Originally Posted by
Acechris89
Wow, congrats! I'm totally jealous. I actually had a classmate who was my partner for crew training that went to ATP for the Citation SIC type. I'm actually thinking of accepting that job offer at the FBO I mentioned earlier. I figure it will at least supplement my income while I take more lessons and hopefully build more time. It actually deals primarily in corporate flights so at worst I hope I have an ability to network a bit. I'm just hoping I don't get pulled too far from the actual flying aspect of the industry.
And Timbo, thanks again for the reply. I actually have a former instructor who is going through the same unit for C-130 training. I figure that I'll wait until he's back from training and see what he thought of the whole experience. I live in MA so the trip to RI for the weekend drills wouldn't be too bad. I recognize the enormous benefit from military service so I'm trying to keep an open mind about it. I just want to make sure it's something that's for me. Also, do you know of the tolerances regarding eye-sight? I have a mild astigmatism and can manage 20/20 uncorrected but still fair much better with my glasses. Especially when it comes to reading screens and the like. I wouldn't be shooting for a fighter slot anyway so do the tolerances change? And did you say you don't compete with your classmates at UPT?
I'm not at all sure what the eyesight requirements are these days. I was told as long as you are 'correctable' to 20/20, no problem. And if you are in the Guard, you already know what airplane you are getting, the same one your Guard Unit has. The 'other guys' (non-Gaurd) in your class will have to compete (grades wise, ie. no busts) to get a Fighter, if that's what they want. The entire class is ranked, top to bottom, and only the top guys get fighters, if that's what they want. Some of our best wanted C141's, but most guys think flying a Fighter is the nutz.
I think they are Nutz, I prefer to stand up when I pee, and have hot coffee on board, and take a nap if I'm going across the Atlantic.
Then heavy guys build a lot more time, faster, because the missions are much longer. The fighter guys don't fly as much, so if you are looking to build time to eventually get an Airline Job, you'll want to fly a heavy.