Originally Posted by
Tannhauser621
Absolutely love flying, and I'd like to say I've done fairly middle pack here in primary. Number one priority in my life is my wife and kid. That being said.... SELECTION.
My longterm goal is to become an airline pilot flying internationally with one of the Majors. I grew up flying alone to see my grandfather in France and have dreamt of it since. That being said... here is my current wish list
1. P8 (navy 737)
2. E2/C2
3. Helos or E6 Mercury(B-707)
My predicament is my 3rd choice. I'm torn between E-6s and Helos.
E-6s
Pros
- set up with multi engine heavy time
- Deployments are 3 on 3 off essentially
- always stateside
Cons
- have yet to meet an e6 guy talk good about community. One dude downright said to avoid it. Most complaints about predictability, boring, never overseas.
- live in OKC
- Never truly "deploy"
Helos
Pros
- best duty stations in navy
- All Pilot community
- Every helo pilot I've met said they absolutely love the community. Spoke about brotherhood
- Deployments were plenty, fairly predictable, and all over the world.
Cons
- Not multiengine heavy
- Have to fight for a VT instructor slot to get fixed wing hours
- Spend 1000s on multiengine courses to get rating
Thus my predicament, one essentially promises a rewarding navy career, the other sets myself up for the airlines.
The idea of making 70k a year as a first year FO in the regionals sounds terrible, especially when I have a family to support. Let me know gents if I have any misconceptions. Thanks for everyone's time.
An interesting thread, filled with perspective from the field in addition to the fleet VT pukes. None should be discounted.
My dollar in the hat
Your middle of pack, that may drive your assignment anyway.
My view:
Go for the best life you dream now, not for the airlines. Select accordingly.
In your words "one essentially promises a rewarding navy career"
This is the last chance to dream big on something this consequential at this point in your life.
You can accomplish your airline dreams regardless of the community you choose now. IF you decide to continue that as a future opportunity....
Many of us posting here have all seen the one who wanted to be an Admiral and end up in the airlines or as a medical doctor. We have seen the one who was like you, thinking airlines and ended up a Flag, and a good one.
In the moment, you should address your Navy path. Give it all you have, be open to the opportunities. You will have plenty of opportunity to prepare for the airlines in the coming years even if a helo driver.
Have flown with helo drivers in the majors. Regardless of community, many did go to the regionals for a time to be appropriately competitive or VT's. Airlines will most likely looking for many pilots of all types in ten years so again, enjoy the navy opportunities for the satisfaction of doing what you would truly enjoy now.
Save money for the future, what you spend it on will be determined by future opportunities or needs. If a regional, or first year pay at a major, still low, or a family challenge, who knows.
What you do know, is that your future in the airlines can and will most likely happen regardless of community if that is what you pursue. Max the Navy opportunity now for what you believe will give you the most joy and satisfaction of your military career.
Best of opportunities.
SaltyDog