SkyHigh

Often I read statements from new pilots of their disdain for the military. They mention that they don't like the idea of an organization having such power over their destiny and are not attracted to the order and discipline of military life. Another objection is the long investment of time that is required for a military commitment.

To those who fit this description you should reconsider the airlines as a career. The civilian route requires the same investment and sacrifices but offers little else in regards to compensation. In addition the most important reason is that if you don't think you have the personality to survive in the military then you definitely will not make it in the airlines either.

In short if you can't stomach the idea of the military then you will defiantly hate the airlines. Lots of people love to fly but that doesnt mean that they will have a successful career as a professional pilot. It takes a matching personality as well.

SkyHigh

jmack

thats funny stuff

LAfrequentflyer

Funny because its true...I know a few 3+ year CFIs that won't go military because they don't want to take a risk / have someone control their lives.

Military is the way to go - I wish I could have done it in my youth. Now I'm past the age limit and only have 8 years to go before retirement.

-LAFF

jmack

So nice that you enlighten us on the only way to get employeed and have a good career, oh never mind I already have one. Id never have anything bad to say about a military or civilian guy, just as long as they get to where they want to be. But it is nice to read the words of the all knowing, now I know the ONLY way to be a success in aviation

xkuzme1

Did you eat alot of paint chip when you were a kid! I really do hope that you have an excuse for being that stupid!!!!!
X

shackone

LOL!!

SH is at it again!

His first paragraph might apply to some folks...but after that, his post was pure BS.

FlyerJosh

It's not everyday that I agree with skyhigh, but on this particular case, I have to admit that he's right on.

If you think that the airlines aren't that far off from the military, think again. There's still quite a lot of influence from military folks that have left and now work in various roles at commercial carriers. This experience shift often results in many parallels to military flight operations. Training, crew managment, even operational structure often mirrors that of military command structures (albeit with different titles).

I'm not saying that you have to have a military mindset to survive or excel in the airline world, but if you think that some of the same disciplines don't apply, think again. This is one time when Skyhigh has some worthwhile advice.

LAfrequentflyer

You look for and promote the exception to the rule. I look at the rule , especially in a career like airline pilot, and the rule tells me the majority of successful pilots have military experience. May not be cockpit experience but they have served.

-LAFF

FlyerJosh

LAFF,

Military service doesn't guarantee success, nor does a lack of it guarantee failure. You're right in saying that a large number of folks that fly at the airlines have military service, however there are IMO, just as many that came through the civilian routes- particularly at the regionals and smaller/newer national/major airlines.

As time passes (and the vietnam era pilots retire), I would surmise that the ratio of military background to civilian only background pilots will change dramatically.

SkyHigh

Yea I might have been a little off my rocker on that one.

On the other hand it is much easier to make it to a major as a military pilot than another garden variety regional captain. If you are not ready to sacrifice all the way then perhaps you don't have the disposition to make it.

Or something like that.

SkyHigh