Originally Posted by
sourdough44
I would lean fixed with pilot training with the Guard/Reserves, over trying to get on right away with a regional.
That UPT training will put you in a faster track to the majors. The ‘detour’ will be shorter lived, not 10+ years. Down the road you also have that secondary retirement benefits.
I do like back up plans. If that stalls in any way, keep pushing forward with plan B.
I like having backup plans, too.
I guess that's really the heart of the issue ... if I stick with the civ track, I'd probably have 3,500+ turbine time (1,500 airplane TPIC / 1,000 TSIC / 1,000 mil turbine helo) by mid-2022 which would be around equivalent timeline I'd probably be done with Air Force training.
If I went the Air Force Reserve / Air Guard route, by the time I got boarded and went to training, I'd probably have around 1,000 Part 121 SIC and upgrade eligible.
I am currently with an AAG wholly-owned regional carrier and am able to fly 70-85 hours a month and have a flow in my back pocket.
I guess the concern is, once hiring really picks up at the majors in the coming years, I don't wanna miss the opportunity for a seniority number I'm behind in TPIC 121 time. If it's close to a wash with UPT, then it's probably an awesome opportunity.