Deuce130

You can't predict the future. Figure out the mission you want now, then go for it. There were a lot of people that planned on simply transferring to the airlines that went to UPT in the 90's. Didn't exactly work out like it did for the people who went to UPT in the 70's and 80's. Your goals and desires will probably be vastly different 11 years from now.

On a side note, have you thought about CV-22s? I'm not really sure how the FAA looks at tiltrotors, but it's different from helos. Another input, as a MC-130 guy, I knew tons of helo pilots. They're mostly all great Americans and have done some amazing things the past 10 years. Same for the Rescue HH-60 pilots. If that's the kind of action you are looking for, then do what Albie said to do in UPT and don't look back.

galaxy flyer

What Albie said, in triplicate. My class, back when Carter was Presidrnt, started with 30, graduated the same 30. We worked together like crazy, probably physically and mentally dragged a couple across the finish line. Work together every single day.

GF

jkhill0

As one of those recently retired Lt Col-types, who spent a career flying the C-17...

1. Bold Face, ops Limits, Chair Fly
2. Focus on the next flight...day by day...don't blow off EPQs/OPQs...
3. Do your best and just graduate.

Go after the mission you will enjoy in 8-10 years...for me that was heavies...

Good Luck.

F15Cricket

Albie, well said!

... But did you forget about the one who said, "I am looking for the best / quickest way to the airlines so I can get out as soon as my commitment is up"? ... Probably either washed out, or got the (insert what you think is the worst assignment out of UPT) and is now out of the USAF, and has been waiting for "the call" for a year ... or two ....

To the OP, my advice is to work your butt off, help your classmates, have fun, and figure out what jet you would like to fly and what mission you would like to do for 10-20 years. The airlines hire lots of military guys from lots of different backgrounds, so there is not a "best" aircraft to pick. For me, it was the single-seat, twin-engine, twin-tailed WGASF! ... 3200 hours and 22 years later, and now it's a 737.

MikeF16

Not to take away from the good advice others have given you... I guess I could take the 2 tour white jet salty instructor approach but I'll just answer your question. Fastest way to the airlines as things stand today: become a FAIP, go XC every weekend, and VSP ASAP. Helicopters are a poor choice if you're working on your airline prep. The type of person who just started UPT and is worried about the airlines typically doesn't do well. Report back in 1 year and tell me I'm wrong .

AirCav

I can't disagree with what has been written but let me add my two cents so you may learn from some of my missteps. I was hired in my mid thirties by a major so my past decisions have not been completely horrendous...with that said, I flew helos most of my military career but was fortunate to get some heavy flying assignments in as well. It has been fun.

If there is one thing I regret my last ten years is not slowing down to smell the roses. While I encourage you to be positive, study hard and help your buddies (I slacked too much at Vance and did not study enough), my suggestion would be to not concentrate on a particular aircraft after graduation but just be good at what you are doing at the time. If you think you would like helicopters, realize you are probably extending entry into an airline by a few years...not the end of the world but a fact nonetheless.

What you should also consider is the lifestyle you and your family want. Some missions require you to be gone a lot while others are more prone to home life. Some assignment choices on some airframes suck and some not so much (e.g. B-52s only have Minot and Barksdale!). If you display good airmanship and can pick T-38s, realize that the fighter guys keep their high intensity studying (also hazing??) through RTU into all your upgrades through out many assignments. Some heavies are a lot more laid back. Helos in the AF tend to be somewhere in the middle.

Airlines are not the end-all-be-all of life but used to be considered a good trade of decent pay and good time off. They are slowly becoming less so but still can be a good low stress job that allows for plenty of time to pursue hobbies like fishing and mountain biking. If after 10 years, you still have a desire to fly for a living and have not developed an interest in the law, opening your own dot com business or making the military a career, then by all means consider the airlines. At this time though, put it out of your mind and devote as much time thinking about it as to what flooring you want to install in your retirement condo in Sarasota you will buy when you are 75.

Study and know the regs and TOs cold...show enthusiasm (fake enthusiasm is better that no enthusiasm)...don't criticize any instructors, fellow students or the AF and be the best wingman you can to your classmates.

Good luck buddy, it is the road, not the destination.

AC

galaxy flyer

At one time, about a decade ago, HQ AFRC (AF Reserves) was encouraging fixed wing units to take in helo guys. I took four or five into Westover C-5s, all did fine--A/Cs, IPs and now have beaucoup heavy hours. One always said his wife and family liked the rescue deployments (90-180 days) better than C-5 trips which varied all over the lot.

GF

Voski

Want to fly helicopters?
Should have went Army warrant officer.
Best helo gig in the entire DoD.

If your goal is to fly for the airlines, however, definitely stay away from helicopters. It's not impossible to build the credentials to get hired by an airline, but it definitely limits your initial employment options and can be a huge setback in getting a seniority number at the airline you actually want to fly for.

As someone who is dual rated and has flown for the military, here are some of the pros and cons of each (my own opinion) --

Helicopter Pros
- More fun to fly overall
- More skill to properly finesse the aircraft
- Job-based missions are more diverse and rewarding
- Many jobs allow you to return home every night
- Higher initial pay
- Salary can be negotiated based off prior experience

Helicopter Cons
- Fewer jobs available
- Even fewer jobs available in desirable living locations
- More dangerous
- Pay caps out near major airline first officer pay
- Range is relatively short thus most jobs keep you in a local flying area

Airplane Pros
- Relatively more relaxing to fly
- Potential for high earnings in the latter half of your career
- Travel across the country with potential for international flights
- Abundant job openings and wider potential to live where you want
- Part 121 operations enjoy a very good safety record

Airplane Cons
- Instability throughout the industry (e.g. fuel costs, mergers, threats of cabotage, etc.)
- Initial pay is at poverty levels
- Career hinges on the almighty seniority number
- Lack of national seniority list can result in crippled career
- Potentially lots of time away from family


Those are all off the top of my head and I'm sure there's key points I might have missed, but that should at least get your mind thinking in what you want to do.

galaxy flyer

True story about helos getting you home every night. Friends at a Fortune 10 company, when "weathered in" in NYC have the company limo pick them up and bring back home. Limo brings them down in the morning to pick it up! That's a "con" though. A week of early wake-ups is a killer.

GF

TrakTrak

Go be a Crew Chief.

Oh...wait