Mil to Civ transition (low hours)

[MercuryPilot]

Many companies will ask for your total flight time in the last two years or the last three years.

You've gotta get a Guard/Reserve job. Don't forget that the Navy also flies the C-130 in the Reserves and could be accepting applications. Start out looking at your home state or where you're going to move after you get out and apply to those squadrons.

For now, sock as much $$$ away as possible until you're out.

Good luck!

MP

 

[semperfido]

I would rather interview someone who meets the mins that was military trainined -vs- someone with 2X as much experience and was all civi.Having been on both sides of the fence you are MUCH better trained than any civilian -W-

interesting one-sided viewpoint. i have worked with many fine pilots from both sides of the fence. i would interview many and choose the one that fits the best overall.

 

[integrale]

You really need to get some time in, probably around 200 hours in the past year to be competative i.m.h.o.

 

[h25b]

interesting one-sided viewpoint. i have worked with many fine pilots from both sides of the fence. i would interview many and choose the one that fits the best overall.

That's pretty much the case. The military experience might be one of those things that separates you from the crowd when all other factors are equal. It is outstanding training. Best advice would be to first get current, then build more time quickly (however you can). If you could get in to a guard/reserve slot while flying for a regional do it. You might actually make a decent living.

 

[dukeflr]

PIO,

I was in a simular situation when I got out as well. Made a few mistakes and learned from them. When I finally got back in the cockpit I was surprissed how much "skill" was gone. It came back fast though. If you are going to rent, I would find a buddy to rent a light twin such as a seminole or dutchess. Use the flying club or call around the local FBOs. Tell them you want block time and may recieve a discount, typicaly 10%. I wouldn't spend the savings until the last six months before your EAS. Companies like an EAS and may not interview until within 30 days of it. The regional companies don't keep a huge pool and won't keep you in there long, maybe 30 days. A friend of mine was not hired at a large regional due to a lack of currency. At the interview he had 3 hours of multi-engine within the last six months. He was assigned a desk job for his last assignment. They told him that day, it was the resson for not being hired. Most places like to see 100 in the last 6 months, 50 in the last 90 days. All are different.

H25b is correct. You need the mins and currency to get the interview, bottom line. Once in the interview, you will look very good compared to most of the other aplicants. The military card just isn't what it was 10 years ago. Maybe it will be again once the majors start hiring again. I sure hope so!

The "regional" gig is actually pretty cool except for the pay. Nohting like not having a boss or collateral duties!

Chicken out

 

[Afterprop]

Take Another Tour ! (And make it a flying one)

When its time to leave, its time to leave. But have you really reached your time to leave yet? One more tour could pay big dividends -- upgrade to instructor, upgrade to evaluator (check airman), probably add another 1000 hours of PIC turbine to boot -- all of these can be priceless in a job hunt. These factors would also make you more valuable to a ANG/RE unit as well, and give you another 2-3 years to save / plan your escape. And its not like you are missing out on a big hiring boom right now. (BTW, it looks like I'm the only guy suggesting another tour, but another tour would solidify your numbers)

Tough, tough decision -- timing is everything. How many of your squadron mates are out there that can help get you that interview? Run the numbers several ways, then check where your heart is.

Good luck!
Props

 

[h25b]

The biggest mistake of my career was turning down the opportunity to go military and looking back it's the most secure (other when you're not getting shot at) flying job. Granted you have to worry about be fired upon, but at least you don't have to worry about being "fired" ...

I think the previous poster was correct, might be worth staying in unless your being constantly deployed.. It's just a bad time to be jumping over to the civilian side of things, especially if you don't already have something lined up.

 

[pilotyip]

RIF's

Not true h25b, the military is almost a capricious as the civilian community when it comes to the retention of pilots. Talk to pilots trained during Vietnam, in the mid to late 70's they told 1000's of them "Bye bye, with all of the unit stand downs we are over staffed on pilots, thanks for your service.” This was also done in the early 90's also with the "Cold War" peace dividend. They were called RIF's, staffing alignments, promotion adjustments, etc. Military staffing suffers from the politics of Washington. Plus you do not join the military to fly, in a 20-year career most pilots average about 200 hours per year.

 

[Hdawg]

Take Another Tour ! (And make it a flying one)

Use extreme caution on taking another tour...I think I was in your same boat so to speak, defered pilot, desk job for 4.5 years then went to UPT. Of course "they" said it was time for a staff tour and I said " I haven't even met my gates (8 yr).... Long story short I got out at 13 yrs;however, hours were not a factor since I was averaging about 700 a year for the last 5 years. Active line flying (Guard/Reserve) is what you should look for not the group/wing training guy attached to fly with xyz.

 

[PIO]

Great advice everyone, I appreciate it. To those who say "stay in" you're probably right but I'm gettin out!

Now I need your help in spending my GI bill. Its worth about $35K and I can use it for flight training.

Should I use it at a place like ATP or Phoenix East and burn the whole thing getting every rating out there? How important is the CFI thing anyway?

Should I just get my ATP, get current, and start applying?

Anyone know of an FBO where I can get this stuff done cheaper than at the training academies?

Thanks