T-1A Guy

You bet...lots of options here. Just like the airlines the key is to...network.

LAfrequentflyer

If you don't want to stay longer in the AF - get hired with fractionals (netjets, citation shares...) and build hours with good QOL until you can get on with Fed Ex...

-LA

DarkGrey

T-1A

Thanks for the words. We definitely appreciate it. I'd do just about anything to get out of the AD shuffle and move civilian, and would love to supplement that with an ANG/Reserve billet.

What's your story?

T-1A Guy

I am about to retire after 20 years of AD...I have been fortunate and flown all that time. I faced your decision many years ago...If I had to do it again...Yes...I would take my own advice and go in the NG
I have been preparing for a long time...we'll see if it pays off...so far so good
This site is my favorite and the best I have seen on the web...lots of info out there. If I can help...let me know

DarkGrey

T-1

Thanks for the offer; I may take you up on it sooner or later.

Deuce130

Keep in mind that some companies, like FDX for example, have minimum requirements and that's all. You will still be competitive against guys with 3,000 hours if you only have your minimum time. More hours than the min doesn't increase your attractiveness to Fedex. With that said, if you seriously want to get out of the AF, I'd recommend staying in for one or two more years without signing the bonus in order to get your time. Life in the military, unless you absolutely hate it, is better than flying corporate or regional in order to build your time. And the pay is much, much better. Guard/Reserve job is almost a necessity your first year, especially if you go the corporate/RJ route. The downside is that you are now working two jobs and you remain in the military, sort of. I work a reserve job and I love it, and it's gotten me through my first year at Fedex.

DarkGrey

Thanks Deuce,

Good info, much needed. Can you verify what was said earlier? Is there 0 chance of interview at Fedex with 1300 TT jet (vs 1500 TT Jet) and all other quals met? Can the 3 internal recommendations get me over the hump?

koz2000

Just my .02
I'd look at the KC-10 reserve unit at Mcguire AFB. FedEx has about 26 guys who are there. I'm sure they're doing one or two year AD tours, plus you'd have an opportunity to build heavy time and meet a lot of other recommendations. Your 3 recs (depending on who they are) can definitely help if you meet the requirements but are low on the competitive scale. If you don't meet mins, no help. If you meet mins, they need to be beating down to right doors to get you a look-see. Also if you haven't done a meet and greet, I'd arrange one ASAP.

zulu

Unfortunately, I think that the mins are the mins and won't flex. You really need to pick up those extra hours.

With that being said, I'd recommend going to one of the regionals while supplementing it with the guard/reserve. You'll get a boat load of hours in a very short time and the combined military/121 background will make you very competitive.
You'll really need the guard/reserve unless you want a seriously negative cash flow. Since dark grey Eagle jobs are rare (do they even exist?), going to a UPT base may be your best bet. I have no idea as to their availability right now. Also, apply to every flying guard/reserve unit you can get an address for. The worst they can do is say "no." Finally, don't forget non-flying jobs; they're are several Predator and CAOC units spinning up right now that need pilots -- you won't get any flying time (but hopefully flying for a regional will take care of that), but new units usually have tons of extra man-days as they're getting up to speed, and you can pick up a lot of extra cash that way (really helped me through my first year).

Don't get discouraged -- you probably don't have a direct shot at Purple, but the right moves (and a little luck) could have you starting class within a year or two of separating.

Z

SherpaLifter

DarkGrey

Here's a different perspective for you. If you enjoy what you are doing, I'd recommend you stay active duty. I did 20 and retired and enjoyed every minute of it. Got on with a legacy carrier (now in bankruptcy). I've been furloughed once and have been based in 5 different categories in the last 6 years. Commuted for 3 years until family couldn't take it any longer. Finally moved to domicile which company then closed. Moved again to new domicile. My wife says we had much more stability in the AF! My contempories who got out when their ADSC was up are now airline captains but their dreams of big pay, benefits and retirement are gone. PGBC max "guarantee" for pension plans taken over in 05 is less than $30K. I make more than that with my AF retirement plus have TRICARE for Life (a very good medical plan compared to what most airlines are offering). If you retire at 42 you will still have 18 (or more) years until retirement at an airline. If you think doing the same job (airline flying) for 18 years may get a bit boring, just think if you left now how many years you would be doing the same work. The grass always seems greener on the other side of the fence. Everyones situation is different but 20 years isn't that long in the scheme of things. The opportunities in the AF to work with great people, see new places, get ahead based on ability (not seniority), and to serve your country are unmatched anywhere else. And then there is the variety in flying (worldwide, yank and bank, air refueling, low level)....you're not going to find that at Fedex or UPS (except for the worldwide part).

Unless your are totally unhappy, I'd suggest you stay in, contribute as much as you can to your own retirement (the power of time), and enjoy the ride! Before you know it, your time will be up, your resume will be top notch, and with the security of a retirement check and medical plan in hand you can then start your 2nd career.