Originally Posted by Sputnik

I'm a military pilot whose never really looked closely into the civilian market. I've learned a lot just by reading this forum but have a few questions.

Just what the heck is the B fund I read so much about? I've figured out it's retirement, and there was once an A fund (?) but no clue beyond that.

Recency of experience-how's it defined? It is entirely possible the AF will decide to reward years of service with a nonflying job just prior to my retirement. I have enough transoceanic heavy multi-engine time that if I don't get hired it won't be for lack of hours. If I flew as a CFI in a 172 or something similar for my last 2 years would I still have a chance of being hired by anyone?

ALPA-I realize this is enough to fill a website in and of itself, but what does ALPA do for me? I can see everyone is ****ed one way or another about age 65 and I understand both perspectiives, but what does the union really do for me outside that one particular issue? What does membership cost?

Why does pay suck b*lls so bad the first few years everywhere? I can live with it, I've just never figured out the rationale.