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[AdlerDriver]

Easy man, just noticing that he only has his single listed in his ratings. Last I knew, military pilots do not get FAA licenses. Am I correct?

Actually, about 3/4 of the way through UPT a company came in and offered to get us our commercial license. We voluntarily spent 8 hours on a Saturday in their program. We saw every question possible (somthing like 800 total) in that time and then took the test. I think it was something like 200-300 questions. Anyway, by the end of the day we all had our commercial multi-engine (centerline thrust restricted) license. Not that it did me much good for the next 12 years - I guess I could have flown a skymaster for hire if I wanted to.

 

[white E]

You are correct except now you spend about 2 hours in a classroom take the test and bammo, Commercial Multi engine land with the center restriction. Only have to take that rediculous written exam..

 

[YeOldeProp]

Welcome to the continuing exodus to the "other side of the fence". Mooseflyer gave you great words to follow...if you cross paths with him someday---you buy the first round. The AIRINC/Darby scam is a tough one. His group tends to take a lot of $200+ membership fees and folks mostly seem to be unimpressed with the service and info. The Air Inc job fair is a sight to behold though, and probably worth the inflated entry fee to actually see the number of young civvie pilots who've put a lot of effort, time and dollars to be pretty competitive versus the mil-types who also put a lot of time in, but has Uncle Sam to pay the bills and the support flight network. You can (and will) learn a lot from the civvie pilots when you get a chance to fly with them...they've paid their dues. You'll also see the number of military types who really are neophytes when it comes to preparing for the real world (been there...done that...was humbled...had to buy the T-shirt).

Before you throw $$$$'s towards the Air Inc thing, check the base library for their books in the reference section. If it's not there, see if they can get copies. I saw their whole kit in a couple of CONUS base libraries (unless your wing king has decided it's not conducive to proper military education to know what awaits you outside the main gate...saw that too). This website is a goldmine of info...do many searches and learn from others.

Good luck, fly safe...

 

[pilot141]

Also Brick1 if you don't have anyone in your squadron who is the current "airline guru" then become it.

When you track down all the nit-noid BS that MooseFlyer detailed (and you will), keep it all. Keep a record of the place to send your app for the Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit. Keep a record of where you sent the (always a PITA) notarized National Driver's Record Check. Find a good AME in your area (ehhh......that means a doc who gives FAA Medicals). Slog through all that crap so you know it backwards and forwards. And then help your buds out. It will pay BIG dividends in the future.

Good luck!

 

[VVJM265]

Brick1,

Couple of yrs out from retirement myself and making the preparations already. Couple of things that I have found useful:
- Convert your logbook to an electronic one now, I'd reccomend a commercial version unless you are an Excel god (I use LogBook Pro). Add a column for number of legs per mission since each airline use different conversion factors. The sooner you get it converted, the less painful it will be. Then keep it current after each flight.
- Highly reccommend getting a copy of the AIM/FAR and FAA's Airplane flying handbook. Comm uses some some terms & techniques you may not be familar with (V speeds, GPS approaches, RVSM, etc.) Lots of good books at www.pilotmall.com , www.asa2fly.com , and of course Sporty's.
- Get your ATP asap.

Good Luck!

 

[Fins Up]

- ... I'd reccomend a commercial version unless you are an Excel god (I use
- Highly reccommend ...


Spelling police here. Recommend you spell recommend correctly.

 

[hdodo]

Just a friendly word of advice about ""The Suit". I might spend a little extra coin on a nice conventional store bought dark blue or black suit and save the Mr. Oh's special for another special occasion.
hdodo

 

[Goose17]

my Korean suits

My Korean suits got me through many interviews and all ended with job offers. Unless the suit looks nasty, which I doubt, you'll be fine. I like my suits and still wear them today - fits like a glove (a Korean glove). ; )

The best thing you can do to prepare for your transition is to start early. Get ALL your ducks in a row including your finances. Be prepared for $18k for a couple years followed by $45k or so for a couple more and you will have a lot less stress than the guy who gets out with a couple grand in his checking account.

Good luck.

Goose17