Ok so a little background.

I am 22 years old and I live in New York, I have my PPL and IR and also just received my associates degree last May. I decided to get a General Studies degree so I can transfer it later and keep my options open. I want to eventually become a career pilot, but I don't want the debt.

Since I don't want the debt, I began looking at my options;

1. Work and pay as I go (very tough for NY state thanks to Taxes, living expenses, etc) The only school near me is a 141 school with $105 an hour C-152, $130 an hour for C172, $160 for 172RG. The CFI is another $50 an hour. All of the other schools around here have since closed up shop due to the economy.

2. Join the Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve and have school paid for.

Now, I am here to ask if joining the National Guard or Air Force reserve is a good idea or a long shot. I am leaning towards the NY Guard and here is why;

Benefits;

1. Weekend Warrior
2. New York offers its Air Guard members up to 100% tuition assistance at any state college or university.
3. E-3 Pay right at the start (Associates Degree) - $234
4. The Montgomery G.I. Bill
5. GI Bill Kicker - ($350 per month while in school)
6. I know aviation degrees are frowned upon, but, if I can get it for free and it is decided that an aviation degree lowers the hour minimum, it looks worth it. With my General studies degree I can always transfer the credits to a second bachelors degree.

To me, this seams too good to be true, which is why I am asking you. My plan was if I did this, join the ANG, go to SUNY Farmingdale and grab my ratings and 4-year degree, if I liked the ANG and wanted to further myself to Officer, go to OCS and become an officer (if selected of course) and get a pay raise. Then I can flight instruct while serving, and build my time to the coveted 1500 hours. I am not picky about what, where I fly. If I never get the chance to fly in the military, I won't be upset with that, flight instructing will be just as fine, however, If I have my degree and a slot opens up you can rest assure I will try and get it! If I were to decide to join, I would also get the AGI and IGI before BMT.

I am in no rush to get to the airlines, I feel old but know I still have time, I just refuse to have the debt burden on me.

So, what do you think?

Thanks everyone!

 

You're very smart to not want the debt. I went to a 141 university and have over 6 figures in debt. It was extremely difficult my first two years out to do anything; I have since gotten lucky. I would suggest a business degree, if possible. I dont know much about the military side of things, but I have heard its getting more difficult to get a flight slot in the military due to the increase of UAVs. It wouldnt be a bad idea to go talk to a recruiter (or someone who doesnt get a bonus for signing you) to see what your chances of getting a flight slot are. Good luck!

 

I would advise a different career. I have over 7000 hours, 7 type ratings and I am looking for work. During the good years I was making 6 figures, now the only offers I get are regional F/O positions. Kind of hard to pay a mortgage and raise a family on 22k a year.

 

Which means we us noobs get to compete for 20 k /yr jobs against folks like BB.

The joy........

 

Your plan for education is a good one. Your willingness to serve your country in time of war is admirable considering how few actually do something good to contribute to the freedoms we enjoy in this great nation. That part is not a long shot, assuming you are physically qualified and pass the enlistment tests to get into a good career field.

I would recommend aircraft maintenance, because you could get on the path to becoming an A & P which is a good thing. I wish I had the time to get that training.

The flight spot is a long shot, but well worth it. As many have said, you can't win, if you don't try to play the game. Once you are in the ANG, don't limit your applications to just your unit. It is ok to try to apply to other ANG/AFR squadrons to try to get a UPT slot. Your odds are better in your own unit, especially if you are a team player, do your job well. But occassionally there won't be enough spots to go around for too many qualified applicants. At 22, time is your friend, but if you get to 26-27 year age mark without a slot, then you need to start applying to other units, if you get dead set on a flying spot.

Good Luck in your quest.

 

Sounds like the ANG would be good for your education and finances short term, and might open up a flying opportunity later. I'd say go for it.

But be aware that federal law does not protect students if they get mobilized for extended reserve duty, so you could lose a semester's worth of work (and maybe tuition). Just check your school's policy on that.

 

Thanks for your input everyone! With Obama likely downsizing the military and UAVs coming in, I will try to get a pilot slot when one becomes available, but I won't put all my eggs in one basket, which is why I would go to school and go all the way to CFI to give me some sort of flying either way.

@Tweetdrvr - I was considering A&P but I am not very mechanic, I don't know if that will be my "cup of tea", however, I would like to do a dispatch school and get my dispatcher license to offer more doors other than just flying. I think that will be better. I will try to get some kind of aviation related job in the ANG if one is offered to me however.

@rickair7777 - Thanks for the input, I'll look in to that. It seams that we can withdraw from classes without penalty according to the school if;

1. Receive an injury that will cause you to miss too much school.
2. Must leave for military reasons.

I will be scheduling a visit to the Welcome to the 106th Rescue Wing on Long Island, a buddy of mine just left for BMT and is going to be based here and suggested it. I'll also be scheduling my ASVAB!

 

HC-130Ps & HH-60s Go Rescue! (coming from 4 years as a Rescue Aircraft Mx Officer)

 

The AF can teach almost anyone to do anything. If you put your mind too it. I learned all about MHz, GHz, Pulse Repitition Freq, Scan rates, resolution cells, side lobes and all sorts of other electronic things at Electronic Warfare School, and I have a B.A. in a foreign language.

 

Chinch Bugs.....ya know, ....manganese.....a lot of people don't even know what that is........