Zflight

If I had to do it over again I'd go career military or join the guard then work on an airline job

80ktsClamp

Bad advice. Seniority is everything in this industry. When I was 22 I already had 2000 hours and was at a regional airline... 3 years later I was at a major. That 40 years of flying left is far better spent at a high tier job and senior than dillying around as time wastes away.

Those people hired before you that are younger will be getting the schedules you want before you for the rest of your career.

80ktsClamp

You're barking up the right tree here. Don't go into crazy debt, but get your licenses and such as quickly as you can and get your first flying job. The guard isn't a bad thing, but with a downsizing military those slots are going to be harder and harder to come by. Get your ratings, build your hours, and get on with an airline. The getting should be pretty good over the coming years.

flynavyj

The military is going to give you the best options for the future. Military pilots are highly regarded, and it will be the best way to differentiate yourself from a herd of ERAU graduates. It will also provide you the best compensation, additional career options, and a great source of contacts (especially if you go guard/reserves).

There's also no guarantee that this current hiring trend continues for the foreseeable future (although I'd guess it will last for the next several years...or until something puts it to a halt). It stinks to say it, but there's quite a few challenges between a 100 hour private pilot and a 1500 hour ATP, and it's going to take you a little while to get the time. I'd never recommend that a person put $100k into ratings at a pilot factory just to get a $20k/year pilot job, it's just a bad decision.

Same time, you're behind in terms of hours vs your competition (i.e. soon to be college graduates of aviation programs who are likely in the 250-500 hour range). Seniority is everything in this game (as others have said) but the only number you care about is the major airlines, and not the regional where you'll likely be for a couple years at minimum, and likely four or five. Considering this, I'd rather put my efforts towards something I know will matter (the military flying option) vs something with zero guarantee (Major carriers picking up every regional FO they can find).

If you're able to nab a guard spot, do a couple years active duty, apply to whoever is hiring as soon as you meet minimums (major and regional) if you're pulled to a regional, you'll have another source of income you can pursue, which is an immediate benefit. It'll show that you've got what it takes for 121 flying, plus you'll have your military background and options for a rewarding and lucrative career.

Example:

I (and many others) went to a regional airline after college. Flew in the right seat for a bit, upgraded into the left seat for a bit, and was downgraded back to the right seat.

A good friend who was in class with me went through the same scenario. When he was downgraded he went active duty with his guard unit, delivering a paycheck considerably better than regional FO wages. When hiring opened, this friend put his stuff in Airtran and was scooped up (Mil+Civ+121 PIC time = hired).

Myself (and most others) suffered through regional FO wages again for as long as we could...some upgraded again after 5 years in the right seat, plenty packed up for other career options.

Also - don't think this is coming from an ex-mil guy. The screen name is just a screen name...I'm a civilian pilot.

Flyboyxc91

Thanks a lot for all the input, I know nothing in aviation and life in general is easy or a guarantee. I believe I am going to look into the ANG and see if I can get at least an interview etc after I take my AFOQT and TBAS. I know I will be waiting a while before I can go to UPT though and with that being said I will probably move towards getting at least an instrument rating in the meantime to keep up my flying... I'm thinking if I don't get a pilot slot now, this would help me get one potentially somewhere else a year down the road??... At any rate the time will be going toward 1500hrs etc etc etc..

Flyboyxc91

AN UPDATE :] Its official, I'm graduating May 9th from East Carolina University and I will be going home for two months and getting a few hours of dual, then twenty hours of cross country time to satisfy entrance requirements for the ATP 90-Day Program... I'm so excited to be on my way to a CAREER PILOT as if being a PILOT wasn't cool enough already

Logan51388

Good choice! I was an active duty marine my self. I'm currently attending college and going through ATP for my pilot ratings. they are a top notch school and they operate somewhat like an airline as far as maintenance and moving aircraft around.

Flyboyxc91

Thats awesome Logan! I'm super excited to get back into the air on a regular basis and not have to stop this time! I already dusted off my old private pilot study books and have been reading a few passages between studying Organic Chemistry haha.....

Loon

If money isn't a huge issue, then invest in the stock market and go get a job in your field of study. Avoid aviation as a career as it will kill the passion that you seem to currently have. Good luck!

Flyboyxc91

I understand many people have reservations about this line of work as a career being that it becomes something you never thought it would become, however there are a lot of reasons for a lot of different people on why that is so... I'm sure there are a lot of lifetime pilots that wouldn't have it any other way and thats what I'm hoping for.

I've said this before in other forums about aspiring pilot professionals.. If they are PURSUING their own interests then don't be negative towards the outlook on what they are doing. Although, I do understand and respect your opinion its just not what I'm looking for.. I'm going flying :]