Military or not

Reply Subscribe

Page 4 of 4

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

02-04-2006, 12:15 PM

#31

mtsupilot09

Line Holder

Thread Starter

Joined APC: Jan 2006

Posts: 33

Thanks again for the advice, check out www.jaars.org or www.maf.org. I've decided to pursue missionary aviation. I flew on Thursday in a King Air B90 with a Marine pilot who let me fly right seat. It was very fun, but I just don't feel like the military is for me. Thanks again everyone!

Chandler

02-22-2006, 04:59 AM

#32

Free Flyer

Gets Weekends Off

Joined APC: Feb 2006

Position: B777 FO/IRO

Posts: 264

Pay isn't that bad!

Quote:

Originally Posted by TankerDriver

Airline pilots at regionals start at about $20,000 a year. 4 years later, they may be making $35,000-40,000. An O-1 out of OCS, OTS, ROTC, Academy, etc... is making $35,000-40,000. 4 years later, as an O-3, you'll be making around $65,000-70,000. I'm pulling in $6,000-7000 a year above normal just in tax free combat pays because I'm deployed so much. I've been tax free 6 out of the last 7 months. Out of about the $60k I've made this year, only $21k was reported to the IRS.

Your question about what to do depends highly upon what you want out of life. I for one wanted to go military but couldn't get past the eye exam during my ROTC at college. Even went up the chain for a visual waiver, but no luck.

However, the pay at regionals aren't that bad depending on who you go to. I am at Chautauqua Airlines right now. Yes, it did suck the first year making $20K, however, I upgraded in 2 years and was making $63K once I became a captain. Now after being here for 5 years, I'm making over $74K and that's on a Embraer 145 baby jet. So, it's not as bad as you think.

Now here comes the flip side, if you can get your pilot slot in the military, you are almost golden because the majors will look at you more than they will just average joe blow regional guy, and rightly so. We have decent training at the regional level, but nothing compared to what you'll get in the military. So roll the dice and see which one comes up.

So, I leave you with this, what is your true desire. Pursue your dream of going into the military or go straight into the regionals. It's up to you. By the way, we have about 4 of you MTSU pilots over here and I trained one of them.

02-22-2006, 09:02 AM

#33

TankerDriver

Gets Weekends Off

Joined APC: Oct 2005

Posts: 900

Quote:

Originally Posted by Free Flyer

Pursue your dream of going into the military or go straight into the regionals.

Just make sure you talk to as many people in the military as possible. On active duty, reserves and in the guard. A lot of people have the "dream" to be an Air Force pilot, but have no idea what everyday military life is like when you're not flying. Sometimes your dream can be tainted because you've got F-15's on the brain.

03-05-2006, 02:54 PM

#34

FR8Hauler

Gets Weekends Off

Joined APC: Mar 2006

Posts: 1,409

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtsupilot09

Hey guys. Some of you know I am a student right now at MTSU (Middle Tennessee State Univ.) I am an Aerospace major with a concentration in professional pilot. I got my private when I was 17, and I'm 19 now. I spoke to a Marine recruiter this morning who came to the aerospace building. He was telling me about a program that they have were you graduate college, go to OCS, and if you qualify, recieve a guaranteed flight school slot. If I don't make it to flight school, I can walk away with no obligation. He gave this program to me in writing. Sounds pretty good. I've always loved the military and almost inlisted in the corps after high school. Has anyone heard about the success of this program or if it sounds like a good? I have always thought that airline pilots made way more than military pilots, but in checking out the pay rates and comparing the two, looks like military is the way to go, at least for the first few years. Anyways, I'm going to the airport in Murfreesboro (KMBT) next Thursday to fly in one of their King Air C90's. They invited me to this orientation flight where I'll fly right seat. Seems like a great opportunity. Let me know what you military pilots (specifically Marines) think. Thanks a lot in advance.

Chandler

I went through the Marine PLC (air) program you are looking at. It was a great program. I got my Naval Aviator Wings spent 13 years and then finished in the Marine Reserve. So I have a military retirement after age 60. Got hired at FedEx (who hires alot of Military) 10 years ago when I was 34. It is a good deal. As far as the pay goes, good luck finding any commuter job that pays even close to the military. The Marines is not a cakewalk especially now that we are at war, so if you are only interested in chasing a buck instead of serving your country I would not recommend it.

03-11-2006, 05:20 AM

#35

P-3Bubba

Gets Weekends Off

Joined APC: Mar 2006

Position: P-3C

Posts: 982

Theres alot more to the military than just flying, especially if youre going Marine or Navy. If you just want time for the airlines this is not the way to go. Once you get your wings as a Marine Naval Aviator your first set of orders will have you supporting Iraqi Freedom or Enduring Freedom in some capacity. You will learn invaluabel leadership skills but most of your work will be done on the deck and it will be hard work administrative style. Im not discouraging you from the military route, actually I encourage it, its a great way to learn how to fly and become a great leader while working with great people. You will make lifelong friends that you will entrust your life to. Its not a great way to build airline time. Ive spent some time in Djibouti and thats definately not the good life. There's ups and downs to everything, but thats definately a down. A