I’ve been passed for promotion (1P) and I’m considering my options. I’ve applied with an ANG unit that appears to be highly competitive due to its mission, I’m optimistic but need to have a plan if not selected. Im a helo pilot in the USMC with about 1500 hours and I’m considering two options:

1: Get separation pay, go regionals with the RW transition program.

2: Take continuation (3 years additional commitment then seps pay) with the hopes of getting a C-12 (station) or FW flight school spot, get plenty of FW hours then go regionals for the 121 time.

Do you think it would be best to just go straight to 121 or stay in the USMC for additional 3 years? (Assuming I can get a FW gig). End goal is the majors.

I’ve been lurking on this forum for years now and I appreciate everyone’s willingness to help each other out.

My take would be if your end goal is to fly "In the Bigs" then get moving in that direction if you are financially prepared to do so since it would seem that your military career is coming to a close. The only real debate would be if you can get to 20 to collect retirement; and many would argue it even then.

Assuming the 3 year difference is going to equate to a 3 year hire difference at your ultimate destination we a talking hundreds of thousands of dollars not to mention the seniority differential across your years. May not seem like much now but 300 or 600 or 1200 or 2400 (depending on the airline) seniority numbers at age 60 (when you need it) will make an enormous difference in what schedule and vacation you can hold.

As I understand it, many regionals are offering Rotor Transition Programs to get you to your ATP minimums, pay for your ATP, and then put you in class. A friend of mine went through one of them interviewed at the beginning of the summer and he was in class in December. All that to say I'm not sure your option 2 of 3 years makes a whole lot of sense when you can accomplish the same in 6 months assuming you are financially prepared to make the leap.

Worth exactly what you paid for it... best wishes and Semper Fi!!!

I always thought the USMC rotor pilots were dual rated FW and RW? The ones I knew went to undergraduate pilot school in fixed wing then on to rotorwing. If thats the case, the regional RW transition program should be straight forward! Personally, I think the military in general is going to have to do a lot more to sweeten the pot to keep career folks.

True; around a 100 hours of FW time to get through primary... at least that's what I bagged more than a few moons ago.

Is it enough to take the mil comp exam for a comm instrument airplane?

End goal suggests moving now! You can still do the ANG while pursuing the 121 path. (Read about USERRA on internet)
Its a jolt, but will pay dividends down range when you get on earlier and enjoy seniority that will last long down range.
Good fortunes!
SD

Thank you for the responses. Marines do get about 100 FW hours and I received my airplane single engine commercial and instrument rating.

It sounds like the quickest way to a major is to get to the regionals vice staying for 3 more years in a FW billet.

I wonder if you could get on with one of those 135 pilatus or caravan outfits to build fw time? Maybe even a Fedex feeder? I think you need 250 hours fw and 25 multi for a RATP 121 job. You obviously have the total time.

If you're financially able to (certainly a factor), I'd leave and do one the regional RTP programs. We've got a lot of guys in similar spots here in Pensacola and only a few who've got side hustles are really wanting to take the continuation. Even if you do a tour in C-12s or T-6s, you're likely still going to have to do some time at a regional. Today, the guys getting hired straight out of VT IP tours are C130/Jet/P-3/P-8 types. Helo guys seem to need some more time to be competitive.

I just went through the USMC RW to FW ANG transition along with a regional job. Go now, don’t wait.

Should you get hired by the ANG unit, I would only wait to separate until you have you Guard upchit approved. It can be a lengthy and aggrivating process. You should have plenty of time though since your mandatory separation date will be 6 months after next years results. Should you not accept continuation that is...