Hi everyone. First post, but I wanted to get a little feedback. I won't even bother with flightinfo, and APC seems a little more positive than the other site.

So, I'm 18, and am leaving for Navy bootcamp on Monday. I have a four-year enlistment, and want to go to the airlines when I get out. I'm a person who likes to have a good plan, but I want to get some feedback from people who can relate to what I am planning on doing.

Like I said, Navy for 4 years, and during that time I plan and taking online classes, and using the Navy college program to earn an AA degree, 100% paid BTW, and also fly off the side whenever I'm not working and out at sea (which may be pretty rare), I have about 65 hours already, and I'm darn close to getting my PPL. My plan is to have an AA and at least a CPL SEL-I when I get out with about 300TT, and go to Ari or Skymates (expects GI bill funding) and go through their CFI course, then CFI until I have upwords of 1200-1300TT with some solid ME and instrument under my belt, then apply to the regionals. Being from Michigan, it would be awesome to go back and fly for Pinnacle. From what I hear that place sucks right now, but hey anything's better than working 16 hour days and living on a ship for 4 years right?

Thats my plan guys/gals, and if anyone did the military enlisted route, and then to the airlines, I'd certainly appreciate and advice or basically what you did. Or if anyone has any advice. If my "plan" seems unrealistic, let me know.

Thanks!
Cory K.

You should work on getting as much college done as you can, towards a 4-year degree. With all the breaks and restarts in flight training you'd have to go through, due to deployments/exercises/PCS/being stationed overseas, as well as an often irregular work schedule, it'd just be inefficient, and ultimately wasteful of money and time. It may be possible to get a rating during each of your annual 30-day leave periods, but that's quite a gamble.

Get as much college as you can, and wait until ETS to start flight training.

Welcome Cory. First off, at least you have a plan, which in itself goes a long way. Secondly, I would really try to get a 4 year degree instead of a 2 year associates. Thirdly, have you considered letting the U.S Navy pay for your training and giving them years of service back in return? I myself did not go the military route, but just trying to give you some options.

Good luck on your journey.

Right, I completely understand the importance of the 4-year degree. But the way I see it, I'll be in for 4 years, working and more than full-time job, it'll be highly unlikely to get that done within my 4 years, so I'd like to have at least an AA done, and have as much done towards a 4-year when my enlistment is up, was what I was trying to say.

Uncle Boss, I hear on that. I'm hoping I'll be able to get something done. If not, I'm not going to stress, Ari Ben as well as Skymates accept GI funding, so I can use that towards a Professional Pilot Course, something I'd rather not do, because I'd like to use that towards finishing off my BA during flight training/CFI-ing.

I guess we'll see when we get there. :-)

Thanks guys!

Cory

Coryk,

Have you given any thought to getting that 4 yr degree, applying to OCS/OTS, joining a reserve/air guard unit (as a full-timer), and letting the Navy/Marines/Air Force pay for your flight training? That way you won't be saddled with the expense (upwards of $50k). Gain time flying with your unit, then apply to the airlines. Yes, you will have to give them some years, but it is'nt that bad ( you've given them 4 yrs already). Plus, you will always have a job to fall back on if you happen to get furloughed (have to keep that thought in the back of your mind. hope it never happens).

Just a thought. Good luck

Coryk,

Best of luck to you !! I think the military is a great place to start. As others have mentioned I would use all the benefits the Navy has to offer and consider a long term investment for a larger benefit.

Good Luck,

SKyHigh

I have thought about that, a lot actually. Although I never joined the military to fly, it was never my intention. My sole intention was to serve my country. Also once I discharge I'll have upwords of 40K through GI funding to fnd any unfinished flight training and/or my education. While it's not going to be paid for in full as if I were a military pilot, I won't be having to go out and get myself a 50K loan and have the worries of paying that off on regional FO pay. I'll still continue to be apart of the Navy after my 4 yrs are up, just with a reserve unit though. I'll cross rate to Master-at-Arms, if the $hit hits the fan, back to AD, or find a law enforcment position. Hopefully then I'd have mmy BA degree with military experience.

What is your MOS going to be? Maybe you can train in one that is more of a land based position. Something in support of P-3's would fit that bill. If you can avoid the boat your plan would be accomplished a little easier.

The military path is a good way to go. I was fortunate. I had a lot of money saved up. Made some good investments. I got some real good scholarships. And I jumped on the opportunity to go the civilian route. It is a little faster and certainly easier (and flexible). But if you don't have the money for college and flight training, the military route is a good way to go.

I personally feel an AA degree doesn't mean anything (in flying). There is practically no difference between a high school degree and an AA degree to the airlines (except that you are more educated). Since you know the importantce of college, you should get a 4 year degree.

The best way is to become an officer. You are 18, there is NO reason to enlist. Go to college. Get into ROTC. Let the military pay for a 4 year degree. When you are 22, you should try and get a pilot slot. I don't know the exact commitment (5-10 years depending on ROTC, AF Academy...), but continue to fly for the military for that commitment. When that commitment is up, go get an airline job. If the industry sucks, stay in the military. Pilot retention bonuses around year 9 get upwards of $25,000, and you could probably reach $100,000 around those years. Once you find a pilot job you enjoy, get out, but stay in the reserves. You will always have a backup if you get furloughed, and you will have an extra source of income.

Let me recommend with all my might that you become an officer, and not enlisted. You will get a 4 year degree. You will be paid more. The military can pay for your flight training. The difference between being enlisted, and being an officer (with respect to quality of life) is downright HUGE!!

I also recommend becoming an officer. The difference is night and day between enlisted folk and officer folk. I joined the Air Force for 4 years immediately after high school and have never regretted it. I then went to college and got all my ratings. I got out of college debt free thanks to Uncle Sam, but I also spent every dime I had in the process. Since you've already enlisted you're somewhat stuck. There are programs like boot strap and a.e.p.s. that have you go to college while serving and then you become an officer once you get your degree. These programs may have changed. I joined 20 years ago. Look into those. You can also look into palace chase which lets you transfer from active duty to the guard or reserve. Many states pay close to 100% tuition for their members. Getting into college ROTC isn't always easy, especially if your grades in high school weren't great. In the mean time, if you haven't been assigned a job yet, try to get a job in the Navy related to flying. I was an air traffic controller. That is a great job and it helps out immensely when you start pilot training. Try to find a land based job. You will have more time to take college classes. No matter what do the best you can at whatever you do. It is a long road. Don't give up!! Good luck.