onepoint5thumbs

Also, what is the rule with Mil 750 Hour ATP vs 141 1000 Hour ATP?

If I go to UPT with 300 Hobbs, finish the T-6/T-1/B-Course and Seasoning with the gaining unit (250?), do those count together or does it have to be 750 Military Hours/1000 Civilian Hours?

tnkrdrvr

No Hobbs in military aviation. Total time (mil/civ) is what the FAA is looking for regarding R-ATP. If you are a UPT grad the 750 applies. How many hours you will get going through UPT these days may vary quite a bit as the USAF attempts to use sims and virtual reality to trim the training timelines and dollars spent. That said, I would imagine that within less than a year after graduating pilot training you would be legal to fly for a 121 carrier.

On a separate note, do some research and try to come up with a convincing rationale for why you are interested in the mission of the unit or units you apply to. They are hiring you for the long haul and don’t want to waste a valuable UPT slot on someone who comes across as wishy washy. Also, it is possible to pickup a reserve UPT slot first and get hired by a specific unit later.

rickair7777

Yes, as long as you have mil wings, all you need is 750 total from any and all sources.

Yes, you're committing to a lifestyle for at least ten years so they want to see more resolve, enthusiasm, and long-term vision than your average starbucks applicant.

Consider different aspects of the unit's mission and how each of those would appeal to you (teamwork, travel, challenging flying, kill badguys, etc.)


If you know where you want to live long-term, better to try to get on with a local unit (guard preferred). Consider regional and major airline domiciles, it's best to live locally to both jobs, and you *really* don't want to do a double commute to both mil and airline bases.

It is probably easier to get a generic USAFR slot though.

tsimmns927

My unit is looking for pilots again. Again, not a military aviator, just trying to help people out that might be interested and has the qualifications.

PurpleToolBox

My niece is looking into joining the guard. They will pay 100% college tuition. If you have scholarships that pay above tuition (fees, books, expenses) you’ll be set for college. The guard is one of those best kept secrets.

FDX4life

Was contemplating joining the guard or reserve as a kc135 or c17 pilot, as I very much enjoy flying. I also want to start a business and become a realtor, but I am concerned about the time commitments and flexibility of the guard or reserve. Can someone give me an idea of how time commitments a heavy pilot must give and the flexibility of the AFR or AG, And if you think my aspirations to pursue other ventures are feasible over the 10year time commitment, happy to get any advice, thanks!

rickair7777

Are you also an airline pilot? It would be pretty busy doing three gigs, but probably possible *if* your airline and guard base are within driving distance of your house.

If you're just looking to do guard and a business, yes that can be and is done and isn't too hard with routine guard/reserve commitments. But if you get invol recalled to extended active duty that will be hard on an independent business... if you're a one-man show you basically have to wind it down gracefully and then rebuild on your return. If you're in a red state folks will be sympathetic to your military duty and won't hold it against you. Best way to do it is to have partners or staff who can keep it going while you're gone.

For planning purposes assume that you'll get one extended recall (1-2 years) in a 20-year career, and it probably won't be in your home town. Heavy people can refine that.