Originally Posted by
SkyHigh
I have to agree. The civilian route is emerging as the main path to the airlines these days. However being a retired military pilot at 42 makes regional pay a whole lot more tolerable. Still I can not say that the military is much of an advantage as it once was.
Skyhigh
I guess that depends on which community you are talking about then Sky. In MY expereince, I don't know too many military pilots who went the 'regional' route. I know one who went to ASA for a very short period of time in 2004-2005 timeframe and then jumped ship quickly and now flies for FedEx. But if one DID retire and then go the regional route then you are absolutely right - it certainly would help.
As far as the military not being as "much of an advantage as it once was" comment - - what type of advantage are you talking about?
You've been known on this forum to say that I haven't even experienced the hardships of life basically because I did a career in the military, and now you say it isn't much of an advantage?
You've said that your chances of getting a Major airline job are reduced if you don't have "buddies" on the hiring board.
I've only gotten two flying jobs since I got out of the military and both of them were directly due to my military background.
I won't make sweeping generalizations like you - but MY experience says that the military route is very advantageous for a variety of reasons.
People should join the military because it is their first choice and because they want to serve their country. As far as the military being a stepping stone to the airlines it seems that there is a growing risk that new pilots will spend the next decade flying UAV's in the military.
Now Sky - here is something that we can absolutely agree on!
I've always said that pursuing the military route as a sole reason to be used as a stepping stone to the airlines would probably leave most disappointed, though if you spend your time in service and then decide to leave for such and have had that plan from day one - more power to you and thank you for your sacrifice.
Being a military pilot has the extra added benefit of preparing you well for a particular aviation related field, just like being in the military period prepares one for civilian employment opportunites. The skills and experiences gained in any service, in any MOS, during those 3-4 years are incredibly valuable.
USMCFLYR