Originally Posted by
Christian102001
My plan to become an airline pilot is first to join the air force right out of high school. I already signed up for enlisted got a high ASVAB score. With my ASVAB score I qualify for the avionics jobs. I chose a 4 year contract and after those 4 years i hope to have finished my CCAF degree in the air force.
This appears an obligated path. You will have just about turned 22 and free to pursue a solid path to flying directly post military.
What should you do in the interim? Start flying...
1. Be financially smart. You already seem to grasp that concept.
You wont be cool, but buy cheapest yet safest and most reliable car, no show car, cheaper insurance because not a expensive car. Buy things only when you have cash to pay it off. Don't go into credit card debt to get "want" items. Stick to need items
2. If do 1. You will be financially able start your private pilot license. Try to get to one of these USAF bases (Eglin for example) that has an Aero Club
Air Force Aero Clubs
https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Disp...-force-career/
if unable an aero club, work out a program with a local Fixed Based
Operator (FBO) at the local airport. Maybe get lucky and find a retired Military pilot that will give you a great cost break as your Flying Instructor. (I know guys like that). Build your certificates and ratings. You wont be the party animal, you will be a pilot getting experience as a young man making most options available toward your goals. You can/ will be a CFI/CFII/MEI before your enlistment ends. The CFI certification is one ticket post military to continue to build your opportunity for more professional civilian flying.
3. Work on your college as you mentioned. Try to get set up with an online college post USAF that will accept most of your credits.
Originally Posted by
Christian102001
After 4 years I get out and use my 911 gi bill (qualified after 36 months of active duty) and go to UND. The Gi bill last for 3 years and hopefully i can transfer some credits from CCAF to UND so i can finish my bachelors within that 3 years. According to my understanding the gi bill will pay for tuition and fees which also includes flight training (got this info from UND website) . So basically i finished everything in 6-7 years with little to no debt while others finished in 4 years with debt. Plus that avionics job in the air force makes me more competetive.
4. See 3. above. Skip UND, et al if able. See if can get training in USAF that helps you qualify and earn credit towards your Airframe and Powerplant Certificates. (A&P) Not a must track, but can cobble a degree together with courses plus an A&P credit. Goal: Get a degree without spending years in the college doing nothing but getting a degree. More options and possibilities briefly explained here:
A and P License Eligibility Requirements
4 alternative: If have CFI certificates, try to get a job instructing at the school you attend to build more flight time while going to school. Getting paid plus using your earned GI Bill.
Admire your proactive approach. Dont let anyone drag you down. Lots of folks to tell you "No" My success is from this quote
Remember it, OK, don't, I boiled it down to "Be to stupid to quit"
"Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not: nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not: the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. Calvin Coolidge 30th President of the USA 1923-1929"
Best of success in your journey. Enjoy the journey too
Saltydog