i am workin on my instrument and am looking ahead and see no light.
I hear everyone talk about cycles - i dont believe that excuse this time with the oil crisis facing the world.
I have the opportunity to get a pilot slot in the Navy or USAF. But I also have opportunities to CFI with my University and fly skydivers this summer and next and just CFI until I get minimums. I love commercial aviation before military but at least the military wont run out of fuel...they dont really have that issue....
is the military a better way to go?

 

You can never go wrong as a military pilot. It's great experience, a steady pay check, and the best training. I think going military is the best way to enter the career.

 

Considering the fuel situation, are there drawdowns in the military regarding available pilot slots, available flying rosters and tours when budgets and costs become of prime concern?

Also, what should he know about things like UAV assignments and other less than ideal situations an aspiring military pilot could find himself in due to budget constraints, new technologies, etc?

I intend for these to be fair questions, so our friend can make an informed decision.

 

The military does not drawdown based on fuel prices. They can just spend the money, although you might see less flight time and more sim time as a budgetary measure.

Actually the USAF is gearing up to manufacture their own jet fuel.

UAV's are a risk, but if you get into heavies (tankers and transports) they will always be manned for the forseeable future.

The military budget is usually determined by percieved threats, not the economy or oil prices...and there are currently plenty of threats, between islamic terrorism and the proliferation of high-tech weapons and nuclear programs among non-friendly and rogue nations.

Technology will replace some high-risk human jobs, but the techy operators will probably outnumber the replaced soldiers...and their jobs will be safer and more comfortable.

I would assume that the military will not do large drawdowns during your career (next 20-30 years). However, the military is an up-or-out organization...you have to perform competively at every level to advance and stay in long enough to reach retirement.

 

Very good. Thanks. Hope kocham see that.

 

Flying skydivers and CFIing as an undergrad? I-L-L?

 

Vision Airlines dropped the f-bomb today....all the guys in their April class and 25% of the guys on the line.

Vision does mainly canyon tours out of North Las Vegas in the Dornier 228, 328 and 328-Jet but also flies limited scheduled service to Bullhead City, Phoenix (Williams Gateway) and Carlsbad. They also operate four 737s on government contract internationally.

 

This will be a cycle, eventually the retirements will kick in at full force and there are ALOT coming up. Combine that with people not wanting to get into this crazy industry anymore you have a recipe for a cycle. With that said the military option is a great one also and some would call you crazy not to take it if given the opportunity. I always wanted to do the military pilot gig but got lucky in the commercial arena first + family made the military not an option anymore. Both would be good choices but i think the military path would be the most fun and fulfilling. Good luck with whichever you choose.

 

Well, you get to serve your country, for one. You are not going to beat that in any civilian flying job.

 

I disagree. Military flying isn't the only way to serve your country in a flying job. Aerial Fire Fighting, civilian gov't flying jobs, charitable flying jobs etc.