29 y/o enlisted to civilian flight school
07-15-2017, 06:01 PM
#1
New Hire
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Joined APC: Jul 2017
Posts: 3
29 y/o enlisted to civilian flight school
Hello everyone.
Enlisted military guy here. I have a passion for aviation - did not get picked up for OCS the first few years of active duty and am now too old for military flight school anyway. (31 is the max, 29 now but wouldn't be able to start until after I hit the age wall.)
I'm in the Tampa Bay area and took a few lessons at Tampa Bay Aviation at Clearwater air park. LOVED being up in the Cessna - but it's expensive!
As I see many others do on this subforum, I'm seeking some advice and trying to make peace with my aspirations of a career spent flying before shelling out all of my hard earned savings/loan to pursue this.
I'm active duty for another year and then I decide if I'm done or not. I will have my Bachelor's degree within this time frame. Here are a few big questions I haven't been able to track down yet.
I have a passion for mountain climbing. Do airlines allow pilots to pursue climbing domestic/international mountains? Is this doable when one has more seniority as far as schedule/bidding goes? (taking a few weeks off on a mountain/expedition somewhere?) Anyone know any avid mountain climbers that have balanced this hobby with flying?
Lastly, I love traveling. I'm fortunate to have been moved to places outside my comfort zone which have ended up being great experiences. How long does a new pilot usually have to work before being able to bid on international routes? I understand I know nothing yet and that the glamour and exploration opportunities are often not there, but regardless the thought of flying to these destinations is alluring. I'm just curious if this is something only the senior-most pilots at the majors get to do.
Thanks all. Love this site and all of the great information here.
Enlisted military guy here. I have a passion for aviation - did not get picked up for OCS the first few years of active duty and am now too old for military flight school anyway. (31 is the max, 29 now but wouldn't be able to start until after I hit the age wall.)
I'm in the Tampa Bay area and took a few lessons at Tampa Bay Aviation at Clearwater air park. LOVED being up in the Cessna - but it's expensive!
As I see many others do on this subforum, I'm seeking some advice and trying to make peace with my aspirations of a career spent flying before shelling out all of my hard earned savings/loan to pursue this.
I'm active duty for another year and then I decide if I'm done or not. I will have my Bachelor's degree within this time frame. Here are a few big questions I haven't been able to track down yet.
I have a passion for mountain climbing. Do airlines allow pilots to pursue climbing domestic/international mountains? Is this doable when one has more seniority as far as schedule/bidding goes? (taking a few weeks off on a mountain/expedition somewhere?) Anyone know any avid mountain climbers that have balanced this hobby with flying?
Lastly, I love traveling. I'm fortunate to have been moved to places outside my comfort zone which have ended up being great experiences. How long does a new pilot usually have to work before being able to bid on international routes? I understand I know nothing yet and that the glamour and exploration opportunities are often not there, but regardless the thought of flying to these destinations is alluring. I'm just curious if this is something only the senior-most pilots at the majors get to do.
Thanks all. Love this site and all of the great information here.
07-15-2017, 07:27 PM
#2
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2008
Position: A-320
Posts: 1,122
I was enlisted (AF Reserves) did civilian flight training and am at American now.
First of all, if you really want to be a military pilot, look into the ANG. They will do age waivers. I know a guy that was 35 or 36 and got a waiver. He's on C-130's.
You would be able to do mountain climbing. We have a LAX flight attendant that does guided climbs. The hardest part would be getting enough time off for a climb. It is possible, you'll just need some seniority first.
First of all, if you really want to be a military pilot, look into the ANG. They will do age waivers. I know a guy that was 35 or 36 and got a waiver. He's on C-130's.
You would be able to do mountain climbing. We have a LAX flight attendant that does guided climbs. The hardest part would be getting enough time off for a climb. It is possible, you'll just need some seniority first.
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