Thanks for the responses! I am currently deployed, but I'm using this time to study for the FAA private pilot written test, as well as some ground school course work. From what I've read, I have to be careful about what flt training I take away from ER, the 1000 hr program has pretty strict requirements as to what I can do with other flt schools.
I will have my A&P prior to retirement, studying for those tests and slated to take the tests and practical when I return. Maintenance isn't out of the question, but it's not my goal. I still enjoy working on AC, but my hands aren't as fast as they used to be and I'm noticing that that some tasks are taking longer to complete. As far working OT, that isn't anything new, but at least I will get paid for it. No such thing as OT in the Army.