Originally Posted by Pete7562

After 24 years of active-duty, I am starting to think about what I am going to do when I grow up. I will retire as a Col in the next 1-2 years, just shy of 50, with ~2500 hours; mostly CH-46E helicopter time (night, combat, instrument, instructor, etc). I enjoy flying, but was never a junkie. Friends of mine that left early (w/ FW time) are recommending I make a run at a major due to the projected hiring trends. My wife and I would happily move to HOU, DFW, or ATL. I am starting to look into the sponsored "feeder" transition programs that are supposed to set you up for a regional.

1) Does anyone have any experience with this route that can talk about true cost of transition training {would prefer to save my GI Bill)?

2) I will have a pension as a safety net, some savings, and a wife that is willing to live "efficiently" for a short while, but I would really want to be making $60k within a year or two and $100k+ within 3-5. Realistic?

3) My wife and I have an infant that I want to be more present for that I could be with my older daughters. In a projected ~15 year career, could I get hired by a major and become senior enough to have sufficient control of my schedule for good quality of life? I would define that as 1-2 weeks per month at home and/or recovering at my base most nights (sleeping in my own bed).

4) Are there airlines that are more "friendly" to military than others?

5) Where in this route am I assuming significant risk?

Personal experience is preferred to hearsay, but any insights are appreciated!