Navy submarine-driver to professional pilot?
06-30-2015, 08:23 PM
#31
Get me outta here...
Joined APC: Oct 2008
Position: Boeing right seat
Posts: 1,541
TShugart3,
Even if you find out your calculations are way off and you'll actually make twice the money in half the time, I believe you will be disappointed if you go that path.
Take the blinders off, sir... Part 121 is but one small facet of aviation professional opportunity.
Even if you find out your calculations are way off and you'll actually make twice the money in half the time, I believe you will be disappointed if you go that path.
Take the blinders off, sir... Part 121 is but one small facet of aviation professional opportunity.
07-07-2015, 05:21 AM
#32
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Sep 2012
Position: left seat CRJ (again!)
Posts: 349
Retired ARNG (started E-3, retired O-4).
Several have said it sounds like you know what you want to do. I agree...best of luck!
Here are some things to consider...
First, you mentioned your wife is AD Army. Is she planning to retire from AD or go into the ARNG/USAR when you retire? This has an impact upon her flexibility relative to your immediate future if you pursue a 121 job.
Second, when you retire, have you decided where you'll retire? If you retire somewhere where commuting is your only option, reconsider your retirement location. Avoid commuting unless it's absolutely necessary. Your QOL is noticeably better if you don't commute. Last year, I turned down a captain upgrade where I'd have to commute in and out of ORD for another carrier and am completing captain IOE now. I also don't commute anymore.
Third, your military background, though not in aviation, will be helpful as mine was. I had command experience as a company commander and, briefly, as an acting battalion commander. That real leadership experience comes into play when you're an airline captain. You've made decisions before and know how to do so. Some captains, especially when new, seem afraid to make decisions. I've had to help some along and you'll be able to do the same thing.
If you need some more info relative to specific airlines, PM me.
Good luck, sailor!
Several have said it sounds like you know what you want to do. I agree...best of luck!
Here are some things to consider...
First, you mentioned your wife is AD Army. Is she planning to retire from AD or go into the ARNG/USAR when you retire? This has an impact upon her flexibility relative to your immediate future if you pursue a 121 job.
Second, when you retire, have you decided where you'll retire? If you retire somewhere where commuting is your only option, reconsider your retirement location. Avoid commuting unless it's absolutely necessary. Your QOL is noticeably better if you don't commute. Last year, I turned down a captain upgrade where I'd have to commute in and out of ORD for another carrier and am completing captain IOE now. I also don't commute anymore.
Third, your military background, though not in aviation, will be helpful as mine was. I had command experience as a company commander and, briefly, as an acting battalion commander. That real leadership experience comes into play when you're an airline captain. You've made decisions before and know how to do so. Some captains, especially when new, seem afraid to make decisions. I've had to help some along and you'll be able to do the same thing.
If you need some more info relative to specific airlines, PM me.
Good luck, sailor!
07-07-2015, 08:01 AM
#33
Line Holder
Joined APC: Jun 2011
Position: 320 FO
Posts: 25
I guess I will be in the minority here with my response... go for it. If you have the financial means and understand the scope of the initial changes to your pay and how you will fit in within the new organizations (low man on the totem pole), then I personally am all for chasing your dreams.
I am a former submariner/diver, 8 years enlisted, 14 years P3 pilot, retired off my DH tour (also PERS grabbed me for a the token aviator exchange tour at CSG7/CTF74, maybe our paths crossed?). Now over a year into flying at AA as 7576 international pilot. I am personally very happy with my choice to retire and leave, since I went through the same weighing of pros/cons you did, and ultimately QOL and the ability to fly/travel was where I wanted to spend the second half of my working career. I have three friends who were NFOs in the Navy and are all Captains at different Major airlines, they got out/retired and slogged their way to the majors through a variety of career paths. I think it is amazing how many people are successful at pursuing their dreams and passions and set out to make them happen. These guys did it during some of the more difficult years involving furloughs and decreased pay, I would imagine that your timeline would work more to your favor to jump through some of the wrungs a little more quickly. As always, we don't know what the future may hold, but you have the financial means, background and support to make this transition. Plus, as others have mentioned, I seriously doubt any SSN CO will have difficulty with the material in flight school!
There are a lot of other flying options out there, especially for someone with a good network and a security clearance. I took advantage of them when I transitioned and did the overseas flying gig for a year to remain current and wait for the call. Quite a few other of my peers did the same. Others took advantage of the regionals and have since jumped to the majors. So, there are definitely a variety of ways to get from point A to point B.
I thought I would be the "old guy" in my new hire class, and was surprised that there was more spread in age due to the flow throughs and the fact that there were more over qualified older guys/gals with their resumes on file for the airlines to pick and choose from. Even then, there was a pretty good representation of ages. Yeah, you will more than likely be the older dude, but you have good company!
I guess the moral of the story, since I left the military I miss the camaraderie and the military flying, but I don't miss all the minutiae, long hours and the constant workload from higher staffs. Now, I enjoy my flying, all my time off (no one from work calls, you leave your work at work!), and of course the travel benefits that I can now enjoy. I think you have identified the major hurdles in your way, and that it is initially going to be an uphill challenge. Just remember (as others have said in this thread), rank and position is all being left behind, it's great to rely on all that experience, but you will be starting over from a new position within the organization (but at the end hopefully 777 Captain will be where you will end up?).
Anyways, best of luck! Drop me a message if you need help networking.
John
I am a former submariner/diver, 8 years enlisted, 14 years P3 pilot, retired off my DH tour (also PERS grabbed me for a the token aviator exchange tour at CSG7/CTF74, maybe our paths crossed?). Now over a year into flying at AA as 7576 international pilot. I am personally very happy with my choice to retire and leave, since I went through the same weighing of pros/cons you did, and ultimately QOL and the ability to fly/travel was where I wanted to spend the second half of my working career. I have three friends who were NFOs in the Navy and are all Captains at different Major airlines, they got out/retired and slogged their way to the majors through a variety of career paths. I think it is amazing how many people are successful at pursuing their dreams and passions and set out to make them happen. These guys did it during some of the more difficult years involving furloughs and decreased pay, I would imagine that your timeline would work more to your favor to jump through some of the wrungs a little more quickly. As always, we don't know what the future may hold, but you have the financial means, background and support to make this transition. Plus, as others have mentioned, I seriously doubt any SSN CO will have difficulty with the material in flight school!
There are a lot of other flying options out there, especially for someone with a good network and a security clearance. I took advantage of them when I transitioned and did the overseas flying gig for a year to remain current and wait for the call. Quite a few other of my peers did the same. Others took advantage of the regionals and have since jumped to the majors. So, there are definitely a variety of ways to get from point A to point B.
I thought I would be the "old guy" in my new hire class, and was surprised that there was more spread in age due to the flow throughs and the fact that there were more over qualified older guys/gals with their resumes on file for the airlines to pick and choose from. Even then, there was a pretty good representation of ages. Yeah, you will more than likely be the older dude, but you have good company!
I guess the moral of the story, since I left the military I miss the camaraderie and the military flying, but I don't miss all the minutiae, long hours and the constant workload from higher staffs. Now, I enjoy my flying, all my time off (no one from work calls, you leave your work at work!), and of course the travel benefits that I can now enjoy. I think you have identified the major hurdles in your way, and that it is initially going to be an uphill challenge. Just remember (as others have said in this thread), rank and position is all being left behind, it's great to rely on all that experience, but you will be starting over from a new position within the organization (but at the end hopefully 777 Captain will be where you will end up?).
Anyways, best of luck! Drop me a message if you need help networking.
John
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