Transitioning?
 

Any advice for a guy looking to Palace Chase to the Reserves after 4 yrs AD? Lots of posts for guys @ the ~10 yr point, not so much for guys as jr as me. Already have the Reserve job lined up, and about 1400tt military, 250 PIC.

I'm pretty sure you'll be looking at a regional job, even with 1400TT military. The majors are hiring with mostly 2500+TT and 1000+PIC/SIC in turbine types. I Palace Chase'd to the ANG about 4 months ago, but will be "bumming" for the time being. I can make more $$$ whoring myself out as a, O-3 guard bum than I could flying at a regional and the guard at the same time, but my unit has a lot of opportunities for bums, so it all depends. I'm just under mins for a major I've got my eye on, so I'd rather be building time in a heavy than an RJ.

How's the available work been in the Guard/Reserves?

I'm at 20, so my knowledge of even the 10 year jump is obviously dated, but at THAT time, I was told by the flying units I talked to that they really didn't want guys as senior as me (I had selected for O-4) - I'm sure they would have jumped at someone with the possible years of service ahead that you have. Of course that was before all the furloughed guys begged and pleaded their way back into any flying position that could be had. Now that they are all being offered their airline spots again, your timing should be great (IMHO).

Anyone find a good side job to supplement a part-time Reserve gig...other than flying?

Simple solution;

Married with kids...stay on active duty unless the wife wants you to get out.

Single; This is a good time to be separating. Due to upcoming passenger demand and a growing cargo industry you will be at the "front of a hiring wave" Get-out, run away...and don't look back! Or you will be a staffer for the last 8-10 years of your military career.

Yep, same stuff...different unit. Only thing is in my squadron, none of the airline guys are going back to their respective airlines. Between mil leave and leave(s) of absence, we've got half a dozen guys sticking around. Good deal for them, but now we don't have any f/t jobs to give our young pups (guys like EFD01).

EFD01: I knew a guy in your shoes that had a corporate job lined up if he went out and got the type. He did just that (at his own expense) so he could start logging mucho Turbine PIC. I dunno, are any of the regionals offering quicker and less expensive left seats?

I've had a few beers so I didn't bother to read any other posts, so if I'm repeating anything forgive me. Dude, relax you will be fine just troughing, do not I repeat do not take a regional job. I'm flying for a major and the first year at 30k was horrible, second year is much better. If you go to a regional you will never want to leave military flying ever again. Build your time within your squadron and then apply to a major. Just my 2 cents.

I know it depends on the unit, but I'm expecting to be able to fly twice a week--as a soon to be O-4 what is a wag on what I'll be making per year?

Thanks for all the posts, the inside info really helps those of us who are on the inside looking out.