Stuck in the Air Force
04-25-2007, 07:26 AM
#11
Prime Minister/Moderator
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Engines Turn Or People Swim
Posts: 39,544
Like everybody else said, an attitude self-adjustment might help you out in your pursuit of a flying career.
I'm a little unclear on the NAV thing...can you get back into military flying in any way, shape, or form? Even if you have to do nav for a few years? If so, DO NOT HESITATE, DO IT!
Even if you have to spend 20 years in the military to work off your UPT commitment you will still have great credentials when you apply to a major, and one of the only remaining defined-benefit pension plans in aviation.
If you go the civilian route, you will be in purgatory for 10+ years anyway...the payscale will be like military enlisted (or worse), but with few or no benefits. Much better to do that time in the military and get compensated for it.
I'm a little unclear on the NAV thing...can you get back into military flying in any way, shape, or form? Even if you have to do nav for a few years? If so, DO NOT HESITATE, DO IT!
Even if you have to spend 20 years in the military to work off your UPT commitment you will still have great credentials when you apply to a major, and one of the only remaining defined-benefit pension plans in aviation.
If you go the civilian route, you will be in purgatory for 10+ years anyway...the payscale will be like military enlisted (or worse), but with few or no benefits. Much better to do that time in the military and get compensated for it.
04-30-2007, 07:11 AM
#14
Line Holder
Joined APC: Mar 2006
Position: XLS & CE-500 Capt
Posts: 62
Ditto on the attitude...its all about what you want and how bad you want it. Did 7 yrs enlisted and 3 yrs as a WX officer in the AF before I could get to UPT. Lucky to do my 8 year commitment and am now retiring and looking forward to the civilian flying side.
Good luck!
Good luck!
04-30-2007, 05:30 PM
#15
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Nov 2006
Posts: 204
To borrow from the Marines, you are most importantly an AF Officer 1st, aviator 2nd. From a personal perspective; I spent 4 years as a Nav, went to UPT & spent the last 16 years as a C-130 Pilot. Now flying for a major with a retirement check coming in as a nice bonus (with benefits). Heck, half of my UNT class went to UPT within 4 years of graduating UNT. Perserverance & attitude were definately key. Additionally I know a reserve C-130 Nav who flys for the airlines for his main job. AF paid him a decent salary while he worked on his pilot time and later gave him a Reserve bum job to fall back on when airlines go thru turbulent times (i.e. post 9/11). Look long term.
04-30-2007, 07:22 PM
#16
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Apr 2007
Position: C152
Posts: 501
It could have been worse, You could have slogged through four years as a Marine grunt. At least as a NAV you would have been around aviation. The only time I got near what I dreamt about doing after the Corps was being crammed in the back of Hercs flying into the combat zone and having medevacs called in for myself and other wounded Marines.
How's that old saying go? When life gives you lemons, make lemonade? ... And then find someone that life gave vodka...
How's that old saying go? When life gives you lemons, make lemonade? ... And then find someone that life gave vodka...
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