Is it time to leave mil and go airlines?

#42

It's been about 40 years since I sat in a F4 and don't remember much - other than being told "don't touch anything yellow or black" - I was 10.
#44

...don't tenths of a second count here?
So...back to the thread topic, yes get out!

#45


#46
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Apr 2010
Posts: 287

That was a big "W T F?" to read.

#47

The zero/zero capability of the new seat would have probably saved Oly's life too, although obviously that is speculation (Sorry to prolong the thread drift, but had to remember Oly, a truly awesome individual).
...as for the exit timing, I stayed in to retirement. Economically it probably wasn't the best strategy. In the twilight of a very mediocre career, I chose a non-flying exchange job to a great location (Germany), but didn't get a follow-on flying job, which made the transition to airlines difficult. I don't regret the decision at all, and have no plans for the airlines now. As Nietzsche would say, make a "reevaluation of all values" (yours) and make a choice consistent with those, and you will not be bitter or regretful at the outcome.
...as for the exit timing, I stayed in to retirement. Economically it probably wasn't the best strategy. In the twilight of a very mediocre career, I chose a non-flying exchange job to a great location (Germany), but didn't get a follow-on flying job, which made the transition to airlines difficult. I don't regret the decision at all, and have no plans for the airlines now. As Nietzsche would say, make a "reevaluation of all values" (yours) and make a choice consistent with those, and you will not be bitter or regretful at the outcome.
#48
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Apr 2013
Posts: 3,016

I am in a similar situation and am making the jump. You have two huge things going for you: You are current and you have a retirement to cushion the first year.
Lots of good advice above about getting yourself ready. I would follow it and have a backup plan (I have some other non-flying irons in the fire in case it doesn't work out for whatever reason).
Don't let the bitter "there is no pilot shortage, no off the street hiring, have to wait for the flow throughs" crowd jade your decision. I know a dude who went on terminal two weeks ago and got hired by United the same week. He had minimal networking, no interview prep (he said he regretted that one), and less hours than you. Not saying that it is going to be wide open, but if you put some effort into it, there are jobs out there.
Lots of good advice above about getting yourself ready. I would follow it and have a backup plan (I have some other non-flying irons in the fire in case it doesn't work out for whatever reason).
Don't let the bitter "there is no pilot shortage, no off the street hiring, have to wait for the flow throughs" crowd jade your decision. I know a dude who went on terminal two weeks ago and got hired by United the same week. He had minimal networking, no interview prep (he said he regretted that one), and less hours than you. Not saying that it is going to be wide open, but if you put some effort into it, there are jobs out there.
#49
#50

It's funny, I can't remember the names of some of the guys in my UPT class, but I can still spout off the Tweet spin recovery mantra without skipping a beat.