USMCFLYR

I wouldn't trade my active duty time for anything.

I seem to have had a more satisfying career than many on this board though.

I'll admit that when I joined - I didn't know much about the Air National Guard or the Reserves - though the USMC doesn't have such options.

C130driver

Not one bit, go guard/reserves. Get your 750, build hours fast at a good regional then apply to the majors.

tomgoodman

I second that opinion. The AF allowed me to go places and do stuff that would otherwise have been impossible, plus it got me to a Legacy airline by age 30, with a savings account and no debt. In addition, I was reasonably assured of a secure job in case the airlines didn't hire for years. It seems unlikely today, but that could happen again. Guard/Reserve would have been a good deal, but at that time ('70s), most of their slots went to pilots with a few years of service, and Regional airlines were barely getting started, so the choice of Active Duty was pretty clear.

ps2sunvalley

All roads lead through the T-6A which is where you will encounter and overcome the airsickness.

This said, it's a low number that washes out for that.


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Pakagecheck

Not sure what you consider very few but as a FAIP in the early 90's and the T-37 in summer, got 1-2 per class. Yearly average was just over 5%. Getting queasy and getting actively airsick are two completely different things, especially when you're under the microscope of the wonderful AETC. One thing for sure, the ones that worried about it, tended to be the ones that would get sick at least once. The spin and puke did cure a bunch though. Just my observation.

PurpleToolBox

Don't let the guy who doesn't fly for airlines, or the guy who is retired tell you any different.

Go guard. If you can't do that, go reserves. As soon as you can, get hired by a regional and build up time as fast as you can.

You'll be years ahead of your active duty counterparts who have 10 year commitments AFTER pilot training and the crazy little schoolhouse in Washington.

Pakagecheck

Not saying I wouldn't recommend it but it wouldn't be my first choice. I spent a very short period on active duty and went to the guard. The great thing about the guard is you can be as active as you want or as part time as you want (airframe tempo driven). Your airplanes look and operate like new (mostly) or at least significantly better than your active counter parts. Some of the planes have the same crew chief as when the plane showed up on the ramp. the great thing about the guard is you get to fly with the same dudes for 20 yrs. The crappy thing about the guard is you have to fly with some of the same dudes for 20 years.

Bottom line would be bird in hand. I would apply to all, even if you are awarded one, continue pursuing all, then make the decision after that. Nothing says if you go active you have to stay for 20 or leave after the first assignment. It is up to you but it's better than putting all your eggs in one basket. Best of luck

Flyguy4723

So most people can get through it? I wouldn't say that I get sick easily but I've gotten seasick on deep sea fishing and got a little queezy on some aerobatic flights. Nothing too serious tho.

ps2sunvalley

Yeah don't let that fear stop you, I just wasn't going to blow smoke up your ass and tell you nobody washes out due to airsickness.

Full disclosure, I have thrown up in my mask while flying a T-6 before.


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Flyguy4723

How about the Navy? Less RPAs but more helos....