Originally Posted by HercDriver130

How many years do you have in?

Yes, there will probably be hiring over the next 10 years, the variable is exactly when they will start hiring some say...2012...some say 2014....some might even argue for late as 2015. Mainly because company plans are always changing... most of the mainline/legacy carriers out there today have slowly pulled back capacity over the past few years to increase profits.... it may or may not continue... how much and how fast will effect how many are hired. Then of course there are questions of where are you willing to live..and who are you willing to work for. NOthing is a sure thing, and the grass isnt always greener so to speak. I am sure you will have plenty more opinions come in.

For me personally...if I had 13 plus years in.. I would probably stay....then look at outside aviation. Less than that I would look at ANG or RSV units and then seriously about getting out.

Originally Posted by hawgdriver

I have been in your same shoes. For me, active duty AF and constantly competing for my next assignment while watching guys get an IP upgrade handed to them because they want to go to WIC/become a CC is not what I want to continue to do for my adult life. I have 1.5 years left and I've decided to go to the reserves and try to get an airline job. I love the AF, serving my country and flying the Hawg. But I don't like moving every three years and all the BS I mentioned above. For me this is going to allow me to continue to fly jets, deploy with my bro's serve my country and never have to move again unless I make that decision. One thing I am giving up is the security of always having a paycheck and a guaranteed retirement. I'm willing to make that sacrifice. Everyone is different and you need to ask yourself what you want out of your life. The airlines are always up and down and you will see many different opinions on this forum. If you can get out in the next couple years this is probably a good time to do so. There will be a lot of hiring in the next few years and the airlines like military guys.

My advise to you is: Get your ATP, keep following the forums and continue to educate yourself on the airline industry, start looking for a reserve or guard job and don't tell anyone at work what your plans are until you're ready to jump ship. I wouldn't completely cut ties with the AF and go to the airlines without a guard/reserve job. You'll miss the flying and all your bro's. It will also subsidize your first few years at the airlines with the low pay. It you completely hate the airlines, you'll have opportunities to possibly go full time if you need it. Good luck

Originally Posted by reCALcitrant

No risk, no reward. Welcome to every AD AF squadron I know right now. Miserable. If you have less than 5 left, stick it out. More than 5'ish, go to a reserve unit (feel free to pm me about that) to get your retirement and get on with an airline. You'll never regret the feeling of taking a leap. You are educated, skilled, and work hard. You'll land on your feet.