flynutt

Thanks for everyone's advice thus far. It is appreciated.

A slightly different scenario...UAV AGR or T-38 ART?

The T-38 would obviously be better from the flying/building hours/currency perspective, but if the airlines don't pan out then I am thinking the AGR will be better from a pay/benefits perspective.

I have come to the conclusion that it really depends on long-term goals. Anyone have any different opinions?

Pakagecheck

What is the ultimate goal? Airlines? Take the flying job. Getting 20 active years? Take the UAV. Something else to consider.... if you take the uav agr, after hitting 20 and you have to retire, what then? An airline job is most definitely out of the question. If in a few years, you don't get on with the airlines and you want an active retirement, IMHO uav slots/other opportunities will be available. Once you have the airline job, you can always transfer to a UAV unit. It won't work in reverse if you loose recency.
Pakage

hindsight2020

From the guys I know who went AGR UAV, their plan is to continue working lucratively in the civilian side of UAVs after getting the AGR retirement check. They specifically elected to do that by design over pursuing the airlines because they were "older" guys with young kids. Starting the airlines with the accompanying TAFB that junior seniority carries with it wasn't really something they valued. They wanted time at home and high income.

I'm too young in my flying days to entertain the idea of leaving the cockpit for a UAV gig, but I can acknowledge it's a hell of a lot better civilian transition post-military than trying getting an airline seniority number for the first time well into your 40s, especially if you're behind the power curve on the kids getting out the house and you have 10 years of not being home for Xmas ahead of you at the airline. It all depends on where you are in life.

If I was in the OP's position, I would do the ART thing and bail when the airline called. I will say to the OP, whoever told him about an ART job in the trainer side is lying to him. Alternatively I would become a TR and go get a straight GS job and do the same with the latter, dump it when the airline called. In all reality, what I would REALLY do if I was in his position is to become a TR and bum/trough until the airline called. That's the sweet spot for what he wants to accomplish. Good luck!

Pakagecheck

I know plenty of "old guys" that started the airline gig after flying 20 plus years in the military and I have yet to hear one regret it. Of the guys I know from my unit that took a non flying thing to include uavs, some are happy to be at home but some have regrets. I guess it is all in the eyes of the beholder but I wouldn't consider it HIGH income. My point was only if he takes uavs out of the chute, he will not have the same options that he will have if he takes the flying gig. But, your UAV buddies have decided that is what they want. However, they won't be able to apply to the airlines. I contend that a T-38 IP can apply and get a UAV civilian gig down the road.

My biggest fear was being in my mid 40s, kids getting ready to go to college and I am outside looking in trying to find a new career. That was me and I, like you, wanted to stay flying something upside down... or just flying at all.

Point being, it really depends on what the op's ultimate goal is. Posture for the position and keep doing things to make yourself more marketable.

I just personally think the 38 allows for more options.

Pakage

Std Deviation

Know it's a military thread but felt I had something to contribute on the recency issue. I left active flying to take care of some family matters a few years ago. Intended to go back. Currently instructing at a 142 school (the one owned by BH). 9,200 hours, 1,400 turbine multi-engine PIC, 3 civilian type ratings. Nationally published aviation safety author, CRM developer and facilitator, and invited speaker at NBAA safety stand downs.

Work with Fortune 500 companies everyday so a multitude of contacts including close personal friends and college roommates within the departments. Can't get hired for anything. Always make the short list and get the interview and it always ends the same way...we really want to take a chance but the guy over here is current in a jet. IMHO recency is the lifeblood.

flynutt

Again thanks for the advice. I figured I would throw out some additional information since it was brought up. As I said, I will be just shy of 14 YOS when I separate. I do have a young family (2 yo and another due in Dec). I love flying, but I also enjoy stability and time at home. Therefore, I am debating if the airlines is truly what I want to do. The T-38 would be a great gig, except for the pay cut.

Any idea what classifies as "lucratively"?


I never said it was at UPT as a trainer. Other people fly the T-38 as well.