I am about 3 yrs from the end of my obligation, and have a few questions. If UPS/FedEx are hiring then, I'm considering that route. Is it worth me going out of pocket for a 757/767 type? Just did the ATP, and the VA will pay for 60% of a type. From what I've been told, I should be ballpark on the resume with time and ground jobs, so will the type make a difference? Does the Masters Degree I'm working on at Embry Riddle help at all? Also, how does the cargo side differ from what I've heard is a mostly negative picture at the majors today? I've just heard that cargo "is where you want to be". Any info is much appreciated.

Thanks

 

It's not the type rating, it's the actual experience in type that counts.

Military guys usually get the red carpet treatment anyway. You should get the interview by just checking the military box, what happens after that is more your personality not so much what type ratings you have.

Good luck

 

You'd be better off with a 737 type. Gives you the Southwest option.

 

RED CARPET TREATMENT? I must of missed that line. Ducgsxr, don't expect your military aviation to give you ANY preferential treatment in this industry.
Make sure you play the Navy game all the way till the last day because this side of the house is in chaos. If you're going to get a type get a 737. None of the U.S. cargo carriers require a type for a new hire. Also, get as much flight time as you can. As far as the masters, get it! You don't need it for an airline job, but don't burn your promotion bridges in the Navy. Three years is a long time and much can change. I've been out of the Air Force for 13 years and if I had it to do all over again I would have stayed in. Good luck.

Red

 

DUCGSXR

What do you fly in the Navy?

 

If you get a type, go with the 737. Will help at SWA should you go that route. Cargo is not immune, but much more insulated than pax carriers. It's a completely different business, lucky for us it happens to involve airplanes. Your Master's will help distinguish you, finish that for sure.

I've found that it's all about who you know. Make sure you keep networking with your Navy buds. Good luck!

 

737 type is the only one worth getting and mostly it is for the training and exposure to civilian way of doing business. Network all your old buds from the squadrons and anyone else you know who got hired. That is your best advantage. More flight time = better odds of getting looked at. Make sure your last tour is in the cockpit. They want recency of experience, of what ever kind that is. Don't hose your buddies, but RHIP and take the hours....

If you have a choice, fly a non-centerline thrust turboprop over centerline thrust fighter. Ground jobs don't mean a thing, just flight time and recommendations from pilots at the airline where you want to get hired.

A masters is fine, but mostly for a non-flying job. Best of luck. 3 years ought to be a much better time for hiring.

 

As fellow Navy who is UPS, 737 type only.
Get Masters for airline career backup and Navy career enhancement if so inclined.
UPS/Fedex is suited for Navy, the facilities are similiar. You will notice many industrial similiarities and would be used to the environment. (Very utility oriented). However, they both provide many choices on lifestyle like most airlines. Advantage: They make money and give a more stable career over most flying companies. Reality is that you would likely assimiliate at any airline and find the positives that work for you. At your point, I would consider UPS/FEDEX/SWA/Corporate/Fractional. Can always move around and refine choices as you get within 12 months of leaving Navy.
Also, recommend you strongly consider Navy Reserve or transfer to USAFR or ANG. Continued service provides many backup options in addition to leveraging all the time from AD into a another brick in the pension/medical plan (options) when you turn 60. Welcome aboard!

 

ducgsxr,

Salty is 100% accurate on this. The move to leave the military is like a card game where there is no limit to the amount of cards (options) you can be holding. Get as many in your hand as possible and then make your final decision. Do not burn the active duty bridge on the way out as it may be your best option at the time. Prepare with a suitable chunk of cash in the bank (will help supplement first year or two's pay).

Network to find as many bro's in the industry as you can and listen to what they say. Filter it with how long they have been at their respective companies and what that companies future looks like for a new hire.

Disregard those people on this forum who are posers or envious of the route you have taken.

Biff

 

737 type is the only type that means anything. I didn't even file for the 707 type I am entitled to since no one flies those civ wise. Start working on getting on with a reserve unit now, making contacts etc.

If you are at training command, thats a great option for reserve flying. Baseops.net is a good resource for the airforce reserve and guard side. Having a reserve/guard safety net makes it a hell of a lot easier to jump.