Junior Army Reserves WO & Future 121 Pilot?
 

Hi All,

I have skimmed through a number of forums on here hoping to find a thread similar to my situation but have struck out so if this is a double tap I apologize.

I am finishing Army flight school currently and am looking 6-12 months ahead. Once my unit level progressions are done, I intend to get my fixed wing certifications with the goal of eventually flying on the civilian side. Whether I do these through an RTP or using my VA benefits and going it alone is a driving factor for this thread.

We would not be having this conversation if the Reserves were not willing to make me a helicopter pilot and because of that, I want to make sure I pay down that debt. It is very important for me to be able to give them the 4-10 flying days a month they would like me to be performing. As best as I can tell, to accomplish that I pretty much HAVE to live near a Reserve base AND wherever I am based out of civilian side. This leads to DEN or COS being the most viable options with SDF being a more difficult secondary (due to civilian positions available)

Is there any room for negotiations with the regional airlines to guarantee a crew base? SkyWest, GoJet, and TSA all have crew bases in one of those two cities. I have seen varying information about how Senior Denver is for each.

I would of course LOVE to take advantage of one of the RTPs, but would I just be better off self-funding my fixed wing training so I have the flexibility to find a job at Denver maybe not with a 121 carrier?

I know that was long but I am thankful for any advice or experience ya'll are willing to share!

Your questions need to be asked either: through RTAG channels or the Regional forum.

You’re already paying back your debt to the guard by stepping up and serving, you don’t need to feel obligated to give them 1/3 of the rest of your life (10 days a month regularly) back because they’re sending you through flight school. When they want/need you, you’ll know.

Airline crew bases exist at the need of the company and assignments are seniority based. The good news is there’s lots of movement at the regional level so it shouldn’t take too long for you to be able to find a place with a base you can hold long term if that’s your priority. When you upgrade the process starts again and you wait to be senior enough for the base you want.

If you can find a guard gig and airline base local to each other where you can drive to work at both long term then 100% take it. If not live in one and pick an easy commute to the other. Do not commute to both. Skywest is probably the best company of the three you listed. I have a bunch of happy friends there.

Definitely do RTP if it’s an option for you. Save your GI bill for yourself or your family. The airlines do fixed wing training well.

The Knox area is not a bad place to be. Low cost-of-living, Army career progression opportunities with multiple mission sets (assault/MEDEVAC/FW), and there is at least one regional at SDF with another at CVG (1:30 drive from SDF).

LAX is an option with MEDEVAC and FW there, but the cost of living is ridiculous.

DEN/COS is OK, but cost of living isn't great and you're locked into the MEDEVAC mission on the Army side.

RDU is an option, (1:15 from RDU), cost of living is good, both 60s and FW, and at least one if not more regionals at RDU.

PIE? Not sure if any regionals are out of TPA.
GRK? Hood sucks, but the unit is good and not too far from DFW (2:30 I think).
CXO? Plenty of regionals fly out of IAH, assault mission on the Army side.

BL: there are plenty of options.