Question for Navy or AF Pilots

[hindsight2020]

Yeah, but that's the thing, AF "flying" tours proper are filled with desk flying. Is the Navy different? If so, then sh$t, boat or not, that's where it's at.

 

[Jafo73]

Yeah, if you want hours, heavies are the way to go. As an activated reservist in a C-141 in 2.5 years I got 2000 hours...

 

[psysicx]

Marines in only a 4 yr commitment? And Navy doens't have a desk job during flying tours? Also is the desk job easy work? Are you really that consumed by it?

 

[puck_11]

Whoops, before this gets out of hand with what I said. I was responding to Pilotyips comment on a 10 year commitment you would be flying a desk for 3-4 of those. If you're doing a 10 and out thing, you'll most likely be staying in the cockpit all of that time. If you're looking at getting command of a squadron, you'll be doing whatever tours it takes to get your checks in the boxes. I know on the prop side that it definitely takes you out of the cockpit. As far as the jet side, not sure, I'm sure some senior officer can chime in on that.

On the Navy side you will have your main job, whatever that is, so it is a desk job, but you will also be flying.

Marines, its an 8 year commitment after wings, same as Navy.

Hope that clears everything up

 

[pilotyip]

Isn't that wonderful disassociated sea tour still a non-flying job at about the 8-yr. point?

 

[puck_11]

Isn't that wonderful disassociated sea tour still a non-flying job at about the 8-yr. point?

From what I understand, if you're going to stay in, yes you'll be doing that. But if you're getting out, then they'll more than likely just extend your IP shore tour. That seems to be the case with most instructors that I've met in Primary and Advanced.

 

[TXDanno]

I flew 300-500 hrs/yr in active duty 'slick' tactical C-130s. High end of that during schoolhouse IP tour. About 120 hrs/yr during HQ tour.
Joined Reserve strat-air C-5s; 400-500 hrs/yr--75% of my reserve career has been on voluntary and involuntary active orders.

Lots of flying, lots of great work, quite a few crappy days also. Best satisfaction was service to country.

 

[Bjammin]

And what would be his chances of getting FA-1'8?

If you go jets they are almost 100%. But to get jets, like others have said, it's very much luck of the draw and decent grades in primary.

The non-flying tour truly is for guys staying in.

For me I had 5 years in my fleet squadron and 3+ in my instructor tour. I got quite a bit of flight time as well, almost 3000 for 10 years. Alot of that is 1.1 hour training flights.