WaveoffGuy

Hi all,

I’m leaving my current command with 475hrs of aircraft commander time and 1200hrs total ME turbine time and going to a drone squadron for the next 3 years then getting out. Should I get my ATP soon? Did not make instructor so is there any value to getting my cfii? Any and all advice is appreciated.

jamesholzhauer

I’d get your ATP stat before you go fly drones and go uncurrent for 3 years. I can’t imagine being nonflying for 3 years then trying to get an ATP and go to the airlines. It’ll be a pain in the ass, but probably less so now than if you haven’t been flying for 3 years. And yeah, if you could get a CFI and keep flying on weekends instructing that would definitely help when you are applying for a flying job in 2-3 years, and it fills another square. And last, go do whatever you can to find a job doing something besides drones if you want to fly when you get out. Surely with a pilot shortage there is a flying billet that needs filling?

FlyGuy17

On the contrary, I’d say don’t get the ATP. You’ll have to go to a regional when you get out. The regional will pay for your ATP and include it in their training. Why pay for it when you can get it for free since you’ll have no choice but to go to a regional? Also, I’d be careful about getting a CFII. It’s a very commonly hooked checkride. Sure it will help, but are you really going to instruct on your weekends when not flying drones? You’re going to cherish your weekends and time off since you’ll be doing shift work. I wouldn’t want to work on my weekends also. Basically, just accept the fact that you’re going to the regionals in a few years, and let them take care of the ATP, and enjoy your time off from shift work with your family and friends.

Side note: I think you’ll get hired by a regional no problem with your military time.

rickair7777

I agree. You'll need to do a little GA flying to get back in the saddle before doing the regional thing.

Additional certs add scoring points to your resume BUT a busted ride will do more harm than good in that regard. Initial CFI rides are high risk.

If you're planning on using the CFI, sure go for it, that would help keep you current for the regionals. Currency/recency is not an issue for getting hired, regionals will hire you, its an issue of doing your first 121 training while rusty. That's not a good idea for anyone.

rickair7777

That's not how it works. There's a significant re-qual process on many platforms (esp. fighters) so they don't send you to a squadron unless you're going to stay for the full tour. Also I don't think many folks ever return from drones...

Also they may not really have a shortage of pilots in flying billets (yet). The shortage is experienced pilots in non-flying jobs which require a pilot (service HQ staff, operational HQ staff, joint HQ staff, drones, etc).

TiredSoul

What’s the drama about the CFII?
Spend the money and do it right.
If you don’t want a fail then prepare better.
And how anybody can recommend you don’t fly for 3 years then let somebody else take care of it is beyond me.

goinaround

Not correct. UAS assignments are not a one way check valve as they once were. And there most certainly is a shortage of (experienced) pilots on active duty. Currently offering reservists and guard folks 3 year AD tours for LTs - LtCol. Line flying only. Not eligible for sanctuary. Don't think many are taking the bait.

FlyGuy17

Drones are significantly better manned now than manned aircraft platforms. Manned pilots currently flying drones are getting pulled back to their previous MWS in droves. I speak from experience, as I'm expecting to get an assignment back to heavies during this cycle. That being said, it would increase my time in the AF due to the PCS commitment. Rickair, should I take the assignment back to heavies to get current again, but stay in the AF beyond my UPT ADSC? Or should I just get out ASAP and go to the regionals so that I'm free to accept a job at mainline any time? I can provide more details in a PM, as I don't want to derail the OP's post too much.

Also, I will be out of the cockpit for approximately 5 years by time I get to a regional. Should I worry about passing training at a regional, or will it come back like riding a bicycle? What could I do to ensure success at a regional besides getting a BFR/IPC in a Cessna? This will apply to the OP also, a few years from now.

rickair7777

If you're cool with doing the regional thing AND have solid times and credentials from your first tour, odds are you'd spend 6-18 months at a regional. Probably a lot closer to six (or even less). That would give you a good shot at getting a major seniority number about two years sooner than with the (presumably three-year?) PCS.

Staying in for another flying tour would get you current and even more competitive for the bigs, and the market should be really hot by then. I'd say you would be about as sure of a thing as it can get in this business at that point.

So it's risk tolerance... are you willing to take the pay cut and subject yourself to an extra training event for a shot at better seniority (and more money long term)?

I've seen it go either way. My personal experience was a bit eye opening, a lot of stuff we take for granted as second nature, like talking on the radio and hearing your call sign, was rusty.

A little GA flying won't hurt. But generally, rusty mil guys are able to gut it out in regional training... you won't be the only new-hire struggling with some things, and the regionals are adapted to that. Mil guys who flunk out of regionals pretty much all come in with some kind of attitude... don't do that.

theoriginalturk

So to build off this thread, as a fledgling pure RPA guy is all that experience I'll gain during my career combined with the training basically worthless?