Originally Posted by
sammyboy123
As a recent college grad (bachelor’s degree in business) I am looking to become a pilot. I’ve been looking at both civilian and military routes, and am considering the option of “combining” both options. My issue with the civilian route is mainly the high cost. My issue with commissioning in the military as an officer and trying to get a pilot spot is that there is high competition and other difficult hurdles along the way. am considering the option of “combining” both options. This way, I could still shoot for a pilot spot in the guard, and if that doesn’t work out I would still be working towards a degree in aviation. I’ve heard that tuition assistance can only be used for furthering education, and since it would be my second bachelor’s I may not be able to use it. Any insight into this route, strictly civilian route or strictly military route would be greatly appreciated.
Do you know you like to fly? Does it feel like a disease? Gotta have a flying fix? Assuming yes. then ..
1. "My issue with the civilian route is mainly the high cost." About a 100K and 2 to 2.5 years in present market.
Fortunately, their are solutions. regional airlines are now attracted to training programs that will result in a known quantity after reaching qualification and pay dollars to help.
2. "My issue with commissioning in the military as an officer and trying to get a pilot spot is that there is high competition and other difficult hurdles along the way. "
Factually, being a military or commercial airline pilt is high competition and difficult hurdles. Each lane has its own challenges, but essentially same mindset is required to be successful in both fields of flying. Be "to stupid to quit"
3. "am considering the option of “combining” both options."
The best combination is by folks posts above, but the two are Air National Guard and USAF Reserve. Practically, the fastest route to a airline flying job is civilian. Your option is to go military Guard/USAFR first, go to military Pilot Training, train on your airframe at your unit, then work towards building flight time for a few years flying on the side at the local general aviation airport, while continuing to flying military as much as possible in your unit. At some point will be at the regionals, no costs to get ratings. Time to airlines is disadvantage taking the Guard./USAFR route in today's market.
4. working on "degree in aviation" DON"T waste of time..already have a bachelors degree. Overkill with almost zero return. Focus on mil/civilian track if want military benefit dollars, use on civilian flight training.
5. Motivation: None of us reading can determine your heart and passion for flying of any sort. It is competitive, flying professionally, civilian or military, is exhilarating, dreadfully dull and every thing between.
*Military flying is more than simply flying, you are a military officer first and a pilot second, so will have to participate accordingly. If not certain on military route (USAFR or Air National Guard) try to reach out and see if any friends are in the service and get opinions of folks you know. Reflect on what being in the military means. You are a warrior for fighting.
* Civilian flying track: You are own advocate, It is a for profit venture by everyone before it is a profit venture for you. Research your place to train to make sure others are happy with their experience. Not as restricted in mobility as military.
Recommend you determine what is priority.
Get to airline cockpit as quickly as feasible? (perhaps as little as 2 years civilian)
Desire to fly in military? OK with a combination military first and delay a few years to achieve regional employment.(perhaps 4 years from today?
Punchline: Great opportunities exist for young men and women in flying today.
Good fortunes and Best in your journeys!