Just starting AF UPT
 

First off, I'm sorry if these questions have already been asked/answered in depth on this site. I've spent some time searching, but to no avail. I'm just starting UPT and have started looking into shooting for helos. Once my service is up I really want to transfer over to the airlines, would helos pretty much rule that out for me? If so, what airframes would you recommend considering? Sorry for my ignorance, I don't really have any military or aviation background in my family so I'm kind of jumping into all this blind. Thank you for your time.

-Carson

Don't go helo if you want to be an airline pilot. Shoot for T-38s or T-1s. You'll figure out what you want to fly specifically during your easy year-long course.

Get the popcorn......

Try reading baseops.net. Just read, don't post, things get brutal there. You are correct that this has been discussed many times before. This crowd here is a bit more mature and less harsh on a newbie asking this question.

Now get back to learning Boldface Ops limits and chair flying.

Thanks for serving and welcome to APC

I'm Navy, but flew Helos, Jets and Turboprops.

Don't go helo, if you want to go airlines. Period.

2/3 of my flight time "doesn't count" as far as getting hired is concerned.

Why would you throw away years of flying, possibly thousands of multiengine turbine time, if the Airlines is your goal.

You can always use the AF to get your ME time, and if you still have that helo itch, transfer the the National Guard and fly helos for them once you are hired on by a major.

I love flying helicopters, but aside from a few "unicorn" jobs out there, the money just isn't in it like airlines, at least from a cash vs time vs QOL standpoint.

First, you won't "transfer" over to the airlines. Hiring at the airlines is very cyclical and dependent on the economy and seniority. Don't go helos, limited future unless you like flying helos. Fly any fixed wing plane you like to fly and get assigned. Some are better than others, but it's all great. I'd recommend avoiding "high demand, low density" planes like MC-130s, AWACS or JSTARS. Too busy or too little flying. C-17 or, better, C-5, if heavies, Eagles or Vipers, if fighters. The B-2 and F-22 have too high a profile, can't make mistakes and learn.

learn about the Reserves/ANG, do good work.

GF

Galaxy Flier is right...C-17 or C-5 for airlines. I'd consider a FAIP assignment for the hours too.

Now my extra two cents...
I am all for planning ahead but unless you are going ANG or AFRC it sounds like you are living at a minimum of 10 years in the future basing a career decision on an industry that changes with the tide. If you want to fly helos then fly helos you will never have this chance again. Best advice I ever got from a "grey beard" (I.e. Old Lt. Col) while at UPT. Pick the mission you want. After a few years in a plane/helicopter it will be a job and your new normal...not some sexy idea. There are no cheering fans waiting for you on the flight line after the mission just some hard working crew chief who wants you out of his/her jet so they can turn it for the next crew. And the job description of a viper pilot is NOT "does cool loops to music" at air shows. They plan, study, debrief A LOT. Is the 1.2 hr sortie worth the privilege of the responsibility they own? Know what you will be doing as you employ your aircraft and if you like that idea. Enjoy your time a UPT. Work hard, play hard...the time goes by fast! Best Wishes and thank you for your service!

Carson, I just graduated from UPT at Vance (14-13) with a guard slot and am also a regional guy. If you're not exactly sure what you want, keep doing what you're doing, ask around when you get to UPT. I had a few T-6 IPs that were former Helo guys, so it's not unheard of to switch from helos to fixed wing (probably to be a T-6 instructor...and I hear its rare). Anyway, at the end of T-6s you will get a quick brief from guys who have flown pretty much every MWS, so that should help you decide.

My advice, work your friggen A$$ off so by the end of T-6s, you can go any track you want. We had dudes that wanted helos and got T-1s, so just because you want it, doesn't mean you'll get it.

As for the airline gig after you get out. Fixed wing is your best bet for sure.

Just starting AF UPT
 

1st assignment post UPT = T-1 FAIP

Here is some advice...

1. Get an F-16 license plate. As a student. Tell everyone you are going to get a viper.
2. Post daily on facebook. Put pictures of every single sortie, training event, etc with a detailed blow by blow of the day's events. Include an honest critique of your classmates performance and your thoughts about your particular instructor pilot.
3. Hang out alone...study all the time. Go on a low carb diet. And...do not associate with your classmates and your best to become a hermit. Tell everyone for you "...it's F-16 or NOTHING!"
4. Make a chart of all graded events. Put your name and all your classmates name on it. Track everyone's scores and plot them. If you don't know the scores, pester your classmates for the info. Let everyone know daily where YOU plot their relative performance to each other based on your data.
5. Whine about any performance you are graded less than "excellent". Be sure to let everyone know your last choice is a KC-135.

Okay..or don't. Here's what I know about the above folks...

1. KC-135 assignment. Not FAR'd. 1988
2. Dunno. Heard he took merciless ****. Not sure of the outcome.
3. Washed out pre solo in T-37s. 1988
4. Washed out pre solo T-38s. Became a WSO (apparently a good one) 1988
5. Did okay in pilot training. Not FAR'd but above average. Got KC-135 assignment. (Hint: Don't be a dick to the guys trying to help you learn to fly...)

Point to this: Your goal is A) be there NEXT Friday in class B) get wings and C) help your classmates as much as you can while complying with A&B. If you can do that odds are you'll be able to track select and pick a route good for your long term career. Lose focus....well....may not get any wings...

I'd also recommend baseops (search the site, all of this has been asked before...)

Second on the fixed wing for the airlines. Work your butt off and don't underestimate the power of luck and timing!