Originally Posted by Out West

Hello all - apologies for another "what about me" post. I've been reading searching for about 4 months, and haven't quite put my finger on what my best option(s) are. At this point I've gotten myself into a PIO of indecision - there are a lot of good ideas and options out there, I'm just not sure I'm looking in all the right places.

The favorite option of Hong straight to my last job just isn't feasible. I don't have the time. 970hours ME jet PIC time, all T-38 and F-15. Mix in my GA and T-34 time and I'm at 1200 TT. Based on research, my resume will be "pretty," but ultimately useless at this point based on hours.

For resume fodder: approaching 22 years active USAF with the first 10 enlisted: 1.5 in maintenance, 8.5 enlisted crew on AC-130 (2000 hrs/940 combat,) and from 2005 to present - pilot training pipeline to F-15. Weapons officer/IP, SEFE, Operational Test Pilot.

Staring at retirement but unqualified for the airlines (FedEx, primarily - but haven't ruled out pax carriers,) I'll be going to the ANG instead to continue building hours. Here's the rub - is that the best plan? Suck it up with a regional (if I can even get hired there?) Does the SIC time as an FO even buy me anything, really, other than getting rid of the ATP restriction for total time? Look at corporate?

I know there's no shortcut to the hours, just wondering if there are options I'm not thinking about. I've ponied up for Emerald Coast so that I'm at least prepped when the time comes, just wondering what the experienced think about the situation.

Cheers!