That's an 11-12 year commitment after officer training and UPT. :eek: Long time if you get screwed into a UAV and won't do much if you have follow-on airline dreams.

But who has the money to do that...Including interest, I have about 250K in student loans right now! Thankfully I'm getting my Masters degree for free to kind of off set that. And honestly if I had the money I WOULD get a Law degree (HOWEVER only as a backup...My number ONE and ONLY dream is Flying!) but again...in this economy who has the money?:(

I think it'll look more like 2000TT, 1000PIC, 100-500 multi, Turbine Time, 121/135 experience.
Keep in mind there are 1000+ pilots with those mins on the street now and 135 guys adding onto their time waiting for the next few hiring waves (myself included)

Back in the mid 80's it took 3000TT and at least 500ME to even get a call from a regional and that was to fly a 19 seat TP....... I would expect the requirements to be around this or just slightly less. I know everyone want an instant job with the majors but try and enjoy flying not just the dream.

wise words,the key thing is to love even the dues paying part, i was hired into the DC3 with 520tt,11 multi,8 tailwheel,and stayed in that ship the next ten years because I loved that round engined,tailwheel style of aviating.It is all good, sunrises viewed from a C152,a 727,and the Excel,are all beautiful. hang in there,do not give up on your dream,that is a guaranteed way to become bitter. becoming a lawyer wont solve your problem.stay the course,and if possible fly 135 freight,you will learn lessons there that will be invaluable,and will hold you in good stead further down the pike. Read Gann,St.Ex, and keep the faith !

Hang on a minute...you're only talking active duty. Finding a Guard or Reserve slot is the best option and will not put you into a UAV nor will it be an 11 to 12 year commitment.

To the original poster: I'm a product of the mid 90's where the job market was similar. Then, PFT reared its ugly head. Seemed like I could not get a break. You missed the hiring spree of the last few years, but trust me, you will be a better, more complete pilot than those 250 hr wonders hired the last few years. I have more respect for you than those "pilot factory" instant pilots that walked into a job.

Since you actually have to work hard for a job, you'll respect the position more. You won't settle for crappy pay and work rules because you understand the value of the job, unfortunately you'll be mixed in with those wonder kids who had jobs handed to them. There were a hand full of 250 hour newbies that could handle a "shiny jet", but not many. You, on the other hand, will be well prepared from flight instructing and hopefully 135 experience. It may seem boring and repetitive now, but you are learning a lot, take full advantage.

If you have your degree, apply to as many guard and Reserve units as possible. If not, and finances permit, GET IT!!! Find a way, even if you don't have the money! My degree is from a state school and not in aviation, I'd recommend a similar path for you.

Hang in there, this is an industry with vicious cycles. The good times are very good, the bad times are VERY bad, and the time between these cycles is very short. In fact, there is usually no in between, history shows a lot of companies hire right up until they need to furlough.

Good luck! You'll make it, just have the patience and perseverance to ride out the bad times.

P.S. I just noticed your screen name. I take it that you're a WMU grad? if so disregard the "go get the degree advice" since it seems you have it. However I'll leave it in my post for others in your shoes who have yet to finish college.

I realize there are furloughed pilots out there with thousands of hours when hiring resumes...BUT when things do turn around, won't airlines prefer CFI's with adequate flight time from 141 schools & jet transition programs? Everyone knows that the furloughed pilot will always be jumping around to the next best thing. I would THINK the CFI is more likely to stick with the company for a longer time. I'm not saying this is the way it will be, just a thought of what might affect hiring.

I am sorry but you are 100% wrong. Those with prior experience will be hired first. But as always some people will get hired because of who they know. It's tough to jump ship for another airline even when the going is good. Seniority is everything, and if you ever want to make Captain people are going to have to suck it up as an F/O for a couple years. Jumping ship just resets the clock. CFI is great experience and it keeps you in the aviation loop, but those with prior airline time will be the first in class.

Don't go in the Air Force. One half of the pilot graduates this coming year are going to fly UAV's. I would be so PO'ed!!!!!:eek:

Typical Navy puke:D...Go Navy and chances are very good you'll be in a Helo. Guard of Reserve all the way!!! You will know exactly what aircraft you'll be flying(and it won't be a UAV).