New to this board, and has a question

[Just an MEI]

Hi all, this is apretty nifty board with lots of gadgets.

My background: Air Force pilot training for 8 months (back in '92) and got washed out (pilot surplus at the time allowed AF officials more room to pick and choose ). Stayed in until '99, then separated to change career (pursue my dream of flying for a living). Once out of the military, got all the required ratings and flight instructed until 9/11 happened; got mobilized back into active duty with a separation date of Oct '03. Other than serving active duty, I still flight instruct part-time on my off-duty days and currently have 1300TT (280 multi). I am 37 years of age.

Question: With the current deplorable situation with the aviation industry, should I demobilize as previewed (Oct '03) and try my luck with the commuters, or should I extend another year, i.e. until Oct '04? Bear in mind that my officer salary is much much better than flight instructing ($50+/yr).

Please, only mature and professional advice/opinion. No unnecessary bashing, although I take positive criticism very well.

Much obliged,

Just an MEI

 

[Flywrite]

Welcome MEI!

I dont know a thing about how the military works, but if you can get your ATP by next October, you should be fairly competitive for a regional (assuming the hiring situation follows the trend of improvement at the regionals). If that is your dream, I'd say go ahead and do it.
You may want to check out the APTAP website. I forget their URL but do a search, you should be able to find it. It stands for "Army Pilot to Airline Pilot", but from what I've seen it's a great network for any military guy (flying or not) making the transition to the regionals. They may have some good advice for you.

Good Luck

 

[bobbysamd]

Should I stay or should I go?

My feeling is as long as you can continue flying and build time, especially multi, that you delay separation until 10/04. Right now, you may be a little light in time to be competitive, even projecting your totals to 10/03. You do need to get your ATP. My feeling is there is likely to be more hiring in 2004 than '03. Even if hiring picks up next year, it'll continue in 2004. So, during that time, you can earn and save money, which you most certainly will need during your first year with the commuters.

By the way, I had a friend who washed out early in UPT, while he was still in Tweets. No problem for him, though. He had a degree in Accounting and finished his USAF stint. He finished his civilian ratings, instructed with me at Riddle, got on with Mesa, and finally made it to a DC-8 position with UPS, I believe. He listed the USAF Pilot Screening Program on his resume.

Good luck with your plans.

 

[Timebuilder]

While you're there, ask the military buds about which regionals are hiring, and if there are any contacts there that could carry in your resume. Do you know anyone at Comair?

If not, or if you can't come up with any specific entre, you might want to opt in for another year. Just an uninformed opinion, based on the fact that it's hard to find an instruction job right now unless you are already a part of the local school. I have a friend with more dual than myself, and he can't find an instruction job.

 

[Birdstrike]

Plan It Out

If it was me and I was pushing 40 like you, I'd ride that active-duty horse as long and as far as I could (unless I hated it). It provides a lot more employment and financial security than the airline industry right now. Don't just get out, put a careful plan together.

Assuming you plan to also stay in the Reserves once you're released from active duty, you know that every year of active duty now adds significant dollars to your 20 yr reserve retirement pay. While on AD you can earn your ATP, keep instructing/stay current, and follow the checklists found on the site APTAP site Flywrite mentioned to prepare yourself for the regionals once you do get out.

And save as much money during the next year or two as you can; you're going to need it to live on regional pay while you get started (another reason to stay in the reserves). Then when all your ducks are in a row, apply for interviews 3-6 months before you separate (again, see APTAP) and make a planned, successful, switch.

Good luck. PS/for some reason the APTAP BB site http://forumco.com/aptap/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=11&CAT_ID=6&Forum_Title=APTAP+Message+Board is down today.

 

[TurboS7]

Considering the fact that the majors will not be hiring for a while I would stay in based on the money alone.

Regional FO 12K to 18K

Corp FO 24K to 30K

Charter 121 FO 30K

With no movement chance of upgrade very, very slim. Also keep in mind even if you get hired by a major the first year pay is really bad 25K to 35K depending on who you are with. I would stay in and save the money for when things get better.

 

[Flywrite]

I think Turbo is a bit pessimistic on the regional FO pay. Sure, it's not going to be much, but there aren't many regionals around still starting FOs at $12k/year. $18-20k is probably closer to the truth at most medium-large regionals. Plus, it wont be that low forever. If you end up flying an RJ for the likes of ASA, ACA, Comair, Skywest, then your second year FO pay is going to be closer to $30-35k, depending on how much you want to go fly.
It's still not a fortune, but it sounds a lot better than $12,000 a year.

 

[avbug]

Stay in, instruct where able, and bide your time. Things will turn. Give it some time, but I'd sit tight for now if I were you. Don't be in too big a rush to trade a bird in the hand for two in the regional bush. There's always time for the poorhouse later on.

 

[Just an MEI]

Thanks for the valuable replies

Thank you all for your valuable insights. I can see that there's definitely a range of differing opinions (all of them calling for careful consideration). I will certainly plan my exit meticulously.

Regards,

Just an MEI

 

[Timebuilder]

You're welcome.

Thank you for your service.