airpanther

hey guys, I'm 23 years old working on my ppl and will be graduating in a year. I just wanted to know if joining the air force after college is the best route, and by best I mean quickest and cheapest, or should I keep borrowing money and flying full-time?

HuggyU2

The best/quickest/cheapest route for what? We cannot answer the question until you phrase it better.

airpanther

to get my licenses and eventually become an airline pilot

HuggyU2

It will take you about 11.5 years minimum in the Air Force before your commitment will end.
Some of that will be non-flying.
If you're primary goal is to get to the airlines, I personally wouldn't recommend it, unless you also have a desire to spend that kind of time living the military pilot lifestyle.

airpanther

I meant making a 4-year commitment and racking up hours during my downtime, can it be more beneficial being in the air force?

MilitaryAV8R

Forgive me if I am getting this wrong, but it seems that you are asking about joining the military as a non-aviator and going flying on weekends and such. Given that you are saying this would be after college I would guess you want to be an officer. While I am not in the Air Force (US Army here) I am not really sure what MOS’s are available. If there are any officer MOS’s that directly relate to flying (ATC, Maintenance Officer) and you were to do flying on the side I think it could really help you in the long run. Having that varied background should be a positive thing on your resume in the future.

One thing to always remember though is this is the Armed Forces and you can end up places for extended periods of time that you will not be able to do any flying. Should you go to Afghanistan for six months to a year, that is time that you will not be doing any flying at all. Even aside from deployments, what if you’re assigned to a post outside the United States? I would have no idea what issues you may face with trying to progress your flying career on the side from bases like Incirlik AB, Turkey.

rickair7777

Yes.

1) If all you do is work and fly, and don't bogged down with a wife, 2 kids, 2 cars, and a mortgage just yet, then you can pay your way without debt. If you finish all ratings including a CFI while on AD you can probably instruct at your base flying club, or out in town during your free time.
2) Assuming the AF did not pay for your college, and you have a PPL, you can use the post 9/11 GI Bill to pay for a lot of your flight training. I'm not sure how many years you would need to serve before you can use it. You need three years for full benefits (pro-rated otherwise). Maybe you could use it during your last year of AD but worst case do your ratings at 141 school after you get out.
3) If you do deploy (probably) you'll bank a lot of tax-free cash while you're gone.

But if you're going to do all that, I'd definitely look into getting a military pilot slot too.

106dart

You can't be a pilot with a 4 year commitment in AD. It is 10 years after you get your wings.
It sounds like this may not be the best option for you.

blastoff

He's not talking about being a pilot in the Air Force. He's talking about beating up the pattern at the Aero Club for 4 years.

Lobaeux

If you're just talking about joining the Air Force and learning to fly on the side, it can be like any other job. The Air Force, contrary to popular belief, is a 24/7 lifestyle job. Nothing says you can't learn to fly civilian-wise while in the AF, but you'll have to get permission from your commander (not a problem usually). You may be stationed overseas, you may be stationed where there is no aero club. Plus, as an enlisted guy, you'll have time to learn to fly, but your pay will be very low. As an officer, you'll make plenty of money, but you'll have less free time.

Going in with a pilot training slot gets you the training, you'll get paid quite well, even getting a commercial license out of it. You'll also get a 10 year commitment and if your lucky, enough hours in 10 years to get your ATP. However, even if you get one of the highly competitive pilot training slots, you may end up with a single seat fighter, or you may end up with an UAV. You're taking a huge gamble.

If your desire and dreams are to become an airline pilot, the military isn't the best route to go anymore. Just my .02, but join the Air Force because you want to serve your country, you want to become part of a fantastic team, not to become an airline pilot. I think you'll become disenchanted and disappointed.

Good luck!