BigKitten229180

I just wanna start flying asap It’s all I’ve ever wanted to do since I was a child and I can’t wait any longer I’m 20 and get my AA in May. Ever since I was 6 talking to my grandfather about about the USAF/Navy/Army aviators watching dogfights/air disasters and such I wanted to join but some family issues prevented me from doing that when I graduated high school. I currently have close to a 3.5 GPA I had horrible vision around 20/100 I just got PRK done last week so I’m told I need to wait 6months before I can even attempt to join but I felt like I’ve been waiting for 20 years at this point and am tired of it. I’ve been told not to do this by about everyone but I was admitted to ATP with full financing 92k loan (covers everything + some living expense help) and can start as soon as I finish my AA but I rather fly mil. Is it worth wait the 6months (since I got PRK) and attempt to see if I can even get in army WOFT. I spoke to an ROTC recruiter and since I have 2 years left of college and for ROTC you need a minimum 3 I won’t be able to do that and even if I do get ROTC he said it’s a very very slim chance to even get a pilot slot (meaning id pay out of pocket for college to potentially be stuck not flying in the military for x amount of years), maybe if I change my major the required classes will set me back about a year meaning I would take 3 years to graduate. What should I do? I am so tired of the waiting. Should I do ATP in May get some ratings then once I reach that 6month mark apply for WOFT? Should I just finish my degree and suck up 2 more years of college looking at the skies and try for OCS? Should I just do ATP and sell everything I own to pay that loan off ASAP since I won’t have any other expenses and live with my parents?

rickair7777

Civilian/airline aviation is quite a different animal than military aviation, most especially army helo.

Those who have been around for a long time will suggest that you do both... civilian track via regionals to majors and military guard/reserve at the same time.

The civilian track will provide (eventually) reasonably reliable money and QOL. The military track will provide challenge, fulfillment, and fun. And probably some misery along the way too... you'll look back and be glad you did it, but you sure won't want to do it again.

The military experience will enhance you resume and career prospects in the airlines.

BigKitten229180

So how would I go about doing both at the same time? Getting all my ratings via civilian track then applying to the Guard/Reserve? Is it even possible to get a flight slot in the guard coming in as a civilian?

Honestly I think flying helos in the army guard or if possible fighters in the air guard with airlines in the civilian track at the same time would be the most fun & fulfilling experience ever. But then that means I would have to plunge myself into debt which I guess I’m young and have no other expenses so shouldn’t be too hard to pay off.

rickair7777

Ideally get civilian ratings, then build 1500 hours, then get a regional job, and THEN join the guard/reserves. That way your airline seniority accrues while you attend initial mil training (likely 2-3 years). Seniority is EVERYTHING in the airlines.

But that timeline may not work out depending on when the military offers you a training slot... in that case just take the mil opportunity since you may not get another shot.

Yes. WOFT should be attainable, but you'd need talk to someone familiar with that. Fixed wing guard/reserve slots will require a four-year degree and will be competitive, especially fighter slots.

Do some reading on baseops.net (read before you post).

Do the math with your finances, plan it out. If you're single, flexible, and disciplined you should be able to make it to a point in your airline career where the debt is inconsequential to your finances.

If you're going to chase mil flight jobs, you'll need to be enthusiastic, aggressive, and a self-starter.

BigKitten229180

If that’s the case it would be ideal to join a regional with a flow like PSA, Envoy, Piedmont, etc.. since flow is seniority based as well right? Or would that look bad/not be allowed?

rickair7777

Yes, you could do that. It would be a decent backup if you can't get hired at a good major sooner than waiting for flow.

LabDad06

Truth, all of it

Tdu88s

I've been in the Active army for 8 years as a MEDEVAC Officer (not a Warrant). I'm getting out and reverting to Warrant Officer in the Reserves. I would recommend that you should drop a WOFT packet in the Reserves/Guard and build time for the airlines. The active Army is stable (in some ways), but the quality of life is very low. This is especially true for pilots and warrant officers.

C17B74

Nothing more dangerous/advantageous than a man or woman with options. Create options! While most cannot do everything, you can still do a lot. Life takes you on its journey and you do have ways to help guide yourself towards your inevitable goal and in most cases timing is everything. These previous posters have the experience and know-how to get it done. While patience is a so called virtue, being proactive gets it done. You will never make the shot you never take!

Many of us have had the same feelings during our very very early years and have looked to the skies in the most enviable ways. I can honestly look back and say there are only a few things I would change on my path having it to do over again. Your 20, keep at it you’ve got the time/my head didn’t start focusing til 22 and there were major hiccups. The 1st Top Gun back in 1986 made everyone want to be a fighter pilot, let alone a pilot. Many failed attempts initially, but I finally was awarded a Pilot Slot via active duty Air Force (during “camp” training), only to have lost it during budget cuts a year later. I decided to remain in the AF as an aircraft maintenance officer for 7 years before landing a slot with a Guard unit (heavies) requiring an age waiver. I was 31 entering UPT. Some incredible friends and memories during the high and low times and eventually airlines. 20+ years serving in the military and hopefully do 20+ years in the airline industry.

Like rickair7777 and others have said, grateful for the military opportunities, don’t want to repeat it. Many things are a means to an end, but it’s really what you make of it that gives it teeth and weight. Give everything it’s due focus and see what sticks.

The point is, keep at it, try everything and may you land your aspirations earlier than I did. For me specifically, it was well worth the journey and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.