mpilot153

In a lot of threads, I notice people getting in arguments over who the airlines SHOULD hire, or what their minimums SHOULD be -- and it is all written from each individuals perspective. It's all written as if you win the argument on the Internet, then your target airline will set the minimums that favor you, and you will get hired.


The way I see it, each airline tends to have a diverse mixture of all of the backgrounds. I don't think of it as competing against regional pilots or corporate pilots. If the airline is going to have 40% military in a new hire class, then I am really competing against other military pilots. When I look at it from that light, that's where I think adding a 121 gig might help differentiate me. However; once I go down that rabbit hole, I'll have to commute to my reserve job, and to my regional job, and I won't be home much. It's a tough pill to swallow, so I haven't done it yet.

Cookenbauer

Even if you mean well and humor can get lost on messageboards...coming here and spouting off "favored prince status" comes off as a patronizing reply.

No offense, but I think most of us can do just fine and don't need someone coming here and telling us how the "real world" is.

ron kent

If you are in a reserve squadron than I'm sure that there are plenty of guys working at the majors to get an opinion on this.

This is my opinion only, but I think it tracks with the opinion of most airline guys that went straight from the military to the majors. Adding some RJ SIC time will do nothing for you other than making your life harder than it has to be. If you are currently in a flying job, hang in there, your time will come. Keep adding PIC on the military airframe you are flying and enjoy the family time.

Gilligan13

What kind of aircraft? Is bumming getting harder or does it depend on the unit? From what I was told on the heavy side if you want to make money you have to be gone for long stretches. Usually one of the reason why people are getting out is to stay home more.

Cookenbauer

Just calling a spade a spade. Your post came off as douchey. Hope you aren't too sensitive about it.

Coming here to offer advice or insight is one thing. Coming here to say mil guys aren't special and to get used to the real world serves what purpose? But I'm sure you are lurking here to just keep our best interest at heart right?

Snarge

Are MIL guys special?

Dude came on this forum and said .... I am Viper guy with all these other quals and I got no game... no call.

Is it possible that this guy is douchey? Maybe he is so awesome there is no room for others, including the Capt, on his flight deck.

I can tell you at my legacy carrier, there are plenty of proven Part 121 regional pilots to pick from. Yet a diverse cadre of pilots, women, MIL, etc.. is great.

Here is a good interview question:

I see you are a highly skilled tactical aviator with command experience and lots of AC time. How do you feel about flying FO for someone 10 years younger who never served?

iceman49

ron kent has the best answer.

Adlerdriver

Ignoring the grammar issues, I really believe this statement to be true.

I don't think you actually do, hence the Napoleon complex that makes its way into just about every post you've made in this thread.

My last trip had a pure ANG background Captain, an RFO with all civilian training and me. We ended up meeting another F/O(also civilian) in the hotel bar and took her along with us for a huge night of drinking and soccer in Cologne.

We had a blast and not once did we waste a single soon to be dead brain cell on what we used to do before our current job. It was the same the next day in the cockpit and for the rest of our time together. Mutual respect, professionalism and some fun.

I hope your career path takes you wherever it is that you want to be. Unfortunately, I doubt similar experiences with crews of varied backgrounds await you as long as you bring that giant chip on your shoulder with you.

vyperdriver

Back to the original question. .. I'm doing the exact question your asking. Retired a couple of months back working for a regional after 17yrs of F-16 flying. So pm me if you want my perspective. I have thoroughly enjoyed the crews passengers and helping folks get where they need to go. However to politely rebut Snarge, im doing your job after 2 months of training, also possess a 737 type, but I seriously doubt in 2 months you could lead a 4 ship of F-16's through the weather in 3 foot fingertip formation, hook up to a tanker, fight your way into the target while quarterbacking your 4 ship tactics against hordes of Migs, also acting as a mission commander of a 40 ship package, Dodge surface to air missiles, at night on Night Vision Goggles, hit your target within 5 seconds and get home...oh and by the way without the autopilot flying for you. I could be wrong maybe you could execute after 2 months, but I doubt it. How bought showing just a little respect especially for those of us that have buried to many friends at Arlington. Yes I do think mil guys are special, just on a higher plane than you sre thinking. Rant over.

RBI73

Thanks for the replies and the PM's. I do appreciate it. At this point I don't think it's the right move for me or my family for several reasons, most of which have been pointed out here, some in PM's and some are my own reservations. Maybe in 6 months I'll change my tune.

Thanks again, and I welcome more PM's on this subject if you have some advice.