How to spend remaining time on Active Duty?
 

Have 3 years left on my commitment in the AF. Previous heavy jet IP and current UPT IP, around 1100 PIC and 2300TT. All multiengine jet. Looking at some potential guard/reserve options and making the jump to the majors. Am considering trying to crossflow to a new (crew) aircraft as a potential 3rd (and last) assignment, but I’d be logging minimal PIC time in that jet before separating. (I could potentially palace chase and fly that same jet in the reserves, but then that would delay my availability date potentially due to training/seasoning).

 My question is, does it raise any sort of red flags with the hiring folks at the majors if they see a guy with decent time in different aircraft (good breadth), but not quite as much overall PIC time (less depth)?

I know things will look different in 3 years than they do now at the airlines, but just curious what current airline guys think...

They know what "normal" looks like for various airframes.

In a case like you describe I *think* they would give you the benefit of any doubt, if everything else looked good and there was no indication that you weren't welcome back in your previous community.

You would want to be able to articulate why you made the move. "I thrive on new challenges" would probably be sufficient.

On the civilian side, additional type ratings increase credibility and app score.

No issue going back to my old airframe (i.e. I haven’t been banned from the island). The *only* reason I’m considering the switch is because it’s to fly the jet I always wanted to fly since well before UPT (unfortunately, no type rating for that jet...no civilian equivalent).

Just curious if it would be a good move or not. By my conservative estimate, if I 7-day opt my next assignment and stay in AETC until 2022, I’ll leave active duty with roughly 1,500 PIC / 2700 TT (it’s a grind at UPT!). If I went to the new jet, I have no idea how much time I’d net, but conservatively estimate 1,300 PIC / 3000 TT at completion of commitment.

Not sure if either is in the ballpark of what the legacies would consider “competitive” in terms of hours? As far as other application boxes to check, I do have my masters degree, FWIW...

Sounds like not much of a difference between one Gig or another. Go fly the jet you want to fly. You’ll be fine either way.

Yes.

You'll get some credit for learning a new military plane, regardless of whether it has an associated FAA type.

1000 PIC is a minimum requirement for some airlines. Also, 2300TT is low. Does that count UPT when you weren’t qualified? Either way, I suggest you do whatever is going to build you some PIC and a bunch of total time (multi-engine turbine) as fast as possible.

My two cents.

3 years left? What’s the training commitment for the new plane? Isn’t it 5 years? Even if it’s 3 years the clock doesn’t start until training complete (6 months?) and you don’t even have the assignment yet. If it causes you to extend your commitment even one day, it’s not worth it- stay in current plane.
I’ve been out for a while, so if my commitment assumptions are all wrong forgive me. But my “ one day longer” rule still applies....

[QUOTE=Wheelsoff;2718519]No issue going back to my old airframe (i.e. I haven’t been banned from the island). The *only* reason I’m considering the switch is because it’s to fly the jet I always wanted to fly since well before UPT (unfortunately, no type rating for that jet...no civilian equivalent).

I'm assuming you're looking at the U-2? PM me for more details if that's the case.

Be careful about the ADSC with a new plane. Don’t extend it! I was a UPT IP as well, ended that assignment with 2 years left. I went to RND to be a PIT IP. Incurred a 2 year PCS ADSC that was concurrent with my remaining 2 years, so that was perfect. It was by far the best AF assignment I ever had for QOL, and allowed me plenty of time to work on airline apps, and attend job fairs (2013 was a tougher hiring environment).

[QUOTE=Bizkit;2718904]He said a crew plane, so I’m doubting it’s the U2.