Really? Name their price? Your "bros" don't understand that this industry has pay set specifically by contract and based only on seniority and equipment? And, they think first year airline pay + 40K could finance a ferrari? What squadron is this again?? With such a primitive understanding of the Airlines, how would these guys even pass an interview?
I realize you are embellishing your "bros" (sounds like a pretty tight brotherhood) comments to point out their tremendous stupidity, but I still think you could give a little more credit to those who are pondering the path less traveled. I'm impressed that you know the exact number of pilot jobs being made available with the major airlines in the near future, as that is generally protected from disclosure until made official, and public at the same time. I'm also a little irritated that my company has informed you, and none of our pilot group, about the status of our near-future hiring.
The first of my squadronmates in 2007 to get hired by Delta had only an ATP written completed and around 1700 hours total time. Anectdotal evidence for sure, but there were plenty others like him. I'll grant you the need for a realistic analysis of the economy and a solid side-by-side number comparison of the stay-in/go decision. However, validating your decision to stay with silly straw-man arguments given to the idiots who would decide to leave, is not gonna help any actual "bros" who may be trying to make the best decision for them or their family.
The truth is, military pilots are often desired by airline management. I know they are at my company. And, the exact number and dates of pilot positions coming up soon in the majors is largely unknown, and subject to change any given day. Staying on active duty is a great decision that is seldom regretted. It is not, however, the only good decision.
Sarcasm is pretty tough to detect on a forum, so I'm not even going to try to figure out which part of this post is sarcasm and which should be taken at face-value. You're assuming that I think the people who take decide to take the VSP are idiots. I absolutely don't think that, and I damn sure understand that everyone has a unique situation that may make this a great option for them.
If I were making "straw-man" arguments, and writing people off as idiots, I wouldn't have done any research to find the facts that I do know about this round of VSP and near-term potential airline hiring. I ran the numbers and spoke to some VERY experienced reservists and airline pilots and it just didn't add up for me at this stage in my life.
I appreciate living in a country where military service is strictly voluntary. And, I also believe that taking advantage of an Air Force sanctioned program is not a selfish thing in the least. Maybe my words were a little harsh and I'm sorry if I offended you or anyone on this board. I wish I were better positioned to make the leap right now but the fact is, I'm not. I never meant to persuade anyone one way or the other; either path is strictly a personal choice. I'm sure everyone will make the choice that fits them best, regardless of claims by some anonymous person on an internet discussion forum.
limelight
04-05-2011 04:18 AM
Thread revival. Today is the last day for Wg/CC's to grant their blessing and forward applications to AFPC. Apparently notifications of approval/disapproval will go out 11-21 Apr. Hope everyone gets what they want.
CAFB 04-12
04-06-2011 03:21 PM
I don't personally know anyone who applied. I'm curious how the RIF will shake out with how many VSP applicants get approved.
webecheck
04-06-2011 07:06 PM
i know two personally. i also called and talked to the bonus guy who told me that they had a meeting at afpc about this. everybody was emphatic that rated officers shouldn't be allowed due to manning numbers, but the CSAF said everybody has to be allowed to apply. ultimately, the final number count is more important than what afsc's lose officers. both guys i know are rated and both got non recommends from the base leadership due to what...you guessed it, manning.
FLY6584
04-08-2011 07:32 AM
I wish 07 guy's were eligible. I tried, but no luck. As a 3rd year FAIP with barely enough hours to even get my ATP at this point I'm willing to jump ship, fly for any guard/reserve unit with a good group of guys that would like to hire me, and even fly for a regional if I had to. All just to have the freedom to decide what I want to do, the chance to focus on my family, not worry about Masters and OPR bullets, and ultimately be able to apply to a major when the time is right.
Elvis90
04-08-2011 08:23 AM
Plenty of regionals are hiring. You'd only be there a short time, but would have to bite the bullet financially initially. Majors will be hiring with the pending retirements, high oil prices not withstanding. In 2008, oil hit $147/barrel; early in 2009, oil dropped to $39/barrel.
C-17 Driver
04-08-2011 11:29 AM
Originally Posted by FLY6584
(Post 977440)
not worry about Masters and OPR bullets,
Unfortunately, the pendulum is swinging to where AFRC is making us worry about those very things... not quite as bad as active duty, but there is an increased emphasis nonetheless..
bull
04-09-2011 09:50 AM
Originally Posted by FLY6584
(Post 977440)
I wish 07 guy's were eligible. I tried, but no luck. As a 3rd year FAIP with barely enough hours to even get my ATP at this point I'm willing to jump ship, fly for any guard/reserve unit with a good group of guys that would like to hire me, and even fly for a regional if I had to. All just to have the freedom to decide what I want to do, the chance to focus on my family, not worry about Masters and OPR bullets, and ultimately be able to apply to a major when the time is right.
Aren't you a bit young to be as bitter as you are? You have only been in the AF for 4 years, you have been home almost every single night being a FAIP, and still this unhappy. You haven't even been in the "real" Air Force, where people really are getting slammed. You're in AETC! Did you think that you would just be given your wings, then do whatever you want? What did you think "serving" in the military meant? I was AD for 10 years and was gone a hell of alot more than you have been. Give me a break...you should just delete your post...it's embarrassing....sorry for the thread drift.
webecheck
04-09-2011 03:14 PM
Originally Posted by bull
(Post 977913)
Aren't you a bit young to be as bitter as you are? You have only been in the AF for 4 years, you have been home almost every single night being a FAIP, and still this unhappy. You haven't even been in the "real" Air Force, where people really are getting slammed. You're in AETC! Did you think that you would just be given your wings, then do whatever you want? What did you think "serving" in the military meant? I was AD for 10 years and was gone a hell of alot more than you have been. Give me a break...you should just delete your post...it's embarrassing....sorry for the tread drift.
we shall call you superfly snuka, cuz that was off the top rope.....and warranted nonetheless. easiest years of my life were when i was in aetc.
EP11
04-09-2011 03:32 PM
Originally Posted by FLY6584
(Post 977440)
I wish 07 guy's were eligible. I tried, but no luck. As a 3rd year FAIP with barely enough hours to even get my ATP at this point I'm willing to jump ship, fly for any guard/reserve unit with a good group of guys that would like to hire me, and even fly for a regional if I had to. All just to have the freedom to decide what I want to do, the chance to focus on my family, not worry about Masters and OPR bullets, and ultimately be able to apply to a major when the time is right.
Aren't you a bit young to be as bitter as you are? You have only been in the AF for 4 years, you have been home almost every single night being a FAIP, and still this unhappy. You haven't even been in the "real" Air Force, where people really are getting slammed. You're in AETC! Did you think that you would just be given your wings, then do whatever you want? What did you think "serving" in the military meant? I was AD for 10 years and was gone a hell of alot more than you have been. Give me a break...you should just delete your post...it's embarrassing....sorry for the tread drift.
Take it easy on the Sensitive New Age Pilot, Ward.
