Flugzeugmann

Greetings all,

I am a 1Lt in the USAF looking at getting out of the military in the near future to go do what I signed up for. I'm currently flying at -60 feet BGL as missile crew. FML.

Does anyone know of any folks with similar backgrounds?... I'd love to get in touch with them and chat. I've been looking into UAVs and other defense contractors that would be interested in my clearances.

I thought about the airline route, but in the current economy it seems like I'd have a better shot with a contractor. I currently have Instrument SEL, 210 TT looking to be a CFII, MEI as soon as I've saved up some money for the training.

Thanks everyone, I'd really appreciate if anyone has any advice!

Slice

I know a guy former F-15/F-16 guy that was a missleer(sp?). Retired last year though. So, it is/was possible. If you want it, go for it!

L'il J.Seinfeld

Start contacting USAF Reserve and Guard units about them sending you to UPT.

HercDriver130

have you been turned down for UPT or BEEN to UPT and didnt make it......

From your tone...... do what I signed up for...... trying to figure that out.

rickair7777

Generally, when the airline outlook is poor, there are many experienced pilots on the street looking for whatever jobs are available...that is the case right now.

Most charter jobs will require 1200 TT due to FAR requirements.

Realistic mins to get a pilot (not CFI) job right now are 2000-3000 TT, with a bunch of ME. Contractor jobs may require military flight experience to compete.

But you don't need to worry about that right now...your path is the same as any other civilian pilot: Ratings (COMM, ME, CFI, CFII, MEI) then get an instructor job to get to 1000 TT and 100 ME...that might or might not be enough, but that is a good target for now.

Instructor jobs are scarce too, but as the economy turns around that should pick up a bit.


Also, I suggest that if you REALLY want to fly, do a 180 on the military...

If you are physically qualified, try to get an AD, Reserve, or guard flight slot.

If you are NPQ for flight, I would stay in the AF and earn your ratings on the side. Then start instructing at the base flying club or a local airport. That way you keep military pay and bennies until such time as you have enough flight experience AND airlines are hiring. Then resign and take a regional job.

If you can't do that, at least affiliate with a guard/reserve squadron as a staff person...that way you will have an income source while working your way up the civilian ladder, and can network with some airline pilots.

HercDriver130

what rick said!!!!

Hacker15e

Gonna have to give up more details if you want a real answer.

Did you compete for a USAF training slot? Are you physically qualified for a military FC1?

Flugzeugmann

Thanks for the input everyone...

I actually just recently spoke with a former squadron commander of an Air National Guard F-15 unit and here's what he said:

-They typically get 50-60 applicants a year
-They review OPRs, resumes, etc and select 10 to interview
-1 or 2 are selected for pilot training

VERY COMPETITIVE!!!

I will probably apply anyway, but I'd be surprised if I can beat out 59 other applicants. As one of you mentioned, my "tone" is not exactly positive towards being a missileer. Can you blame me? I don't want to get into an argument with someone about "my duty as an officer first" but staring at an unchanging computer screen in a hole in the ground that smells of sewage doesn't exactly get my blood going in the morning.

Don't get me wrong, I do my job to the best of my abilities, but it certainly isn't my passion and I'm probably not the #1 missileer on base. It's a difficult situation for me because I know I have to do well here in order to move on to bigger and better things but the motivation and drive is definitely lacking.

Some misileers I know don't think the grass is greener in some other job, but I know enough pilots who can prove them wrong. And I firmly believe that if you want to be successful, you have to LOVE what you do. I do not LOVE being a missile jockey. I do LOVE flying. So thanks to those of you who understand where I'm coming from.

RotorHeadEd

Sounds like you may have heard this before but here it is anyway. Even if you can't stand being a conehead you need to try to be the best damn missileer the Air Force has ever seen. Most of the times it is the little things that make a difference in who gets the job. OPR's all look the same, resumes, unless something really stands out, all look the same, test scores all look the same. But a letter of recommendation from your current commander that says this guy is the best damn missileer I have ever seen, always comes to work ready to tackle any job will be an asset to any organization etc, etc will make somebody take notice and especially if that commander will make a phone call for you. Tough to get that recommendation if you are #125 out of 127 guys in his unit. And you don't have to think of it as "your duty as an Officer first" think of it as a stepping stone up to get the career of your dreams. The reputation you develop while taking on the really ****ty jobs is the one that follows you for a long, long time. Took me a while to learn that as a young enlisted man and then young officer but I have. A little too late to get some of my dream jobs but I have learned

Flugzeugmann

Pretty sound advice... thanks Ed.