Yazzoo

So I know this is kind of an odd topic, but it's one that's been on my mind a lot recently.

I've always wanted to be a military pilot (specifically in the Navy). I just upgraded to captain at a regional, and I am still under the maximum age cutoff to become a Naval Aviator. Watching my good friend get his wings last weekend reminded me of how much I wanted to be a fighter pilot but never really pursued that dream.

My question is, is it completely unheard of and crazy for a pilot to leave a captain seat at a regional to fly for the military? I understand that it's a highly personal decision and one only I can ultimately make, but I'm looking for some advice here.

I'm currently making decent pay and could end up at a Major in the next 3 years, leaving me with 35+ years on the seniority list.

It's a tough decision because on one hand I've always wanted to serve my country as a military pilot (and I can only do it once, before I get too old) but on the other hand I have a very good "in" right now for a long career at the majors with plenty of seniority.

Current and past military pilots, what say you?

Atlas Shrugged

It is a personal decision, and I won't tell you what to do.

But you need to really think about this. Understand that there is no guarantee that you will make it through military pilot training. It may not even be your fault. Medical issues might come up for example. Do you still want to serve your country if you can't be a pilot? Are you willingly to risk life and limb for your country and your fellow brothers and sisters?

I have no regrets regarding my military career. It was right for me.

MongoEP3

I'll second what Atlas said. You have to weigh the reward and pride of serving, and I don't say that lightly, against the 10-12 years of seniority at a major that you would be giving up. That's potentially a $2-3M difference.

I love the Navy, but have you looked at any Air National Guard jobs? They will hire guys off the street, send them through USAF flight school, then into a Guard unit. As I understand it, you may be active for a few years (flight school, then getting experience / qualified in your platform) then a part time reservist in the same unit, forever. No moving for you or your family. Best part, you're flying with pilots from every air line in the country...

The Plainsman

One of the current blue angels was a former regional guy...his bio says he went to siu Carbondale...guess it can be done...

Grumble

Not unheard of. If you think you want to do it, start the application process now. You can bail on the idea all the way up until you sign on the dotted line. If it doesn't work out you can always say you tried, but as was mentioned it could come at great financial cost. Do you want to (potentially) be sitting on a pile of cash at age 60 wondering "what if?" You could also have a stellar mil career and then go back and do 15-20 years at a major afterwards. Ultimately you'll have to decide what is best for you. Flying around the boat is probably the greatest experience in aviation, and I miss it. Flying for a major though is everything I hoped it would be, and more.

DCA A321 FO

Don't quit your regional job, you will get orders to OCS (formally AOCS)
and if you get NPQ'd (NAMI WAMI) just go back to your regional.

If you like working out and flying you'll enjoy the Navy.

jm311

I went regional to military. I still have a seniority number and also plan on going to the majors within 3-5 years. I highly recommend going guard or reserves to keep your seniority number. I don't suggest going active duty, just me though. My guard unit is hiring if you're interested in flying heavies. PM me if you're interested.

Tweetdrvr

There is currently a mainline Delta newhire at DLF right now sitting near the top of his class in T-6s. He was a regional Captain, went through the hoops to be military and got hired by an Air Guard unit to fly heavies. He will be on military leave for about 2 years whilst his seniority number goes up and then back to big D as a traditional guardsmen.

Yes it can be done, and if you go ANG/AFRC as others have alluded to, you can be on military leave while keeping your regional job.

Go for it, but you have to be in training by 30 for AF side of the business.

hindsight2020

LOL I wonder what that even looks like these days......

Alfred E Newman

When I was in primary flight training for the Navy I had a classmate who had come from the regionals to become a Navy pilot. He was failed out of flight school for not doing the maneuvers and memorizing course rules the way the Navy wanted them flown. I was totally shocked--this guy was ten times the pilot that I was.
What's my point?
Whatever you do, and no matter how experienced you are, do it the way they want you to do it.
As to wether or not to do it at all....I leave that to everybody else. Make your choice and don't look back. Good luck!