Military or flight school?
#11
And for the fourth paragraph. As much as I’d love to be an f-16 pilot. I’ve been told that it’s tougher for guys flying those to be hired on by airliners. They would rather have guys flying larger frame aircrafts such as kc-135’s (which is at the top of my list), c-130’s etc etc.
#12
And for the fourth paragraph. As much as I’d love to be an f-16 pilot. I’ve been told that it’s tougher for guys flying those to be hired on by airliners. They would rather have guys flying larger frame aircrafts such as kc-135’s (which is at the top of my list), c-130’s etc etc. Plus I know making a career flying f-16’s for the military wouldn’t be as good of pay as flying for airliners/cargo.
Fighters are more challenging (mission complexity, multi-mission, aerobatics, etc), and also tend to be the most sought-after, and are therefore the most competitive platform for assignment. Between the competition to even get a slot, and the challenges of qualifying and completing initial flying tours, airlines understand that the lowest common denominator in fighters in generally higher than other communities, military and civilian. On the rare occasion when fighter pilots fail airline interviews or training, it's almost invariably an attitude issue, not flying or learning ability. You get some of that from active duty, but I would say probably never from guard guys (better mentors and climate).
#13
Oh .... I can not say any advice, as I am in Hungary... but I hope you find your way.
I was in the army (as a girl), because I love military aviation.. I wanted to try them all...so I became communication officer and I had a lot of chance to fly on different aircrafts for photographing <3
(I was starting PPL as a hobby as civilian)
I loved military, really. Was the best time of my life.
I was in the army (as a girl), because I love military aviation.. I wanted to try them all...so I became communication officer and I had a lot of chance to fly on different aircrafts for photographing <3
(I was starting PPL as a hobby as civilian)
I loved military, really. Was the best time of my life.
Hello everyone,
I am a 24 year old recent college athlete graduate who isn’t using his degree. I have always dreamed of flying and serving in the military. I eventually want to fly for an airliner/cargo such as Delta/FedEx. I am trying to get some advice on what would be the best possible route to get me there as quickly as possible to start gaining seniority. I have several friends who have joined flight schools and some who have joined military. As of right now I am considering joining the air national guard in Birmingham, AL as an officer (first getting my private pilots license for experience) and am also considering joining a flight school in Birmingham. I understand the air national guard is a 10 year commitment but I know that military based training is far superior to a flight school. I would not join the ANG just for the training as I stated earlier, I have always dreamed of serving, it’s just that I am 24 years old and I know it takes a while to gain seniority. Just looking for some advice
Thanks
I am a 24 year old recent college athlete graduate who isn’t using his degree. I have always dreamed of flying and serving in the military. I eventually want to fly for an airliner/cargo such as Delta/FedEx. I am trying to get some advice on what would be the best possible route to get me there as quickly as possible to start gaining seniority. I have several friends who have joined flight schools and some who have joined military. As of right now I am considering joining the air national guard in Birmingham, AL as an officer (first getting my private pilots license for experience) and am also considering joining a flight school in Birmingham. I understand the air national guard is a 10 year commitment but I know that military based training is far superior to a flight school. I would not join the ANG just for the training as I stated earlier, I have always dreamed of serving, it’s just that I am 24 years old and I know it takes a while to gain seniority. Just looking for some advice
Thanks
#14
Line Holder
Joined APC: Jan 2016
Posts: 67
I flew fighters but have a slight different perspective than others on here. I absolutely cherish flying fighters and friends I’ve made along the way but if your goal is the airlines via military flying, the quickest way is to fly heavies. Remember, it takes a lot of 1.2 sorties to accrue 1,500 hours. Very few fighter pilots have 1,500 hours, even the 20 year types unless you were deployed/flew a ton of combat missions. Just like everything in life, it’s all timing. HR/airlines look at numbers and as much as fighter time is pure quality hours, you have to meet the minimums, which usually isn’t very competitive. Many of my squadron buds spent some time at the regionals before moving onto the majors.
In regards to fighters being more sought after than heavies.....yes and no. I’ve had several friends track select into T-1s when they could’ve selected T-38s. Many went onto fly C-17s and KC-10s without any regrets. To each his own. As I’ve said before, I thoroughly enjoyed flying with my hair on fire but 10-12 hour days behind the desk and deploying to the sand box for months at a time grew old fast. Pick your poison and choose wisely.
In regards to fighters being more sought after than heavies.....yes and no. I’ve had several friends track select into T-1s when they could’ve selected T-38s. Many went onto fly C-17s and KC-10s without any regrets. To each his own. As I’ve said before, I thoroughly enjoyed flying with my hair on fire but 10-12 hour days behind the desk and deploying to the sand box for months at a time grew old fast. Pick your poison and choose wisely.
#16
I flew fighters but have a slight different perspective than others on here. I absolutely cherish flying fighters and friends I’ve made along the way but if your goal is the airlines via military flying, the quickest way is to fly heavies. Remember, it takes a lot of 1.2 sorties to accrue 1,500 hours. Very few fighter pilots have 1,500 hours, even the 20 year types unless you were deployed/flew a ton of combat missions. Just like everything in life, it’s all timing. HR/airlines look at numbers and as much as fighter time is pure quality hours, you have to meet the minimums, which usually isn’t very competitive. Many of my squadron buds spent some time at the regionals before moving onto the majors.
In regards to fighters being more sought after than heavies.....yes and no. I’ve had several friends track select into T-1s when they could’ve selected T-38s. Many went onto fly C-17s and KC-10s without any regrets. To each his own. As I’ve said before, I thoroughly enjoyed flying with my hair on fire but 10-12 hour days behind the desk and deploying to the sand box for months at a time grew old fast. Pick your poison and choose wisely.
In regards to fighters being more sought after than heavies.....yes and no. I’ve had several friends track select into T-1s when they could’ve selected T-38s. Many went onto fly C-17s and KC-10s without any regrets. To each his own. As I’ve said before, I thoroughly enjoyed flying with my hair on fire but 10-12 hour days behind the desk and deploying to the sand box for months at a time grew old fast. Pick your poison and choose wisely.
On active duty, you can also do a tour as an instructor pilot, and rack up a lot of quality time that way.
#17
#18
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Dec 2007
Position: Window seat
Posts: 5,191
The problem is the 2.5(?) year time going through training during which you get 250-300 hrs. At a regional that’s 2000 hrs. It depends upon ones resume before joining the ANG if it’s a bump or a drag on ones advance to the majors.
#19
Worst case, it delays you by what two years? But you get to fly fighters... I wouldn't give up seniority for much, but that's probably on the list.
#20
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Dec 2007
Position: Window seat
Posts: 5,191
That’s the decision that has to be made. I took the risk. Cost me up to a year. Months matter, a year is a big deal. It’s at least a couple hundred thousand, might be over a $500,000 hit, but I enjoyed the heck out of it.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
dtbecker
Flight Schools and Training
12
08-17-2017 03:40 PM