Fighter Pilot vs. Heavy Pilot - Page 3 - Airline Pilot Central Forums

#21

Razor , 10-01-2006 01:30 PM

Gets Weekends Off

Quote:

Originally Posted by TankerBob

While I agree that military flying is not opnly demanding it, is a calling. Lets not sit here and say that most of us are have not thought about flying in the airlines someday after the Air Force flying is over with. I think that part of the problems that we pilots face is not thinking down the road in future and planning our lives out alittle better. With that said I would go around telling people that the only reason you joined the military was to get to airlines. But make wise choices about your career if thats what you want to do. ie. dont suck in training.
You may want to look at life styles of each a/c that you decide to. Each a/c has unique lifestyles with unique people. Pick the ones you get along with the most. Sometimes personalities dont mesh.

Please proofread before you post. This writing makes all of us look bad.

#22

TipTip35 , 10-01-2006 06:39 PM

Gets Weekends Off

I disagree with those who think there's something wrong with planning to go to the airlines after the military...even if you are thinking about it before you get started. I also dont think that you will completely hose yourself if anyone knows that in UPT. When I went through UPT I remember half the IPs had apps in to get on with the majors. Now that the airlines are starting to hire again and the post-9/11 scare is diminishing people are talking more about it again. That said I would not broadcast that I'm planning to go to the airlines as soon as I get enough PIC time either. Make all the contacts you can but keep that card close to your chest. Not so much because your upgrades might be slowed but more so because you may change your mind or another 9/11 type event may make it so that when you have enough time to get out no one is hiring and you end up doing a career anyway. If that happens then you would be glad that you took care of your career along the way and can excel in the military beyond the rank of major. Conversely, if things look good in the industry when you can get out then play your card if you still want to. You served your country (and can continue in the Guard/Reserve) and have nothing to be ashamed of...

#23

BoxFlyer , 10-01-2006 07:35 PM

Gets Weekends Off

Given the choice, go fly the fighters. You'll have more fun as you're strapping on that g-suit! Having flown the small, fast movers and three years in the training command, that type of flying is much more satisfying than climbing up to 33,000 for the 4 hr flight in the middle of the night into LAX.

No matter what you fly, it's a great job either way. Heck, I wouldn't want a real job in the real world. As long as you get 2,000+ hours in the military, then ATP or some type rating, you should be very competetive with any airline. Make connections too, networking is everything.

#24

Hacker15e , 10-02-2006 01:58 AM

China Visa Applicant

Quote:

Originally Posted by TipTip35

I disagree with those who think there's something wrong with planning to go to the airlines after the military..

"After the military" being the key word. This is a guy who hasn't even been to UPT yet, and he's got this idea that the AF is just a stepping stone to bigger and better things. That is the place where people get into trouble.

In the pointy-nosed world, if you vocalize an attitude like that, you will get crushed. I don't make it a secret that after I'm done with the AF, I want to go to the airlines...but in the mean time, I'm 100% committed to being the best combat aviator that I can be right now.

#25

crewdawg52 , 10-02-2006 05:09 AM

Gets Weekends Off

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hacker15e

Well stated Hacker. I do believe they will make it more difficult at UPT (or whatever it is now) if you make your intentions known that your ultimate goal is the airlines. Had the wing commander at Reese AFB ask us that question. About 7 guys raised thier hand. Four were gone, washed out, within one month of hitting the T-37 flightline.

#26

ejoachim , 10-02-2006 07:59 AM

New Hire

Thanks for the insight

I just wanted to thank everyone for the insight. I think that many people made a good point about not thinking about the airlines while at UPT & in the Air Force. This is a point that I completely agree with and after I write this post it will be the last time I think about the airlines for quite a while. I look forward to working hard at Pilot Training and being able to serve my country. However, I also believe that a little planning for the future cannot hurt. Having my choices narrowed down on what I can fly is kind of scary thing. Having all these pilots write that it does not really matter what I fly gives me a lot more reassurance. I have been able to talk to a couple of other pilots and they basically have told me the same thing that all of you have told me. Again thanks.

#27

ejoachim , 10-02-2006 08:01 AM

New Hire

Thanks for the insight

Also, about Hacker15e's post, I agree that the USAF is not a stepping stone, sorry if I came off that way by making this post. I will be extremely proud to be an officer in the Air Force. I understand that it is going to be difficult and overwhelming but hopefully I can make it.

#28

Razor , 10-02-2006 09:09 AM

Gets Weekends Off

Good luck to ya'. I wish you all the best in your career.

#29

RedeyeAV8r , 10-02-2006 07:59 PM

Gets Weekends Off

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveP2

Hey Red!

Maybe that's why they're defunct!
,

Seriously, it's hard to brag about your CRM (Crew Resource Management) skills if all of your time is in a single seat aircraft.
Like the saying goes, "Every crew has an ********* on it; if you haven't spotted them by the third day of a trip, it just might be YOU!"

Dave "Crew Dog" P2

Just for the record

They went defunct because They had a 747 Blown up over Lockerbe Scotland by Lybian terrorists.

As to the CRM.......when you are a Divison leader or Mission commander of a group of Big Ego Type A fighter pilots......now that takes Some CRM skills.

#30

shackone , 10-03-2006 06:06 AM

Gets Weekends Off

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deuce130

He always jokes he's going to move next door to me and bid all the good lines.

True enough!

You might mention to him that when the time comes for both of you to be potting away on the porch in your rockers, you won't be the one wondering 'what if'.