Looking for some general info
 

I just started my Naval Aviation career and would like some general information on transitioning from military to the airlines. I am still in API so I know I have a lot of time ahead of me to think about my future and I should be just focused on getting winged, but I still want a general idea. I want to fly P-8s (and yes I know needs of the Navy outweigh my wants). I know flying P-8s will give me a 737 type rating which looks really nice on a resume. My main question is whether I will have enough total flight time when I get out (about eight years after winging) for the major airlines? I kind of want to stay away from the regionals. My other main question would be is becoming an airline pilot really worth it? Over the past year I have talked with some of my friends dads who are airline pilots for legacy carriers and they kind of made the job seem not worth it. After spending nearly ten years in the Navy when I get out, I do not want to my family to have to make more sacrifices with me not being there for birthdays, holidays, ect. Anyway, I would really appreciate any feedback.

Thanks!

FLY NAVY!!!!

I have a feeling you're about to get kicked in the junk for your post. I'll keep it short. Focus on the next two years, make it through pilot training and the RAG. Fly the he** out of whatever you get. Don't worry about the airlines.

737 type? Do you want to fly the P-8 because of the type rating? Or do you want the mission? Pick the mission...you'll be happier. I've never understood why military people (not a dig..i'm mil) think they have to have the 737 type. I guess it's because for last few years, SWA was the place to be. SWA isn't really the ONLY place to be anymore...and in 10 years there may not even be a SWA. Todays, "place to be" is the "has been" of tomorrow.

Airlines worth it? Like everything else, it depends. If your Dads friends are closer to retirement, they have had a lot taken from them, so I can see their point. Go find guys who live in base, bid reserve and spend lots of time at home and see what they say. It's not for everyone, but there are much worse ways to make a living.

Best advice...enjoy your career! You may realize that you want to go to 20 or get passed over before you can make it that far. You're about have the time of your life...live it up!

I think you should take your own advice and focus on getting your wings. Then focus on getting through the RAG. Then focus on your quals in the fleet. Do well and you'll keep your option to fly for all your tours open. Check back in about 6 years. Good luck.

The best, IMO, setup for the airlines you can get from the Navy is the following.

1- E-6s - IP before you leave
2a- VQ-7 -E-6 RAG IP
2b- VT-31 or VT-35 as a T-44 or TC-12 IP

Fly your ass off and figure out what to do with the extra year after your shore tour.

Bookmark this thread so you can come back and tell us how the H-60 flies and how you just love HSL.

You're planning to go to the airlines to avoid missing birthdays and holidays?? Yeah...... good luck with that. :rolleyes:

No wings yet and you're planning your exit to the airlines. Dude... come on. Also, no one but SWA is going to care if you have a 737 type rating.

Really?? Take note of the bold text above and take and heed the advice of those who took the time to respond to your post. Your questions are not questions you should be asking on this board or in any other public forum at this stage in your career for a number of reasons. Right now you have a wallet sized photo of the big picture and your priorities are misplaced. You haven't even stepped foot in an orange and white airplane much less a gray airplane (if you're still in API) and you're talking about which platform will provide you the best avenue of approach to the airlines? I have an idea, let's say you get your wings and are lucky enough to fly fixed wing aircraft...on the very first day in your fleet squadron, go knock on your Skipper's door and tell him/her of your plan to transition to the airlines post MSR...let us know how that works out for you! Nothing like making a name for yourself before you even get to your first squadron...what will you do when out of API your orders are to HT-(fill in the blank), then what?

All good replies.

Pick the mission, then the plane, then the location. Do not even consider airlines when making this choice (don't let your wife choose either, except for the location part).

Focus on your current job, work hard and do well at every job you do. This will be what builds your resume for your future, and allow you to excel in the Navy in the event that you stay in. Stop reading this forum until you are on your last assignment (it's a distraction at this point) On your second to last assignment try to plan your last assignment as a flying tour. At that point also start looking for a reserve job.

Have an open mind about staying in. Hiring happens in cycles and if you hit a down cycle when you are eligible to get out, you might not be able to get an airline job. This was the case over the last decade, there were few jobs, and it was much harder to get them and a much greater leap of faith to leave.

8 year commitment?! The Air Force is 10. I didn't know that the Navy's was less.

Obviously, focus on getting winged first... then do VERY well in your first tour. If you're middle of the pack in your JO tour, your shore duty options will likely not involve flying. I've had a lot of friends who just wanted to fly... now they're gonna get 3 years of flying in 10 years (not including flight school) and will leave the Navy 5 years removed from the cockpit.

Reading the thread title, I thought this was going to be about Generals.

I can tell you they wear stars.

PS Do you want to serve your country, or just use the Navy as SWA lead-in training?