Originally Posted by
PRS Guitars
I'd get my PPC, beyond that, depends. If you have the money and time, yes. It's very possible to build some time get a regional job then go to UPT. If you can get to a major before UPT...you'd be King Kong, but that's rare. If you don't have the money, I'd just knock out the PPC and concentrate on getting hired by a Gaurd unit.
Being willing to move to another state is a huge advantage. There are units in less desirable areas of the Country that are much much easier to get hired in. Also, if you don't care what you fly...this helps big time too. If you really want fighters, you'll definitely increase your odds by gunning for every unit that's hiring. Once hired, it is possible to change units.
Spot on. We have numerous Guard/Reserve students in UPT right now. I've flown with Guard/Reserve students that are regional airline pilots, students that got hired by the Guard/Reserve with a CFI, others had a PPL with Inst rating, some with just a PPL. Almost every Guard/Reserve student I fly with applied at several different Guard or Reserve squadrons.
In your Sophomore or Junior year of college you need to contact any and all Guard or Reserve units that you are interested in flying for. Do some googling and call whatever units you are interested in and ask to speak with the DO (Director of Operations). Tell him/her that you are enrolled in University X, describe your flying experience and ask what their pilot application process is.
In this day and age with a our YUGE pilot shortage, you will find a unit to hire you.
And, one more pile on, the Guard/Reserve life is immensely better than active-duty, avoid active-duty like the plague.
Good luck.