Need HELP making a decision.
06-04-2006, 09:24 PM
#1
Guest
Posts: n/a
Need HELP making a decision.
I'm 19 years old, finishing my first year of college. My goal is to be a commercial pilot, and there is just so much to think about, I need all of your wisdom and help on this. I have a MILLION questions.1) Should I go into the force or pay my way through the ratings?
2) if the force, AF or Navy? which one is better, why
2 1/2 ) I dont plan on being single through this journey, (I know its difficult to have a relationship) does the AF accomidate any better for family life than Navy or vise versa?
3) Do pilots coming out of the force have any kind of advantage what so ever?(do airlines generally like them better?)
4) What Should I fly while in the Navy/ Airforce. (can I fly larger plains for airlines, depending on what I fly in the force?
5) Would I rack up enough hours to qualify for airlines when i get out. Does the type of plane you fly make a difference in how many hours you get?
6) I've heard that you have to commit so many years to the AF/Navy once you get your wings...is that true....does ne one know how many?
7) If I decided to pay my way: from ne ones experience how hard is it to pay the loan back to the bank?.........and did you go to college first?
8) From my current stand point, (1 year through college and no flight experience yet), how many years would it take about before I get that job at a major airline?
9) WHAT THE HECK IS PIC TIME?!?!
10) With the industry in its current condition, is it reasonable to think that after 10-12 year seniority i would be making 200k per year?
11) If so where, if not where are the highest paying jobs for pilots these days?
12) Any personal experiences, decisions regreted, decisions celebrated, or advice you can/ want to share as well? (No thank you SkyHigh, I very much know where you stand)
Thanks to ne one who can shed some light on any of these questions. It is so much appreciated!
-cwthomas
Last edited by cwthomas; 06-05-2006 at 08:31 AM.
06-05-2006, 02:50 AM
#3
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: May 2006
Position: 737 CA
Posts: 2,575
I don't know everything, but here I go.
I'm 19 years old, finishing my first year of college. My goal is to be a commercial pilot, and there is just so much to think about, I need all of your wisdom and help on this. I have a MILLION questions.
1) Should I go into the force or pay my way through the ratings?
Try the military first, maybe it won't work out and you can do the civilian route.
2) if the force, AF or Navy? which one is better, why
I would think the AF has more planes. Transports, bombers, fighters, etc.
2 1/2 ) I dont plan on being single through this journey, (I know its difficult to have a relationship) does the AF accomidate any better for family life than Navy or vise versa?
Navy will not let your wife on the aircraft carrier. Some Navy pilots are land based. Again, I think the AF might be better life.
3) Do pilots coming out of the force have any kind of advantage what so ever?
Yes and no. They are not better pilots. Their experience is different and they get some quality time. Some airlines like military and some don't.
4) What Should I fly while in the Navy/ Airforce. (can I fly larger plains for airlines depending on what I fly in the force?
I'm not sure, I've heard people say fly the bigger planes to prepare for the airlines. Bombers and transports, not fighters. Makes sense, but who really knows?
5) Would I rack up enough hours to qualify for airlines when i get out. Does it make a difference what kind of plane you fly?
Yes. Maybe. Remeber that once you get your military training and get out, you then have to get civilian airmen certificates. You won't get a job without them.
6) I've hear that you have to commit so many years to the AF/Navy once you get your wings...is that true....does ne one know how many?
Yes, I'm not sure. I was never military. I've heard around 5 years, but ask the Navy and USAF to be sure.
7) If I pay my way, from ne ones experience how hard is it to pay the loan back to the back, and did you go to college first?
I paid my own way and it took a long time to get the training and college done. You don't have to spend a lot of money to get good training/school. Shop around. The cheapest is probably not the best. The most expensive is probably not the best. Some schools do loans and others do not.
8) From my current stand point, 1 year through college and no flight experience yet, how many years would it take about before I get that job at a major airline?
That's the big question. I soloed in 1982 and was a commercial pilot by 1987. I got hired by a major airline in 2005. I had 11,000 hours.
9) WHAT THE HECK IS PIC TIME?!?!
Pilot in command time. Not first officer or second officer/flight engineer. "Captian" time. Some aircraft only require one pilot, so that would be PIC time too.
10) With the industry in its current condition, is it reasonable to think that after 10-12 year seniority i would be making 200k per year?
NO. I've been flying commercially about 20 years and have never made over $100K. Last year I made $36K.
11) If so where, if not where are the highest paying jobs for pilots these days?
A Captain at a major airline will make good money. Getting to the major and then waiting for Captain take a long time. Some corporate jet jobs pay well, but they are few and very hard to get. There was a web site with pilot pay, but I can't remember it. www.flightpay.com or something? Search for information on the net.
Good luck. I love to fly so I put up with the crap in the industry. You need to decide if you want to also.
12) Any person experiences, decisions regreted, decisions celebrated, or advice you can/ want to share as well? (No thank you SkyHigh, I very much know where you stand)
Thanks to ne one who can shed some light on any of these questions. It is so much appreciated!
-cwthomas
Originally Posted by cwthomas
I'm 19 years old, finishing my first year of college. My goal is to be a commercial pilot, and there is just so much to think about, I need all of your wisdom and help on this. I have a MILLION questions.1) Should I go into the force or pay my way through the ratings?
Try the military first, maybe it won't work out and you can do the civilian route.
2) if the force, AF or Navy? which one is better, why
I would think the AF has more planes. Transports, bombers, fighters, etc.
2 1/2 ) I dont plan on being single through this journey, (I know its difficult to have a relationship) does the AF accomidate any better for family life than Navy or vise versa?
Navy will not let your wife on the aircraft carrier. Some Navy pilots are land based. Again, I think the AF might be better life.
3) Do pilots coming out of the force have any kind of advantage what so ever?
Yes and no. They are not better pilots. Their experience is different and they get some quality time. Some airlines like military and some don't.
4) What Should I fly while in the Navy/ Airforce. (can I fly larger plains for airlines depending on what I fly in the force?
I'm not sure, I've heard people say fly the bigger planes to prepare for the airlines. Bombers and transports, not fighters. Makes sense, but who really knows?
5) Would I rack up enough hours to qualify for airlines when i get out. Does it make a difference what kind of plane you fly?
Yes. Maybe. Remeber that once you get your military training and get out, you then have to get civilian airmen certificates. You won't get a job without them.
6) I've hear that you have to commit so many years to the AF/Navy once you get your wings...is that true....does ne one know how many?
Yes, I'm not sure. I was never military. I've heard around 5 years, but ask the Navy and USAF to be sure.
7) If I pay my way, from ne ones experience how hard is it to pay the loan back to the back, and did you go to college first?
I paid my own way and it took a long time to get the training and college done. You don't have to spend a lot of money to get good training/school. Shop around. The cheapest is probably not the best. The most expensive is probably not the best. Some schools do loans and others do not.
8) From my current stand point, 1 year through college and no flight experience yet, how many years would it take about before I get that job at a major airline?
That's the big question. I soloed in 1982 and was a commercial pilot by 1987. I got hired by a major airline in 2005. I had 11,000 hours.
9) WHAT THE HECK IS PIC TIME?!?!
Pilot in command time. Not first officer or second officer/flight engineer. "Captian" time. Some aircraft only require one pilot, so that would be PIC time too.
10) With the industry in its current condition, is it reasonable to think that after 10-12 year seniority i would be making 200k per year?
NO. I've been flying commercially about 20 years and have never made over $100K. Last year I made $36K.
11) If so where, if not where are the highest paying jobs for pilots these days?
A Captain at a major airline will make good money. Getting to the major and then waiting for Captain take a long time. Some corporate jet jobs pay well, but they are few and very hard to get. There was a web site with pilot pay, but I can't remember it. www.flightpay.com or something? Search for information on the net.
Good luck. I love to fly so I put up with the crap in the industry. You need to decide if you want to also.
12) Any person experiences, decisions regreted, decisions celebrated, or advice you can/ want to share as well? (No thank you SkyHigh, I very much know where you stand)
Thanks to ne one who can shed some light on any of these questions. It is so much appreciated!
-cwthomas
06-05-2006, 06:01 AM
#5
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Apr 2006
Position: B767A[ret.]
Posts: 593
CW; I hate to step on anybodys dream. The subject of spelling and re-checking your posts have been debated quite a bit here. I just hope that some of these kids check their resumes better than they do their posts. If a mechanic can't read your write up, he can't fix the problem. If some one knows the magic route to $200,000/yr. in 12 years, please post it so everyone can do it. It took me 6 years in the Navy and 18 years with a major carrier to get a captains bid[without commuting]. I'm thinking the commitment for the military is up around 8 years now[but could be less]. Make sure you don't get airsick before you decide this is the career for you. Must be nice to be young and naive. Who said "Youth is wasted on the young?"
06-05-2006, 08:01 AM
#6
New boss = Old boss
Joined APC: Mar 2005
Position: Ca B737
Posts: 2,762
Originally Posted by cwthomas
I'm 19 years old, finishing my first year of college. My goal is to be a commercial pilot, and there is just so much to think about, I need all of your wisdom and help on this. I have a MILLION questions.1) Should I go into the force or pay my way through the ratings? -cwthomas
2) if the force, AF or Navy? which one is better, why -cwthomas
2 1/2 ) I dont plan on being single through this journey, (I know its difficult to have a relationship) does the AF accomidate any better for family life than Navy or vise versa? -cwthomas
3) Do pilots coming out of the force have any kind of advantage what so ever? -cwthomas
4) What Should I fly while in the Navy/ Airforce. (can I fly larger plains for airlines depending on what I fly in the force? -cwthomas
5) Would I rack up enough hours to qualify for airlines when i get out. Does it make a difference what kind of plane you fly?
6) I've hear that you have to commit so many years to the AF/Navy once you get your wings...is that true....does ne one know how many?
7) If I pay my way, from ne ones experience how hard is it to pay the loan back to the back, and did you go to college first? -cwthomas
8) From my current stand point, 1 year through college and no flight experience yet, how many years would it take about before I get that job at a major airline? -cwthomas
9) WHAT THE HECK IS PIC TIME?!?! -cwthomas
10) With the industry in its current condition, is it reasonable to think that after 10-12 year seniority i would be making 200k per year? -cwthomas
11) If so where, if not where are the highest paying jobs for pilots these days? -cwthomas
12) Any person experiences, decisions regreted, decisions celebrated, or advice you can/ want to share as well? (No thank you SkyHigh, I very much know where you stand) -cwthomas
Thanks to ne one who can shed some light on any of these questions. It is so much appreciated!
-cwthomas
-cwthomas
Last edited by mike734; 06-05-2006 at 08:10 AM.
06-05-2006, 08:23 AM
#7
Guest
Posts: n/a
Originally Posted by mike734
I think the best way is to get a degree first and then get in to the direct pilot entry program wth some reserve commitment
How long have you been working with the Airline you are at now?
06-05-2006, 08:35 AM
#8
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Posts: 408
Air Force: Pilots incur a 10-year service commitment from the date of award of aeronautical rating (completion of SUPT / Student Undergraduate Pilot Training). SUPT is a year or longer, so expect to be in for 12 years minimum.
06-05-2006, 09:02 AM
#9
Prime Minister/Moderator
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Engines Turn Or People Swim
Posts: 39,275
From a pure career progression perspective with all other considerations aside...
1) Military pilots have the best opportunity to get the best major airline jobs.
2) Most military pilots will have to serve 10-12 years on active duty before they can begin accumulating the airline seniority that determines pay and lifestyle quality.
What you reallly want is the military advantage without the 12 year wait. There is only one way to do that, in this exact order...
1) Go to college, get GOOD grades, preferably in a technical major.
2) Get your pilot and flight instructor ratings done as early as possible, in college hopefully.
3) Work as a CFI, get 1000+ hours and 100+ multi-engine hours.
4) Get a job at a crappy regional airline with a SHORT captain upgrade time....
5) IMMEDIATELY after getting hired, as soon as possible, get accepted to fly for an Air National Guard (ANG) FIXED WING squadron. They will send you on active duty for two years for air force flight training.
6) While you were gone on military training, your regional airline seniority will accrue. This is required by federal law for military personal. You will come back and it will be like you never left. Soon after your return, you can upgrade to captain and get your 1000 PIC hours.
7) You are now about 28 y/o, a rated and current military pilot with 1000 hours turbine 121 (airline) PIC...you have the best of both worlds and will probably get hired at a major airline in short order. You have a 6 year lead on most active-duty military pilots who have to wait until age 34 or so to start an airline job.
This is a lot of work, but it is about the fastest and most reliable road to a major airline. You will need to reserarch the ANG as soon as possible, it is complicated to get in, you don't just walk in and "sign up". Also be aware that if you get mobilized due to war, you might lose a year or more for that (but you will probably still be getting valuable flight time). Good Luck.
1) Military pilots have the best opportunity to get the best major airline jobs.
2) Most military pilots will have to serve 10-12 years on active duty before they can begin accumulating the airline seniority that determines pay and lifestyle quality.
What you reallly want is the military advantage without the 12 year wait. There is only one way to do that, in this exact order...
1) Go to college, get GOOD grades, preferably in a technical major.
2) Get your pilot and flight instructor ratings done as early as possible, in college hopefully.
3) Work as a CFI, get 1000+ hours and 100+ multi-engine hours.
4) Get a job at a crappy regional airline with a SHORT captain upgrade time....
5) IMMEDIATELY after getting hired, as soon as possible, get accepted to fly for an Air National Guard (ANG) FIXED WING squadron. They will send you on active duty for two years for air force flight training.
6) While you were gone on military training, your regional airline seniority will accrue. This is required by federal law for military personal. You will come back and it will be like you never left. Soon after your return, you can upgrade to captain and get your 1000 PIC hours.
7) You are now about 28 y/o, a rated and current military pilot with 1000 hours turbine 121 (airline) PIC...you have the best of both worlds and will probably get hired at a major airline in short order. You have a 6 year lead on most active-duty military pilots who have to wait until age 34 or so to start an airline job.
This is a lot of work, but it is about the fastest and most reliable road to a major airline. You will need to reserarch the ANG as soon as possible, it is complicated to get in, you don't just walk in and "sign up". Also be aware that if you get mobilized due to war, you might lose a year or more for that (but you will probably still be getting valuable flight time). Good Luck.
06-05-2006, 11:21 AM
#10
Guest
Posts: n/a
Wow i had never even heard of this route, and i have been scouring forums for a week now. i had seen the acronym ANG but didnt know what it was. Is this how you got there, or simply from being around the business? Thanks alot this is a whole other route to look into.
-Cwthomas
-Cwthomas
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