Marine Pilot to Regionals

[Hawker1]

Brand new to the site, and this is my first post.

I'm looking in to going into the Marines as an aviator. I'm wanting some feedback as to what pilot jobs will be out there (regional airlines) after I get out of the Marines as a fixed wing pilot??

I've read about guys getting off active duty and going active reserve to keep up the income. This sounds like a great idea. I know that 46Driver has done this and is now in the Navy Reserves down in P'cola. I am wondering if being a Marine Pilot and the going into the reserves, will I be able to transition over to the ANG? I like a base in particular that is close to home. Now, I know that this is a long ways off, but I just want to know early.

Also, what is the lifestyle as a regional pilot? How many flight hours a month? How many days a week do you fly? I know that's a vague question, but I thought someone might be able to post and example of their own schedule. What's the difference in a Flight Officer's job and a Captain's job? Does one get paid more than the other. Thanks for any repsonses. Semper Fi

P.S. How do you get your own picture (avatar) under your user name? Just curious.

Thanks.

 

[Pistlpetet]

My advice to you is worry about getting yourself through OCS, The Basic School, and flight school. There is enough there to chew on for a while.

If you want to go into the ANG, why not just go into the AF. More Fixed wing slots there also, and then you would not need to worry about flying for a Regional, you would be going right to the Majors.

Pete

 

[Hawker1]

My advice to you is worry about getting yourself through OCS, The Basic School, and flight school. There is enough there to chew on for a while.

If you want to go into the ANG, why not just go into the AF. More Fixed wing slots there also, and then you would not need to worry about flying for a Regional, you would be going right to the Majors.

Thanks Pete.
I have a question about what is considered regional, corporate, and majors? And why would ANG help me go straight into Majors? I'm new at all this, so please remember that. THanks.

 

[Pistlpetet]

A novel could be written on your question about corporate, Regional, Major. Corporate is it's own entity, but when it comes to airlines, just think of the Majors as the Major league (Big Planes and Big Salaries). Regionals are the Minor leagues (smaller planes and less pay).

If you are going to go into the military as a Pilot, and would like to fly for an airline down the road. I would suggest the Air Force or Navy. They have more jets and heavy airplanes to fly. The Marine Corps and Army have lots of Helos. You just have to ask yourself what you would like. There are a lot of aspects to consider when picking a service, but sometimes it is just which one you are lucky enough to get selected by at the time, as the door opens and shuts on thier need for pilots.

I suggest you talk to a pilot from each service. The reason why I said go Airforce or Navy is that those guys tend to just jump right to the Major airlines, do to all the jet time they have. If you are a Helo guy, you will have to fly for a regional first.

An important bit of advice to give you is. DO NOT go and talk to any Officer recruiter, Pilot, Etc. and stress that your primary consideration for going into the military is your airline future. They will eat your lunch. Going thru all the BS of being in the military, takes a higher calling then just wanting to use it as step to the airlines.

Pete

 

[Hawker1]

I'm in no way using the military as a "free ride" to the airlines. Flying is what I love, and so is the military. That simplifies that.

As to remarks about the AF/Navy question. The Marines have a few jets of their own. I know an EA-6b pilot that now flies for Southwest.

What are the airlines looking for? Besides Jet time. I mean, are they looking to see if you flew a bigger aircraft or just making sure you have the time and experience they want? Thanks to any who reply. Semper Fi

 

[Pistlpetet]

The airlines ideal military candidate would be a guy who has flown something heavy, with lots of engines, and has about 2500hrs in such aircraft.

 

[Hawker1]

The airlines ideal military candidate would be a guy who has flown something heavy, with lots of engines, and has about 2500hrs in such aircraft.

What do the military branches (Navy, AF, and USMC) have in inventory of such heavy aircraft with multiple engines? This will be a big decision on which branch I choose. I'm still Bias to the Marines cause it's rich in tradition and in my family. What do the Marines have specifically of heavy aircraft?

Does the AF want a Technical degree from their aviation candidates?

Are Jet pilots out of the picture, or are they stilled preferred over helo pilots and such? Thanks a lot. Semper Fi.

 

[Zulu]

quote:
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The airlines ideal military candidate would be a guy who has flown something heavy, with lots of engines, and has about 2500hrs in such aircraft.
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Gotta say I disagree with this -- there's just too much of a mix of military backgrounds flying for the airlines to back this up. From what I've seen, the "magic number" is somewhere around 1500 hours of jet or turboprop PIC. Both fighter and heavy guys seem to get there around the same time -- fighter guys because they're logging PIC from day 1, and heavy guys because once they upgrade to aircraft commander they log PIC faster.
The bottom line is that flying any fixed wing military aircraft will get you qualified for an eventual major airline job, so strive for the airframe and service you'll enjoy the most.
I'll defer on how it works for helo guys to those who have actually done it.

Good luck in the hunt,

Z

 

[Hawker1]

Thanks Z.

What's PIC?

I see you've been in the military. What branch and what aircraft did you fly in the fleet?

Can someone find a website that has all the militray aircraft for the AF or USMC? I figured that I should ask you guys since you're ones that have flown them. Thanks. Semper Fi

 

[46Driver]

I am in the middle of re-current ground school - just trying to stay awake.
For Marines: you will go through primary (PCola, Corpus, or Vance). Upon completion you will go: 1) jets (F/A-18, AV-8B, or EA-6B) 2) props (C-130) or 3) helo (CH-53D/E, CH-46E, AW-1W, or UH-1N) . You will be given your specific jet or helo assignment following the completion of advanced flight training.
If you really want fixed wing time, go Air Force. The Navy is changing their force mix to include many more helos. (They are seriously considering putting in a 3rd helo training squadron)
For all intents and purposes, PIC means aircraft commander time.