Hello everyone, first post here. I've been browsing this site for a couple of days now and have found some great information. I have a tough decision to make. I know two pilots in the industry right now. Both of them are very successful. One of them went through the ATP flight school program and enjoyed it very much. The one thing that bothers me the most is the costs. I can't afford ATP and a bachelors degree. That'll almost cost me 100k after it's all said and done. He says its great if you want to fly ASAP, but if your looking to fly commercial I'm going to need a bachelors degree also. I'm only 20 years old and almost have an Associates degree. I have no licenses.

The second pilot I spoke to told me if I want to save a lot of money I could try the Air National Guard or Reserves. They could pay for my schooling and my flight training. I don't know what route to take. Would it be worth spending all this money at ATP to get all my licenses and hours quickly? Or spend some time in the military?

Sorry if this posts is all over the place, I'm just really eager to start flying and hopefully one day be a professional pilot.

Hello TKOwnedU5,

As some one who went through the ATP flight school program I can tell you it is not a bad program to go through. You do definitely have to be on the top of your game since so much is begin squeezed in such a short time.But like anything worth while you have to be fully dedicated to it. I feel it has prepared me well for an airline career. Since day one of training you are in a fast moving high pressure environment and this equates well to the what you will experience in an airline. Not saying ATP does not have its negatives but the positives out way the negatives. As for the National Guard pilot training I could not tell you about that. Hope some of this information helps you. Regards

If you don't get a 4-year degree, your chances of getting a major airline job are almost zero.

If you are phyically qualified to be a military pilot, I would talk to your friend about getting your degree and flying training through the military.

Does anyone know if it would be difficult to get 1500+ hours through the Air National Guard?

It depends greatly on the equipment you are assigned to.

The unstated part of that quetion is: "In how many years?"

Fighter guy, 20 years? Yes. 10? Doubtful, in this day and age....more like 1200-1500. (Some would, some wouldn't).

Airlift guy? Yes, in 10. Really, in about 4-5 years.

Helo? Maybe in 20, but not very marketable.

Depends on events, too. Guys in my old C-5 unit got 1,500 hours in two years, were then A/Cs, IPs with 3,000 hours in three years--post-9/11. Strat airlifters build time quickly.

GF

Get the 4 year, go ANG or AF Reserve.

Great salary, great part time job, great networking, serve your Country, no debt = Guard or Reserve. No salary, no job, overwhelming debt witch leads to 20K/yr job where you struggle to pay bills for years = ATP.

Ok guys, it sounds great. But no one had stated the cons of part time military service. Without stating the cons we lack validity and credibility. Are you near a fighter or airlift unit? If you get a flying job, will home job and unit be conveniently located or a giant triangle?