So I’m currently going this route with the tanker reserve job and regional gig. So far, I’d say that this is probably the fastest route to a major from zero/little time. Instead of renting/buying a Cessna or instructing to get over the 750 hour hump, I thing the smartest thing to do is volunteer for a deployment. Many guard/reserve/AD associate units will gladly take volunteers to fill deployment slots.

I timed it out so that I went on orders for a deployment as soon as my seasoning orders ended so there was a seamless transition. I also recommend doing this as it’s very beneficial to get a deployment under your belt as a new Co to solidify experience in the tanker. I think it would hurt your progress in the tanker to just come off of seasoning with a handful of hours and then just burn holes in the sky in a Cessna or flight instructing. Also a deployment is usually your best bang for your buck for flight hours in a short amount of time.

I used my down time during deployment to get my regional apps together, schedule FAA medical, acquire FCC radio license, convert logbook mil time to civilian, collect school transcripts, study/prepare for interview, etc. Depending on what you’re starting with, you should come off of that first 60 day-er with close to 750 total time. Also keep in mind that regionals will hire you well before you hit 750 if you can show that you will be able to have most of it prior to class start through regular flying in the ARC.

You can use up to 100 hours of (FAA certified) sim time towards those minimums as well (most AF sims are not certified so don’t count legally). Between ATP-CTP + your regional initial training you can get anywhere from 35-50 creditable sim hours. Hit the line at your regional and fly your a$$ off and upgrade quick so you can start getting that PIC. This should be the magic equation. Good luck and PM if you wanna chat more.