Just starting AF UPT

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01-26-2015 | 03:21 PM

#41

sailingfun

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Packrat

I'm not saying fighter guys can't get hired. MAC guys have more hours in heavier airplanes doing a mission that is more congruent with airline flying. That's all I'm saying.

If your target is the airlines, fly the airplanes that are the closest to what they fly.

The airlines are well aware of the selection process for aircraft in flight school. They understand as a rule pilots selected for tactical aircraft slots generally performed very well in flight school. That is why they will hire a pilot from a tactical community with low hours. Going to a fighter slot will not impede getting hired at a major airline.

01-26-2015 | 04:52 PM

#42

rickair7777

Prime Minister/Moderator

Joined: Jan 2006

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From: Engines Turn or People Swim

Quote:

Originally Posted by sailingfun

Yes. Fighter people generally have a leg up unless they have personality or background issues. Some employers clearly prefer fighter pilots and a few may slightly prefer heavy time. Fighter s will not hurt your airline prospects...as long as you graduate.

01-26-2015 | 07:11 PM

#43

satpak77

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From: Left Seat

It it true that a fighter guy can move to C-17 (for example) down the road but a C-17 guy (UPT into C-17's) cannot move to fighters.

I think I heard that somewhere

01-26-2015 | 07:36 PM

#44

HuggyU2

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Joined: Oct 2008

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From: Boeing right seat

Quote:

Originally Posted by satpak77

It it true that a fighter guy can move to C-17 (for example) down the road but a C-17 guy (UPT into C-17's) cannot move to fighters.

I think I heard that somewhere

Not absolute by any means... But yes.

01-26-2015 | 11:36 PM

#45

F15Cricket

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Joined: Apr 2014

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From: Right Seat 737, Front seat T-6

Quote:

Originally Posted by satpak77

It it true that a fighter guy can move to C-17 (for example) down the road but a C-17 guy (UPT into C-17's) cannot move to fighters.

I think I heard that somewhere

There was a time in the late 90s / early 00s when the USAF realized they screwed up in not making enough fighter pilots so they cross-flowed from heavies to fighters ... However, they had to have been through T-38s, which almost all heavy drivers don't fly in UPT (bomber pilots being the exception).

So, a heavy driver today converting to fighters would be extremely unlikely. Fighter pilots converting to heavies happens with some regularity (lose an ejection seat medical qual, getting out of active duty and getting hired by a C-17 ANG unit, etc).

01-27-2015 | 05:54 AM

#46

satpak77

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From: Left Seat

thanks Huggy and F15 for the info

01-27-2015 | 09:26 AM

#47

galaxy flyer

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Joined: May 2010

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From: Baja Vermont

I had a bunch of fighter guys in my C-5 unit--U-2 (?

), F-15, F-4 Weasels, EA-6 and A-10 guys. I've never heard of any the other direction.

I went to C-5 after an ejection-caused spine injury

GF

01-27-2015 | 03:38 PM

#48

PRS Guitars

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From: A320 CA

I agree with this post but one minor correction. The T38 has been universally assignable for about 5 years now. They do send T38 students to heavies now. They will not likely flow to a fighter in the future. Though I know of one T38 student that got C17's then got a B2 after that assignment.

Edit:

Forgot the quote, that's was a reply to F15cricket

02-07-2015 | 09:16 AM

#49

TSRAGR

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Joined: Nov 2014

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From: They have more than one?

study your tail off and track where you feel you fit best and can perform at the highest level. Finishing last in your T38 class won't help your ego or getting the airframe you desire but it will provide you with world class training that many in the world envy. But here's my official advice. Close APC and open the books. I spent my UPT experience working 6days a week, studying hard and it paid off with the airframe I wanted, but it will be what you make it, and you'll love whatever you ultimately fly.

02-07-2015 | 05:35 PM

#50

2loud

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Hey, that was me 20+ years ago. What a deal.... using the military to gear you up for the airlines! No one has the crystal ball. Lot's of good advices here. Study hard, chair fly, play hard, and don't **** off anyone (especially the IPs).
As for type of aircraft, definitely no helos if you want to land a job with the majors right away after your 10+ years bending over for Uncle Sam. Fly what you want, if you have a choice. Don't listen to these guys who'll tell you that the airlines prefer heavy pilots; that's ancient history. You are going to be Uncle Sam's beeeeeatch for 10+ years so you might as well fly what you want, given the choice. Every MWS has its pros and cons. Kick a$$ in SUPT so you'll have a choice! Good luck.