Good evening,
I'm new to the forum and am extremely thankful for all of the information I have found therein.
I am 31, a Captain in the USMC, and a Cobra pilot with 1200 hours. I have a year left on my contract and will have 1500 hours by the time I am eligible to separate (200 Fw).
I am interested in the prospect of attempting a transition to the civilian sector and flying for the Airlines. What advice can you gentlemen provide? What does this path look like and what advice do you recommend along the way?
From what I have read, assuming one can land a job with one of the major airlines, it appears that leaving the military prior to retirement to pursue an Airlines career is financially lucrative as well a good move from a QOL perspective. Can anyone here echo these observations?
If that is the case, what are the chances of actually getting picked up by a major airline in the first place? I'm concerned that leaving the Corps and going to a regional Airlines for a pay cut may be a bad move for my family. What is the no kidding pay at a regional airline and How long should I anticipate being there... What are hour goals, etc is a guy shooting for while there and what does one get per year? What are the best regional airlines to accomplish the goal of getting in and moving up- especially considering I'm a RW guy.
I have the opportunity to extend my service for a total of 3-4 more years IOT fly King Airs. Is this a wise decision? The rational being I would acquire multi engine time as well as leave the service with my ATP. Conversely, I could potentially get out in one year with the previously alluded 1500brs and attempt to get a RW to FW regional transition like what Envoy and a few others are offering. What do you gentlemen recommend? Will a regional airline even hire me?
I have read that some major Airlines do not count RW time at all. What does this ultimately mean i.e. I spend longer in the regionals before I have the requisite hours to apply to a major airline?
Thanks for taking the time to read this. I'm clearly in the beginning stages of exploring my options and would appreciate any help I can get. Thanks.