What do I need?
 

I'm just curious at the moment, but I'm active duty military been in 14 years. Looking to retire in 6, and have always wanted to be an airline pilot for either United or Hawaiian. I have loved both of the companies service and everyone I have always talked to with those two are always really friendly, and I like that! I currently have my instrument ticket, but want to know what I need to make it. If anyone can help that would be awesome, Thank you!

P.S. Please don't turn this post into a regional hating post :)

Flying in the military or something different?

6 years is hard to predict. Guys are getting their Commercial ASEL, AMEL, Instrument and then moving on to jobs that scrap by. Even jobs in Hawaii, such as Mokulele. The days of flying as a CFI to build 1,500 hours are behind us (for now).

no not flying in the military, just doing it on my own. Just trying to see what I can do to get to that 1500 hours? is there something through Mesa that can get me there, or whats the scoop?

Some regionals have feeders. Again, 6 years is a long way away. Do you have a Commerical rating yet? And, can you moonlight? What is your total hours now?

Read:

https://www.vets.gov/education/advan...ight-training/

In some cases it is possible for you to use GI Bill benefits while still on active duty, even for 60% of the cost of some aviation training. You certainly can use them after retirement to fund an aviation degree too, although that takes you out to ten years.

Many military bases have aero clubs where you can get additional trying, hours.



Depending on your branch of service you might be able to transfer to a Reserve component that could allow you to pursue your goal more aggressively, while still accruing points for an eventual military requirement. Included in this might be CAP units where you could log hours of flying time:

Flexible reserve opportunities supporting Air Force auxiliary > Air Force Reserve Command > News Article

An awful,lot just depends on how badly you want this and how much you are willing to sacrifice to make it happen.

I do not yet have my commercial, I just earned my instrument rating. I'm not too sure what moonlighting is, and I currently have about 150 hours.

You need $$$ to get your commercial ratings, multi engine, and probably your instructor ratings so you can time build. Right now you are just a private pilot that won’t get himself killed flying into a cloud. You have a long road ahead of you, persistence is key.

You might check out the recently announced American Airlines Cadet program.

Someone else hit on it, but a couple majors are looking into or starting cadet training programs. American’s mentions helping you secure the financing for your ratings and eventually getting an interview into any of their wholly owned regionals. I believe United has something as well, but I’m not sure on the details.

My personal recommendation to you since you’re still active duty is to continue to build your time however you can and strive for both your commercial ticket and becoming a CFI. Once you’re a CFI you can moonlight on the side (moonlighting is a side job) and let someone else pay for your flight time that way. If you have an Aviation related degree, you’ll qualify for a Restricted-ATP which allows you to acquire an ATP with reduced hours depending on the level of education. Without an Aviation related degree, you’ll need to acquire 1500 hours in order to get an ATP.

As you progress, keep in mind that you’ll need a multi engine rating and if you’re ever offered any type ratings, get them. But your ultimate goal is 1500 hours, that’s the hurdle.

Use your Post 911 GI Bill benefits. Get an aviation degree at a part 141 school that includes flight training as part of the degree. Everything after your private certificate will be covered 100% if you go this route. You will still have to get the hours after training to get to ATP or R-ATP mins though.