Trying to fly airlines while waiting for OCS
 

So I was recently offered a job with an air national guard unit and will not be sent for officer training till October. While I am waiting I would like to start flying for the airlines and also so that I have a job when I return from officer training, pilot training, etc. I feel guilty because I have a few interviews setup at the regionals and I don't want to hang them out to dry knowing that I won't be around long. I have had military/airline pilots tell me to get my seniority number right away and use them as I can, because they will use you. I would like to have a steady job when I get back and retain decent seniority. Opinions and advice are welcome. And thank you in advance!

Don't worry about hanging them out to dry as they will be doing that to you soon enough. Also, airlines are accustomed to dealing with military leave.

I agree with your military buddies.
One day of seniority can make or break a good work lifestyle at the airlines.

Be honest and up front with them during the interview, however. Let them know about your OCS training dates.

First year at the airlines you are on probation and NOT protected under the union (ALPA) contract. They can fire you for ANY reason under the sun.

The way the pilot shortage (ALPA would kill me for saying that) is, you really have bargaining leverage on your side now with negotiating terms of coming into the airline world. If an airline really wants you, they will be happy to give you a seniority number and wait for you to come back from OCS.

I have flown with a number of FO's who have 10-15 years of age on me and are former military (they've been flying a desk for the past 10 years). They admit that they are just here to get the 121 currency and then they are off to the majors.

They will probably be hired at the majors before I am (despite 14 years in the regionals doing the same job the majors are doing). So, go for it! Best of luck in OCS!!

Don't let morality play into your decision. You're a number, that's it. My suggestion is go to PDT or envoy and by the time you come back you'll be ready to flow. You get all the benefits of flow without having to put up with all the regional BS.

Trying to fly airlines while waiting for OCS
 

Dude apply now and get hired. Get that number. It'll be a huge QOL booster. Don't feel sorry.


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I did the same thing. Got hired by a reserve unit but it took me a year and a half from the date they said "welcome aboard" to when I went away to military orders. Ended up flying the line for about 8 months before leaving for OTS. One dude in my unit got hired/went through training after UPT and then took 9 months of orders to start FTU/seasoning! You have no reason to mention you'll be leaving. You are taking military orders to protect the country, and you'll be back when those orders expire.

You're going to OCS in October, and you're looking for a July interview? You'd barely have time to make it to a class before you depart for OCS. Which airline, knowing you'll leave the moment you start or finish class, without the ability to give a month's line service or scarcely complete IOE, will hire you? Or retain you on leave for a year and a half, as a probationary pilot?

what is your background/experience to get hired to fly ANG? just curious, I'm looking to go that way too

It's a slippery slope with your current timeline. Review the USERRA to find out what sort of protections you may or may not have by going on mil leave.


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ANY regional. They need bodies and will until there aren't any regionals.