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Tough decision; regional guy just got Air Force offer

Old 06-20-2008, 02:49 PM
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Default Tough decision; regional guy just got Air Force offer

I got a bit of a decision to make here. I was hired at Mesaba airlines a year ago. Before I had applied at Mesaba, I had been applying for a pilot slot with the AirForce. I got turned down and decided to pursue the airlines. I just got a call today stating that I was just selected for a pilot slot with the Air Force. A while back my recruiter called and asked if I wanted to resubmit my application. I figured why not although I didn’t really think I would get selected.

So now comes the big decision. Because of the recent growth at Mesaba, I’ve accumulated quite a bit of seniority with the airlines. I’m just under half way up the list. I’ve recently put my bid in to upgrade and when I do, I’ll actually be able to bid a 17 day off schedule out of Memphis assuming the schedules stay the same. I’ve been able to nonrev someplace every month since I’ve been there including 8 days in Alaska and going to Hawaii twice so far (got to love being single and in you’re 20’s with travel benefits!). I really enjoy the flying and I like the schedule.

On the other hand, I can fly for the airlines the rest of my life, but I can only join the Air Force when I’m young. Of course, there’s always the possibility of having difficulty in UPT, washing out and having to start at the bottom with the airlines. On the other hand, the Airlines are pretty volatile as well.

So, what would you do in my situation. I’d especially like to hear from the guys who have done both military and airlines.
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Old 06-20-2008, 02:58 PM
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Military leave. Do both.
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Old 06-20-2008, 03:01 PM
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I'd probably take the Air Force offer.

1. Stability of job.
2. Pension (if you stay that long).
3. Good connections when you get out.
4. Ability to do the Guard/Reserve thing if you want to down the road.
5. You could have 40 years of doing the same airline thing over and over. Might be nice to mix it up a bit with the Air Force.

Of course, it's really up to you what you really want to do.
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Old 06-20-2008, 03:01 PM
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I'd do the Air Force... I wish I could, would never pass their medical though. See if you can take Mil leave...if not I would still go...you'll get better experience in the Air Force.
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Old 06-20-2008, 03:02 PM
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How much adventure do you want in your life ? Their will be lots of it along with long family separations and occasionally being shot at. It is not a "comfortable" existence. If you want "comfort and security," stay with Mesaba. If you want to "fly upside down at 500 ft at 600 kts with your hair on fire," go AF. I did and loved every minute of it.
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Old 06-20-2008, 03:22 PM
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Seems to me either way and you're sittin pretty....
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Old 06-20-2008, 03:23 PM
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...Do it...
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Old 06-20-2008, 03:31 PM
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I'd go thru upgrade training and then apply for a military leave... by the time you get back you'll be super senior... you can work a few months and surely get picked up by a major if they ever begin hiring again.
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Old 06-20-2008, 03:33 PM
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Well hell Mesaba...thats sound like a pretty safe place to be long term...use your head..
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Old 06-20-2008, 03:37 PM
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Stay and upgrade. This isn't about getting a job at a major, would you like to make the military a career?
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