure come in handy.

130drvr

You sir must be a Navy man, because the AF has a bunch of square filling O-5s in command that only think of their career. Exceptions sure, but AMC is overrun with them.

e6bpilot

I am Navy. We do have our share of the square fillers, but these last few years have seen some exceptional talent get the nod. Sadly, though, those dudes are going into a soul crushing and micromanaged command tour where they have to spend their every breath thinking about if they are going to get fired. Again, there are exceptions and exceptional people that can do great things in that job, but my tolerance for BS just wasn't high enough to stick around and see. I didn't want to drag my family through another three moves and take another non-flying tour just for the chance of finding out.

BridgeBuilder

Interesting article and it seems the hiring flood gates are starting to open. Me personally, I'm sticking it out 'till 20 for the exact reasons 2Loud points out (plus bonus locked me into 20 yrs and 1 day, wasted that last day). Medical alone will be key later in life. Plus the retirement will help ease the pain of "lower" salaries in the beginning.

My questions is, how "easy" will it be to get picked up as time goes on. I am 4 yrs out from this decision point, which means 2 yrs out on tying up ATP, networking for LORs, etc; and 3 yrs out on applications. I know a lot of guys in the last few years had to rely on guard/reserve gigs to hold them over until getting hired. I wonder how long or short the wait will be to get hired directly to the majors will be once hiring is in full swing. Ie, will it be possible to start a training class while on terminal? Pipe dream maybe!

e6bpilot

Lots of guys are doing that right now. The key is to have a plan, network, and apply. When you are done doing that, network some more. Be prepared to have a few months off and/or work other jobs to stay current until your dream date arrives. I would highly encourage you to take your ATP written prior to July 31st if you haven't already.

BridgeBuilder

Unfortunately that's not gonna happen. Currently on a 365, and one reason me and a lot of others are looking at transition. Also, it's only good for two years, right? Is there any advantage to knocking out the ATP now, before the new rules go into effect, if you are more than 2 years out from being able to move to civilian flying? Thanks.

e6bpilot

I would say a healthy fear of the unknown mixed with a dose of preparedness. It doesn't really matter anyway since you can't do it on your 365.

Nobody has really stated what the end game is going to be under the new requirement. Is it still going to be a prerequisite to get an interview? Is it going to be part of initial training at the major airlines? I don't know, but I certainly would rather get it done the easy way than be left holding the bag later or burning my GI bill benefits getting it done.

As always, luck favors the prepared. As long as you have a plan and execute it coupled with favorable economic conditions, you will get hired. You know what the requirements are, just get them done and don't let the man get you down in the meantime. Hopefully you have earned some "suck points" with your 365 and you can get a sweet deal on the backside. Best of luck!

FlyBoyd

I got my ATP 11 years before I "used" my ATP. The test is good for two years and is required for the check ride. Once you get checked, the cert does not expire.

Starlifter

If you can get to Ramstein, the ATP written can be taken at the Ed Office free of charge!