Civilian or 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.

 

[seethru]

The short answer from me would be – Option 3.

There is no telling where the airlines are going to be down the road a ways. I had given them a real hard look several years ago. Then, after 9/11, it was clear to me how quickly a downturn in the economy will cause huge layoffs.

By staying in school and getting a masters degree, and cheap as you say, I wouldn’t be surprised if your college will end up costing you a lot less than all of the flight training.

As for the military, I think there are some real tangible opportunities for you. However, please be sure you’re getting into the service for the right reasons. As a former Navy man, I was able to take advantage of the GI Bill and other benefits that came along with being in the military. That did not diminish the fact that the primary reason I joined was to serve my country and I am very proud of that time.

Clear skies.

Greg

 

[pilotyip]

Option three

Anyone who has a real desire to fly would never pass up an opportunity to be trained in the military, it is the gold seal of career advancement. But since you are asking the question, you most likely to not have a buring desire to fly and will be disappointed, go to school.

 

[mayday1]

pilotyip... I wouldn't make that statement. Some people love to fly, and love aviation... but they just don't want a military life, especially for the next decade. Don't get me wrong, I agree, the military is undoubtedly some of the best training you'll get anywhere.. plus a decent wage and benefits.

 

[bafanguy]

Since you have US citizenship also, finish the Masters then go in the US Air Force where you'll fly more than you cay the Canadians do. pilotyip is correct, you'll be viewed a whole lot better by the HR crowd if you have a military bckground.


By the way, I have a relative who flew Auroras up there and he absolutely flew his tail off...sometimes 100 hrs/mo. Went right from there to Cathay Pacific...

Good luck with your choice. I'm sure you'll get some valid viewpoints on this forum.

 

[pilotyip]

correct mayday1

I was speaking from my own heart; my military experience during the 60's to 80's was the most fantastic adventure of my life. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. You can see my prejudice and why I might not understand someone not leaping at the opportunity. However, that being said there has to be a motivation beyond getting training and building flight time. The military can be a ruff road for someone who joins for the wrong reason. If the motivation is not there option three makes sense.

 

[Tai-di]

Thanks for your replys guys. Well Yes in regards to military I do want to serve, not only that I have but I have already been in the reserves for 3 years (a few years ago). I tried applying to the US airforce but their regulations do not permit you to serve there if you already have served in the military of another country (even thou Canada is NATO and part of NORAD).

Never the less, especially since my girlfiriend is a proffesional and would be hard pressed to find a job when living at bases, I thought that it was a valid question to ask whether any of you think that going throo 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?