Hey all,

I currently have about 800 instructor hours in the T-1 (Beech 400a) and about 200 PIC hours in the KC-135, and 2-300 Instructor hours in it. I've still got about 4 years of active duty time left, which means on more assignment before getting out.

Would taking another T-1 assignment limit my airline application choices? (I.e. would they prefer I was more recent in the kc-135 vs the small T-1?)

Also, I'm thinking of applying to Macdill's reserve kc-135 squadron as a TR. Would having to requal in the kc-135 mean they are less likely to pick me up?

Any thoughts/lessons learned would be great!
Thanks!

 

Just to clarify...

Are your 200 hours of PIC included in your 2-300 hours of IP time? Or in addition to them (since you are obviously the PIC if you're logging IP time). What is your total time? Which job will get you more time (not sure if you need more total time, because I don't know your total time)?

I'm not an expert, but I really don't see them caring one way or the other. I think it will come down to which job you want more. Also, you could probably be an Evaluator in the T1 on your next assignment, is that possible in the 135? That's a tangible box to check.

Most of my Mil time was T-38 when I was hired for what that's worth.

 

It's additional, I know airlines count IP time different than just PIC so I wanted to differentiate. My total multi-engine time is around 1500.
If I went to T-1s again I would probably become an EP, but not if I stayed in the kc-135. Staying in the 135 just means I'm current for the reserves and for the airlines I have heavy aircraft time (If that's important). Sounds like it wasn't for you though.

 

EP/IP time is more valuable than PIC turbine, but if you can get IP quals in the tanker its probably a wash. It will come down to your preference.

Miltary 1500 PIC Turbine > 15,000# is solid...regardless of T-1, KC-135, F-16, A-10, C-130, etc.

What "might" be an issue is ANG/Reserve issues. I am not saying airlines might have a bias against some high ops tempo ANG/Reserve units, but in my observation nobody ever complains about pilots who work at UPT bases in the total force. Those schedules typically mesh extremely well with airline life. No deployments--rarely on extended orders, etc etc...

 

Ive heard some awful things about that unit.

Long term I think a UPT reserve job would be easier. They do seem to want six days a month, but tankers sure deploy a lot.

Dont think either option would be bad, which do you want to do? Which would be better for you and family?

My last AF job was flying a Cirrus, you'll be fine in a Tone.

 

I loved flying the tone in the early aughts. All Ip time and plenty of Ct xc. I've heard they've limited the xc so that would suck if you're just flying around the flag pole. But I left my first operational tour with about 450 pic and left the tone with north of 2100. I also had no problem getting in to a reserve unit outside AETC after I separated, so the no current thing is not a factor.

 

I'm guessing you'll be fine with either route. Do whichever one makes the the most sense for your family (if you have one), then which job you think you might enjoy more.

In seems that the Reserves are worse, wrt time commitments, as compared to the ANG. All the Reserve bubbas I've talked to have floored me with what their squadrons demand of their TRs. There was even a squadron broadcasting on FB that they require 7 days MINIMUM...for a part timer! I don't know how they find, or more appropriately, keep pilots. Then again, they have resorted to FB to find people, which is very telling. Do your homework on min commitments by each squadron.

IMHO, anything more than 4-5 days/month, for a TR, is right out. If you wish to do more then great, but to expect that is crap. This is a part time gig, and it seems that leadership in some squadrons have forgotten that. I guess that's what a decade of airline guys begging for day/dollars will do. Growing pains have already started now that guys have options and take HUGE paycuts to accomplish their military requirements.

 

I can't speak to Air Force specific stuff, but in a few years retirements will be in full swing. You'll probably be plenty competitive either way, so I'd choose based on which type of flying you prefer, location, and quality of life.