Quote:
Originally Posted by KTM1524
So from what I’ve read, the overall consensus on this thread is:
1. Military is the best possible route for the reasons of not going 100k in debt, getting top notch flight training and experience, and having the greatest chance to get hired on by a major in less time than the civilian route would take (may be wrong about that last point so correct me if I am)
2. Flying for a heavy unit would be much more beneficial for me. It would take longer to actually start flying fighters and I would get more hours flying heavies than fighters anyways. Therefore would make it longer for me to be able to eventually fly for an airliner/cargo.
3. Flying heavies gives me more multi engine time, which from what I understand, is more important than center thrust aircraft regardless of the mission complexity of fighters etc etc
I want to serve guys so don’t think I’m just saying this just for the money, but like I said, I’m 24 and I need to start making money to support a wife and eventually a family. Having said that, does anyone know how much a heavy unit pilot flying full-time for ANG makes? I’ve researched online and had all different conflicting reports on it but nothing for sure.
1) Civilian track is the quickest way to the majors, in my opinion. Of course, you'd have to pay big dollars for training. If your goal it strictly getting on with majors in min time, I'd skip the military all together. Using the military to gain flying experience is great but Uncle Sam will get his money's worth out of you, active duty or guard/reserves. I don't bleed red, blue, and white but your desire to "serve" has to be greater than flying cool jets. Military life in general takes a toll on families. Remember, we are always at war somewhere.
2) You'd accrue flight time significantly quicker flying heavies vs. fighters.
3) There was a time this statement was true but not in this day and age. V1 cuts and single engine work is a no brainer. Airline flying is simple point A to point B flying. I don't mean to turn this into a fighter vs. heavy argument but leading a 4 ship mission in real combat is far more challenging than flying a Boeing or an Airbus from Dallas to JFK. When it comes to military flight time, I don't think the airlines care as long as you meet the minimums and have the desired turbine PIC hours in a fixed wing.
I hope your wife has a job that can put food on the table.
The desire to serve is what you need in order to get through the tough times in the military, both as active duty and weekend warriors alike.
All I ever wanted was to be an airline pilot as a kid. In pilot training, I thought I wanted heavies so that I can get on with the airlines quicker. That is, until I flew with a reserve T-6 IP (former fighter pilot) who was also an airline pilot and the rest is history. Good thing I enjoyed pulling Gs and formation flying.
I wouldn't change a thing if I had to do it all over again but if I were in your shoes, I'd choose a heavy unit. I'm no expert when it comes to the guard/reserves but I do know that you are on active orders once you start training (OTS, UPT, RTU/FTU, etc.) and until you are fully mission ready/seasoned pilot, which I'm going to guess is going to be about 3-4 years. As far as how much a 2LT makes these days, you'd have to look up the pay scales online which is readily available. When you get to UPT, I highly recommend living on base. You'll get a house instead of single officer's quarters since you are married, at least that was the case when I was there many moons ago. Hope this helps.