Hi all. Long time lurker, first time poster. In any case, I'm active Navy with some tough decisions approaching quickly. I've got another year and half on my current set of shore flying orders until I have to play poker with the detailer and see what plans fate has for me.
I'm in the 8 year JO winging generation that has recently started to hit the year group cycles. In the past, everyone was 7 years and the math was simple: Do the sea and shore tour...your time was basically up. At that point you made the choice to go disassociated and stay in...or thank the Navy for their time and be on your way. Now with the 8 year guys like me...we will be on the hook for another 1.5 years and have no choice but to do some kind of tour...and most likely one that doesn't involve flying.
Although I can dream for flying orders again (C-12's Bahrain sounds lovely) or get picked up for FTS (assuming there is a quota for it), everything would be fine. But realistically, I'm looking at the boat or an IA/GSA.
I'd like the IA/GSA route...but ironically those are harder to come by now with the downsizing over in the desert. In fact, I know several individuals that were slated and ended up getting canceled...and are now in holding purgatory.
To get to my point, I've really enjoyed my time in the Navy. But I'm leaning towards getting out and hitting the airlines. Of course this will involve a lot of whatif's...but I'm assuming that I will be out of the cockpit a minimum of one year and change when I'm eligible to apply. Assuming monthly averages until I PCS, I should have roughly 2000 hours multi TT and 1200 Multi PIC. ATP is already complete and will have CFI/CFII done this year, as well as having types in the 707, 737, C-26, BE-300/MU-400. I'll work on the 1st class med later.
Anyone else looking at the same kind of situation? It seems like most here seem to be collecting that nice retirement check to keep paying the mortgage
Obviously if I make the jump...I wouldn't have that luxury. Of course I've weighed all the pros and cons...and it could be a gamble either way. Staying in the safe route as I would be half way there...although career progression is anyone's guess. Yet I'd hate to miss out on the next hiring wave, if and when that indeed ever comes to pass. It could make all the difference.
I think the hardest part is the unknown variables of how I could maintain currency and hopefully not have to feed a small family with ramen while doing so. I'm learning more about the FTS/SELRES/ANG side, but I definitely don't consider myself an expert on the subject. Maybe I need to get smart real quick Anyone have any experience or stories with guys looking at Regionals vs Bumming?
For what it's worth, my old man does fly for FedEX and will do so for another +/- 4 years. Obviously that helps with the networking aspect for one company...but the good ol boy network is a thing of the past for better or worse. However, if I wanted the best opportunity to fly for one of the industry leaders...earlier would be better than later to try and shoot for the stars.
Anyway, I'm starting to ramble. Just looking for whatever input may be out there. I'm going to blink and it'll be decision time before I know it.