Getting ready....

[Scrapdog]

Military - period. There is no where else where you can fly supersonic, pull G's, and make some great life long friendships with a true bond of brotherhood.

No flame - I'm being 100% honest. Flying fighters has been one of the most enjoyable and rewarding things I've ever done in my life.

And to caveat about the predator thing and active duty - I wholeheartedly disagree. If you do well, study hard, and have a good attitude in UPT, you WILL get your first choice (if you desire to fly fighters). It's amazing what hard work will do for you - it worked for me. I wasn't the best stick in the class, but I worked my tail off.

 

[GuppyWN]

I chose the civilain way.

The military doesn't just let you build your time and leave. They get you for, correct me guys, 7 years minimum before you can get out. Those 7 years could leave you behind the next hring wave.

The civilian route, if timed and lucky, could be as short as 2 years to get hired, upgrade and get your 1500 turbine PIC. Today it is nowhere NEAR that easy and I suspect the downturn has turned many guys into lifers that thought they'd only be there a couple years...... and that's not a bad thing. But make no mistake the next hiring wave IS coming. Retirements will pick up in velocity by December 2012 (Age 65) and I still suspect you're going to see a major player exit the market - either throught merger or bankruptsy.

Bottom line, for me, this is the best job in the world. I'm glad I did it but your results may vary.

Gup

 

[no1pilot2000]

I would like to thank everyone for their useful and informative commentary. If one doesn't mind the military route, then look into that. If you're not the military type, then the regionals are your primary option.

 

[chimichanga]

Starting putting $10 a week towards your 737 type rating...

 

[HalinTexas]

As long as you don't depend on making a living at it, be my guest.

 

[Fubijaakr]

Fly Navy. The best always have.

 

[propjob27]

My dad did the military route (but that was a LONG time ago, 1953-1965): NavCads (doesn't exist anymore), Navy Fighters, Pan Am, United in the 1985 buyout.

I did the civilian route: College, Flight Lessons on the side all 4 years, Flight Instructed for 1 year, regionals for 4 years (2 of them), LCC for 1.5 years, CAL for 3 months, FedEx currently.

Don't what I'd tell a kid these days.

 

[LoveGun]

If you do the civilian route try to get hired at a growing carrier. Whether it's your first regional airline job or your next step, aim for a growing carrier. Every civilian pilot I know that has had a happy career got hired fairly young at a growing carrier.

Here is an example... I used to work with a regional captain that bombed interviews at three major airlines in 1999. He then got hired at JetBlue. Jetblue was a brand new carrier and all his buddies warned him not to take the job. He took the job anyhow, upgraded to captain in less than a year and then made a pile of money on stock options. He now sits at the top of the seniority list.

Another example... Flew on the jumpseat of an American flight and the captain said he got hired their in the early 1980's when american had a B scale. All his friends told him not to take the job because it was a terrible airline to work for. American then had a big growth spurt and he upgraded at american after only two years. The guy is a millionair and has a great schedule.

Another example... anyone hired at southwest 1970's through 2000. Up until 9/11 southwest was few pilot's favorite airline, but they were growing and pilot's hired there had a great ride.

Same story for early FedEx and UPS pilots.

 

[Erlanger]

Military - period. There is no where else where you can fly supersonic, pull G's, and make some great life long friendships with a true bond of brotherhood.

No flame - I'm being 100% honest. Flying fighters has been one of the most enjoyable and rewarding things I've ever done in my life.

I hope it's not something like what your avatar is showing; Chavez and Ahmadinejad. That sure is making me sick.

 

[Scrapdog]

I hope it's not something like what your avatar is showing; Chavez and Ahmadinejad. That sure is making me sick.

Then don't look at it. It's obviously a joke.