Canadian Air Force flight training??

[Tai-di]

I am at crossroads trying to decide if going to the Canadian Air Force is a good option considering the state of aviation today.

Here is my citation. After finishing my bachelor’s degree in Economics and working for a couple of years I have decided to commit to flying full time. I live in Canada and the Air Force right now is in full swing hiring university grads. Commitment is 7 years plus ~3 year training. Posting are at bases only in Canada and family life is actually quite decent even salaries have become relatively competitive ~$50000 within ~5 yrs. Don't fly much though. Aurora's - ~400hrs/yr ; cf18's less then half that.

My current alternative in terms of flying schools is ATPS (I have dual citizenship US + CAN) and after $50,000 in debt and about 1.5 years after starting with them at 0 time, I will hope to have ~1300TT with 800 multi time and maybe a chance to fly for the regionals.

Question: if I go to the military, (and choose to leave after 10 years from now) VS staying the civilian route after 10 years (maybe 8 with a regional making peanuts money but at least flying).

Do you think I will have the chance to fly for the Majors the civilian route before I get out of the military?

If the answer is yes (meaning I will get hired with the majors in less then 10 years from now) is it worth the hassle, debt, stress etc. instead of just going to the military where even thou 10 years have gone by I will know that I will have as good chance as any if not better to get in with majors after service. (If aviation situation sucks then I can choose to stay in Military and at least have a flying job)

By the way 3rd option is to stay and pursue a Masters degree (which here in Canada won't cost me much) and just settle on the idea that flying as a career right now is just not a smart choice no matter how much I love doing it.

Responce from anyone is highly appreciated; Input from Canadian or US (past or current) military personnel would also be great.

 

[trip]

Canada has an Air Force? Seriously I thought they parked most of it.

 

[psysicx]

The Canadian Air force has F-18,C-130's and numerous helos.They have an exchange program with the US.Sounds like a good deal.

 

[trip]

Taken off the CAF website home page,

"The Canadian Forces is short of pilots and we’re hiring now."


Sounds like a good deal, I would go for it if you want to fly.

Sorry to read about the Snowbirds.



http://www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/pilot/index_e.asp

 

[Tai-di]

Hay Trip,

do you think that going thru civilian training would land me a job in the airlines before the 10 year are up in the military.

Basically do you think the civilian pilot starting now would get a job sooner in the airlines within the next 10 year span, at the current state of our aviation, as opposed to a military pilot who can retire in 10 years and most probably land a job then for sure?

TA

 

[FastCargo]

Couple of misconceptions here...

I can't speak to civilian flying but...

A) You can't 'retire' from the military in 10 years...you can separate...but not the same thing (retirement means a pension, a medical plan, and shopping benefits...seperation gives you none of those things)

B) Getting hired by an major airline is very much NOT guaranteed after military service. I know plenty (and I mean plenty) of military guys who didn't get hired for one reason or another...

C) Finally, don't look at military service as a way to get to the airlines. If you look at it that way, it may not be for you.

Hmmm...the RCAF is hiring eh? Wonder if they would take my old self...my wifes Canadian....

Fly Safe and good luck,
FastCargo

 

[RJP]

The Canucks fly a few hornets on the east coast (French speakers), west coast and at cold lake (aptly named). They've got a REALLY small force with some outstanding guys.

Seems that they've been advertising this deal for about four years now. Still not enough takers. That, in itself, may be an indication that it's not the great deal it's made out to be. Can't say for sure.

10 years is a long time and you've mentioned it repeatedly. If it's a concern, don't go. You don't want to be flying an "Aurora" over the Northwest Territories one night in a blizzard, wishing you didn't have five more years to go.

 

[Tai-di]

well I keep on repeating the 10 years not because they bother me but because no one has attempted to answer the question I had asked. I do understand what serving the military is - I have already been there. Plus I think 10 years of service is plenty of time and at that point change will be good. Besides those who should stay after a period of time like that are graduates of the military academy as only they will see ranks of Lieutenant-Colonel and above.



I know about "retirement" and "separation". I do believe eligibility for retirement begins at year 20 of service, but benefits at that point are negligible.



Regarding the hiring of pilots the program has been in full swing for the past barely 1 and half years.

Hay FASTCARGO can you tell me some reasons why pilots you know were not hired by the airlines?