Rgrball, I'd get your stuff together and start the application process. You are competitive now, and in the future (when you are able to leave) there will likely be less dudes in the stacks that have done some of the things you have done. I have almost 1700 TT and several interviews. I was looking at it from your perspective (family and future deployments) and decided to bail. Something else to look at since you have some time left is start rushing guard and reserve units where you want to live.

 

I've got until fall of '18 before I can get out and it will be from a flying billet. Right now I'm only at around 1200 TT with 1000 TPIC F18 hrs. I've always been in a flying job but sequestration destroyed a few years with barely 100hrs/yr (lots of navy guys in my timing with same issues). I was also deploying a week after the Aug of '14 written deadline so I didn't take the test with getting life together. So I've still got to do the ATP CTP course now in addition to the practical ($10k problem there). I wasn't keen on knocking that out until I hit the 1500 her mark so that I won't have the R-ATP on any applications. Is that a good strategy?

I'm confident I can get a reserve job somewhere and I'm not overly particular about what I fly. VT/FRS (UPT/RTU) with large flight schedules seems to me to offer the best chance to drop mil leave from an airline at will or pick up a flight in between trips. I don't have very many USAF connections but am not opposed to a deploying afres/guard unit if it's a good fit for my family (location).

I'm glad barely having over 1500 TT won't be an insurmountable problem. My wife will be finished with grad school and making decent money then but I don't want the family to take a huge standard of living hit. My math says a reserve job, first year pay, and wife's increased income post grad school would keep the family right where we are now if I can find a job.

 

Post 9/11 Gi Bill will fund the ATP-CTP course through Higher Power in Dallas. You can do that one year and do the 737 type/ ATP checkride through them either the same year for more money out of pocket or the following year with less money out of pocket. 5k for ATP-CTP and 16K for 73NG type last I checked. The Gi bill pays 12k/ year. Where are you stationed/ where do you want to live when you're out? The VRs might be a solution as well.

 

2017 schedule - WAI in March
OBAP in August

2018 -WAI in March
OBAP in August if not with your first choice of majors.

Get your ATP.

 

Amen! VRs can be pretty flexible and offer LOTS of flying.

 

Rgrball,

Consider UAVs as well; once you've got the airline gig as it doesn't help flight time. There is more to life than flying fighters, and I think you've come to see that now. Also, did you get your commercial single engine? You are an IP, you could take the mil equivalency then find a CFI/II job locally; flight schools are almost always hiring. It is probably the cheapest way to get more hours; also could do CAP. I hear you about the hours; I've been at 100hours/year; of the 12 years flying I broke 100 7 times (most of those are low 100s), 200 once. It sucks but it is what it is. You have plenty of time to get ahead.

 

Are most AD guys okay knowing they may have to go to the regionals first?

 

Most AD guys who haven't been flying know they have to do something to get flight currency, and are okay with that. The thing they don't like about the regionals is the pay.

I haven't heard of AD guys separating off of a flying tour having any problems getting picked up by a major recently, compared to 4 or so years ago when they had to go do the oconus ISR or regional for a year to get hired.

 

Still posting from your mom's basement, Scoobs?

 

I can't speak for "most AD guys" as I am only one. I am okay going to the regionals first if that is what is required to get to a legacy airline. I love many things about the military (great people,great flying, common purpose) but there are enough factors on the other side of the equation that make it seem like now is the time to get out. Mostly I'm ready to have control of my life back.