Military of Civy?

[illinipilot]

I am a recent college graduate who is flight instructing on a parttime basis (10-15) hours per week. I have considered the airforce as a way to go. My ultimate goal is to fly for the airlines.

1) What are the chances that I would be able to secure a flight spot with the Military? i.e. Airforce

2) How truthfull is a recruiter going to be about my chances?

3) In your experience is this a wise decision?

I haven't spent much time in this forum so I hope that I didn't open any cans of worms.

Thanks

 

[Ih8AFYesmen]

Do a search in this forum and you'll find similiar questions as yours that have already been anwered. As far as using the Air Force as a stepping stone to the airlines is not a bad idea; it may not be the best option, though. You are joining the "SERVICE" and this word in itself should mean something.
My recommendation for those who just want to fly airplanes in the military is to join the AFRes/ANG. It's still alot of sacrifice but it's the closest thing to "just flying military jets" kinda of job, if you know what I mean. The active duty, on the other hand, is a whole new can of worms.
Good luck!

 

[CrewDawg]

I agree with IH8AFYESMeN Look in the the guard or reserve. You can join up with one of these unit, serve as a part timer and hopefully get a spot in the airlines also. Alot of pilots at my base do the same. He is a site to look and find the local guard units in your state www.ang.af.mil. Hope this helps you out.

 

[illinipilot]

thanks fr the info.... If I were to go reserve or guard how would I go about getting a pilot spot? I couldn't find any on the ang websight.

 

[Ih8AFYesmen]

First, find a unit that you would like to hook up with. If you had a choice, what type of aircrfaft would you like to fly...fighters or heavies? Are there unit(s) near by where you live? From my experience, most AFRes/ANG units prefer local boys and girls, mainly because they know you'll stay. Historically, fighter units have more apps. on file than say.... C-130 units in some undesirable location.

Once you find the unit, call them up and express your interest. I would ask the DO (Director of Ops); go straight to the source. If you can get on base somehow, it's better to go in person with a resume. Perhaps, you might know someone with a particular unit. Networking is BIG! With these folks, it's all about face time and how much they like you. Yes.... it is a good 'ol boy network! This is my humble recommendation. Good luck!

 

[bssthound]

Make sure you call before you show up. There's an excellent chance that the Guard/Reserve unit you're interested in is either in Afghanistan or Iraq. After a few weeks of OTS, a year of pilot training, and a few months in your unit's aircraft you'll be right there with them.

The bright side is that almost all of the part-timers are airline pilots. You talk about great connections for getting on at an airline. The current downturn won't last forever; get to work now and be ready when things are turning around.

 

[BeechScrub]

Patmack, where did you hear that NWA was recalling? I just heard a few weeks ago that they were going to furlough another 100 or so.

 

[fou]

If you decided to go guard it would definately help to join the unit first. I know my unit almost always picks from within and has rarely picked someone from the street with no military service or from a different unit. That would be a big commitment with no guarantee though. I went to basic training with a guy from my unit and he got a slot about 2 months after getting back from tech school. He had already graduated colllege and was 27 so his age may have had a role in him getting picked, seeing as though he might not get another chance. If you want to go to a specific unit then I would say enlist first but if you just want to throw as my resumes out as possible and hope someone will give you a slot then don't worry about enlisting and take your chance that way.

 

[BeechScrub]

I agree. You're more in the loop than I so they probably are recalling. I know that Delta has started, so that's good news as well.

 

[pilotyip]

Not a sure thing

Getting into a military flight program is no sure thing. I believe you have a good shot based on background etc. Go for all the options,apply for all the military flying slots available, talk the to recruiters of every service find out what are the options. This includes Army, USMC and Coast Guard, flying helos is not a bad deal and could lead to fixed wing transition. Being a graduate of any military flight program gives you head of the line status for future hiring. Read books by former Aviators see if you want thier life styles. Durant's "In the Company of Heros" is a great Army Aviation book. The military demands an awful lot of you and is not for everyone.