How old is too old?

[jksflyguy]

Hi All--

I'm a former ANG C-130 guy who got out in 2000. With all the craziness in this unpredictable profession, I find myself thinking about getting back in. Had 10 yrs. when I punched. Fast approaching the big 42 and wondering if that is too old to get back into a guard/reserve unit. Any input would be much appreciated.

Thanks--

P.S. You what they say about aviation as a profession: Its a great job, just a s&*$y career!

 

[pilotyip]

Shop around

We had a 45 year old guy come into our Navy Reserve P-3 squadron back in 1982. Start shopping and see whats out there, don't limit your search to the C-130 community or even the USAF. You may find the out of the way places are short staffed and much more flexible on who they will hire.

 

[TXDanno]

I second pilotyip's comments. Also, determine if you would only go back for a 'real' flying position.
The recent BRAC has shaken things up. Units and bases are shifting locations and roles. For example, Pope is becoming an AAF-Army Air Field (as if it ever really was anything but)-and it now has an AFRC C-130 wing. I don't think it has AD acft anymore.

Additionally, ANG (and maybe AFRC) units are converting to UAVs. If you are looking for work and possible retirement $$ at 60, and don't HAVE to fly, that's one way. Probably get lot's of mandays that way, voluntary or otherwise!

 

[NewmanF16]

I'll bet the Army is hiring, but it's likely there's an M-16 involved.

 

[Phrogs4ever]

I was kind of thinking along the same lines as jksflyguy. When I finish Command and Staff, I'll be an almost 16 yr Major with a 2003 DOR. I was wondering if I would be too senior for anyone to hire and train in an A-10 or F-16, even if I could only put in a couple of years of service.

 

[Hagar17]

jksflyguy:

AFR/ANG units hire older dudes all the time. Your age isn't the problem, it's how long you've been gone.

What's going to hurt your chances is you've been gone >5 years, so the unit will have to pay for you to go back to Little Rock. Also, I imagine you would commute to whatever town the unit is in. Another strike. If you interview well, pledge to be a team player (deploy) and truly just want to get back to the spirit and camardarie of being in an AF unit again, they may take a chance on you.

I know this is blunt, but I've seen this scenario many times and it usually dosen't work out for either party.

Unfortunately, so many dudes have crapped on the reserve/guard units, they start to become wary.

Good luck. I hope you get back in.

Hag

 

[Bjammin]

Getting out was the BEST decision I ever made. Look at other options for flying in the civie world. I still fly in the reserves so that made it an easier transition.

I made more money my 1st year out here then as an O-4 over 18 in there, have way more vacation time, work 12 days a month on average, no ground job or deployments, and truly like the guys I fly with (the best surprise).

Think about what's best for you and your family in the long term and truly research.