Fighter Pilot vs. Heavy Pilot
11-20-2006, 05:53 PM
#51
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Joined APC: Oct 2006
Posts: 41
Originally Posted by ToiletDuck
I've heard both so long as you end up in the right kind of fighter. You don't want one with anykind of centerline thrust restrictions that's for sure. Had a guy come into the FBO with 4800hrs of T-38 time but SW didn't like it because it was centerline thrust.
If that were true then why do we have so many F-16 pilots working for SWA?
11-20-2006, 05:54 PM
#52
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Joined APC: Oct 2006
Posts: 41
Originally Posted by ToiletDuck
I've heard both so long as you end up in the right kind of fighter. You don't want one with anykind of centerline thrust restrictions that's for sure. Had a guy come into the FBO with 4800hrs of T-38 time but SW didn't like it because it was centerline thrust.
On the serious side, you can have Caravan time and it counts for SWA. As long as it's Turbine.
11-20-2006, 05:57 PM
#53
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Joined APC: Oct 2006
Posts: 41
Originally Posted by ejoachim
Hey everyone,
I had a question for anyone with military flight experience that has gone to fly for the airlines. I am a ROTC student with a UPT slot, I was recently upgraded to ENJJPT (which basically means I am guaranteed fighter/bomber). It is my overall goal to one-day fly for the airlines i.e. FedEx, SWA, etc. Would being a fighter pilot inhibit me from achieving this goal since fighter pilots typically get less flight time than the heavy guys (this is just what I have heard). Any feedback at all would be greatly appreciated.
I had a question for anyone with military flight experience that has gone to fly for the airlines. I am a ROTC student with a UPT slot, I was recently upgraded to ENJJPT (which basically means I am guaranteed fighter/bomber). It is my overall goal to one-day fly for the airlines i.e. FedEx, SWA, etc. Would being a fighter pilot inhibit me from achieving this goal since fighter pilots typically get less flight time than the heavy guys (this is just what I have heard). Any feedback at all would be greatly appreciated.
11-26-2006, 10:05 AM
#54
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Posts: n/a
Go to Sheppard and do the best you can. By the time you get out of the formation phase in -38s, you'll know what you want to fly. If you hate wearing a harness, helmet, and G-suit and dislike being close enough to read your flight leads lineup card, you can get a heavy. If you love it, try to get the fighter. You'll end up okay in the long run whatever you choose.
11-27-2006, 08:41 PM
#55
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Joined APC: Nov 2005
Position: 777 FO
Posts: 931
Originally Posted by MAGNUM!!
Go to Sheppard and do the best you can. By the time you get out of the formation phase in -38s, you'll know what you want to fly. If you hate wearing a harness, helmet, and G-suit and dislike being close enough to read your flight leads lineup card, you can get a heavy. If you love it, try to get the fighter. You'll end up okay in the long run whatever you choose.
02-10-2007, 06:02 PM
#57
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Joined APC: Feb 2007
Position: Trophy Husband
Posts: 40
Originally Posted by Hacker15e
"After the military" being the key word. This is a guy who hasn't even been to UPT yet, and he's got this idea that the AF is just a stepping stone to bigger and better things. That is the place where people get into trouble.
In the pointy-nosed world, if you vocalize an attitude like that, you will get crushed. I don't make it a secret that after I'm done with the AF, I want to go to the airlines...but in the mean time, I'm 100% committed to being the best combat aviator that I can be right now.
In the pointy-nosed world, if you vocalize an attitude like that, you will get crushed. I don't make it a secret that after I'm done with the AF, I want to go to the airlines...but in the mean time, I'm 100% committed to being the best combat aviator that I can be right now.
02-10-2007, 06:12 PM
#58
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Joined APC: Feb 2007
Position: Trophy Husband
Posts: 40
Originally Posted by Albief15
I wanted heavies, the airlines, and to be out by 7 years as a captain. I likewise passed on Euro-NATO...never even applied for a slot although I'd have been competitive.
So--roll the tape. I've flown the OV-10 and the F-15 since 1992...flew 2 ops tours, an FTU tour, and now fly part time. I got silver oak leaves on my flight suit that still make me laugh out loud--sort of the "ship in a bottle" thought of "how did those get here?". I wouldn't change one dang thing...
I was smart enough in UPT to pretty much keep my mouth shut about my Delta dreams, and also to keep an open mind. I didn't think I'd like sucking air out of can wearing a helment. I was wrong. I didn't think I'd like spending my time studying tactics and crap--I wanted to go see the world. In the end--I did both. I don't think my globe holds a candle to some C-130 drivers out there--never been to Diego, Wake, Ascension, or Johnston Islands...although I always wanted to. However--my gosh--the stuff I DID get to do rocked and I've enjoyed every bit of it. A common thread to my decisions to stay in and keep plugging were good leaders who made working and serving feel like the right thing to do.
I meet a lot of pilots in my gig. I've met airline pilots who dropped bombs in Iraqi Freedom when they got activated. I've met special ops guys who's stories would stop you in your tracks when you hear about low level missions in Afgahanistan. I met a P-3 driver who flew some of the bodies from the USS Cole bombing out of theater to bring them to be transported home with honor. I don't think loving your country and wanting to serve as a pilot require you to pick an airframe or a time committment. The military needs 20 year and 30 year officers. It also needs folks to come in and serve and get the hell out--we can't all be 4 star generals.
So--I wanted heavies and got fighters. I wanted to be out by 30 and I'm still flying fighters at 41. Life has a way of throwing stuff at you that you didn't expect. I just took a break from this post to take help my 3 year old change a Barbie dress...another of life's little blessings I never saw coming. Open your mind, shut your mouth, bust your a$$, and take a little pride in whatever you do. Buff, Herc, Eagle, Viper, Hornet, Cod, or Blackhawk...you won't be working in a cubicle and you will be making a difference. And if it counts--on this Veteran's Day--I for one will appreciate your service.
So--roll the tape. I've flown the OV-10 and the F-15 since 1992...flew 2 ops tours, an FTU tour, and now fly part time. I got silver oak leaves on my flight suit that still make me laugh out loud--sort of the "ship in a bottle" thought of "how did those get here?". I wouldn't change one dang thing...
I was smart enough in UPT to pretty much keep my mouth shut about my Delta dreams, and also to keep an open mind. I didn't think I'd like sucking air out of can wearing a helment. I was wrong. I didn't think I'd like spending my time studying tactics and crap--I wanted to go see the world. In the end--I did both. I don't think my globe holds a candle to some C-130 drivers out there--never been to Diego, Wake, Ascension, or Johnston Islands...although I always wanted to. However--my gosh--the stuff I DID get to do rocked and I've enjoyed every bit of it. A common thread to my decisions to stay in and keep plugging were good leaders who made working and serving feel like the right thing to do.
I meet a lot of pilots in my gig. I've met airline pilots who dropped bombs in Iraqi Freedom when they got activated. I've met special ops guys who's stories would stop you in your tracks when you hear about low level missions in Afgahanistan. I met a P-3 driver who flew some of the bodies from the USS Cole bombing out of theater to bring them to be transported home with honor. I don't think loving your country and wanting to serve as a pilot require you to pick an airframe or a time committment. The military needs 20 year and 30 year officers. It also needs folks to come in and serve and get the hell out--we can't all be 4 star generals.
So--I wanted heavies and got fighters. I wanted to be out by 30 and I'm still flying fighters at 41. Life has a way of throwing stuff at you that you didn't expect. I just took a break from this post to take help my 3 year old change a Barbie dress...another of life's little blessings I never saw coming. Open your mind, shut your mouth, bust your a$$, and take a little pride in whatever you do. Buff, Herc, Eagle, Viper, Hornet, Cod, or Blackhawk...you won't be working in a cubicle and you will be making a difference. And if it counts--on this Veteran's Day--I for one will appreciate your service.
).
02-10-2007, 06:27 PM
#59
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Joined APC: Apr 2006
Position: 737 F/O
Posts: 71
Originally Posted by ejoachim
I just wanted to thank everyone for the insight. I think that many people made a good point about not thinking about the airlines while at UPT & in the Air Force. This is a point that I completely agree with and after I write this post it will be the last time I think about the airlines for quite a while. I look forward to working hard at Pilot Training and being able to serve my country. However, I also believe that a little planning for the future cannot hurt. Having my choices narrowed down on what I can fly is kind of scary thing. Having all these pilots write that it does not really matter what I fly gives me a lot more reassurance. I have been able to talk to a couple of other pilots and they basically have told me the same thing that all of you have told me. Again thanks.
Do you best and follow your heart - enjoy life.
02-10-2007, 06:32 PM
#60
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Joined APC: Apr 2006
Position: 737 F/O
Posts: 71
Originally Posted by ToiletDuck
I've heard both so long as you end up in the right kind of fighter. You don't want one with anykind of centerline thrust restrictions that's for sure. Had a guy come into the FBO with 4800hrs of T-38 time but SW didn't like it because it was centerline thrust.
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