WantingWings

Hello all,

I’m planning my next big career move and would like some insight. Should I try my hand at flying professionally or going into healthcare—nursing specifically?

Here’s my story:

I’m 30 years old. College graduate. Business undergrad with a strong GPA. Solid civilian employment record. I hold a PPL with about 110 hours. I’m also prior enlisted AF and was selected on an active duty rated board to commission and attend Air Force pilot training. I’m at UPT now; however, I’ve since been grounded due to a medical condition—an MRI revealed a small annular tear in one of my lumbar discs, mild stenosis and spondylithesies. I’ve been informed that a waiver is required to return to me to flying status. I’ve also been told that acquiring a waiver for any spinal-related condition is an uphill battle. And honestly, at this point, I’m not even entirely sure how hard I want to push this waiver. I’m sure this doesn’t come as a surprise to many of you, but a lot of the AF pilots I currently work with are very frustrated with their current situations. There are very real, persistent and largely unaddressed root causes of the USAF’s pilot shortage. Prior to commissioning, I admittedly thought a lot of it was exaggerated. My initial assessment appears to have been incorrect. As cool as flying fast, pointy things has been thus far, it’s a steep price to pay for what comes after graduation. Because I have a two year old son, playing the Air Force’s game for a decade seems less appealing by the day. The reality of getting saddled with a non-flying, remote 365 day tour (and/or multiple short tours) and not seeing him for potentially several years of his life (in total) is starting to set in. This injury, in some ways, is starting to look like a blessing in disguise.

With all of that said, I’m contingency planning. After a lot of contemplation I’ve narrowed down my interests and professional aspirations to two career fields: commercial aviation and nursing. I’m financially established and could pay for the required training (for either path) out-of-pocket if need be (while maintaining significant emergency savings). I have 24 months of GI Bill benefits remaining. Funding my education/training will not be a limiting factor. While money isn’t the only factor motivating me to evaluate these two career fields, preliminary calculations (based on a lot of assumptions, obviously) indicate either path would be very financially rewarding. Besides money I have other personal reasons for wanting to consider each career, but for brevity's sake (which I've already failed at), I'll forgo those explanations.

I’ve researched and mapped out career progression for each route. End goal if I pursue commercial aviation is to land employment with a Major/Legacy airline. If I go the nursing route, end goal is to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). Estimated timelines for achieving each goal are approximately the same—8 to 10 years. (CRNAs are the nursing equivalents of anesthesiologists—but their scope of practice is more restricted depending on state law.)

If I do not obtain a waiver to remain on flying status, I have been told that I will be reclassified into a different career field based on my degree and needs of the Air Force. My supervisor told me most of the jobs I’m eligible for are actually pretty posh and have relatively normal ‘business hours’ with little to no chance of deploying. I’ll have approximately three years remaining on active duty to prepare for my next career. I want to use that time as wisely as possible.

If I go nursing, I’m confident I can complete my RN prior to separating.

The commercial aviation route seems to entail a few more unknowns. Earning my commercial pilot license and CFI rating prior to separating isn’t an issue but accruing the required time to be ATP eligible would be challenging. For the sake of argument, let’s say I could be ready for regional employment by the time I’m ready to separate from active duty? I’d be 33. Do you all think the hiring requirements/competiveness for regional employment will dramatically change in the next three years? Based on current hiring trends/forecasts, is employment with a Major/Legacy by age 40 realistic?

I feel pretty conflicted. Most of my family and friends want me to push the waiver and get back to the cockpit. I'm just not feeling it and in the end, it's not up to me anyway. If you all were in my shoes, what would you do? I think having some perspective from people who are actually working in the aviation industry could help me solidify my decision. I understand that no one here has a crystal ball, but I would still value your insight nonetheless. I apologize for the novel and thank you all for your help. Keep the shiny side up.

Cheers,

Ryan

rickair7777

If you can't get the waiver...

You obviously want to fly, and have a little experience. Given your background your odds of success are very high and airline opportunities are just warming up, and will likely reach unprecedented levels due to retirements alone (not even accounting for any growth). There are so many guys retiring that even a routine economic downturn would just be a speedbump. It would take an asteroid-impact level calamity to really change that.

Still some time away from family, but it's generally a net positive because on the flip side you get a lot of quality-time at home (without job distractions).

NYC Pilot

Go for CRNA. My girlfriend is one, loves it, works 35 or 36 hours a week and brings home 200k with full benefits. On top of that, lots of vacation time and very flexible. Job security never an issue. Live anywhere you want. Just fly for fun on the side. That's what I'd do.

WantingWings

Gents, thanks for your responses. I've got a little time yet before I have to commit to a course of action. There appears to be compelling arguments for whichever direction I choose.

Pilatus801

I've been considering the move to aviation, but quite honestly if I had the means and GI bill funding I would certainly lean heavy toward the CRNA position. Thats a great gig with excellent earnings and stability. Maybe fly on the side as a hobby. Buy a plane or a share in a plane with the 6 figures you'll be making.

rickair7777

$200K with schedule flexibility is a good life (as long as you don't hate the job).

Flying jets would be cooler, but taker longer and more risk to get to the money.

But if gobs of money is your motivation... there are people making north of $600K these days, have to start young, get to legacy widebody CA, and hustle all the OT you can get.

WantingWings

Hey Rick, thanks for the additional info. I didn't realize earning 600K was a possibility even as a senior wide-body Captain. I've been thinking about the risk factor and "coolness" of what the aviation industry entails. My dad always told my brother and I growing up "no risk, no reward". And I agree, I think flying jets would be more fun. I have family in the CRNA business. I've shadowed a few ICU nurses (you need trauma or ICU experience to get accepted into most CRNA programs) and I believe I would enjoy the work, but for different reasons. And, admittedly, not as much as flying aircraft. Money isn't the only factor motivating me to seriously look into these professions, but it's a pretty significant component.

Given that my military aviation career may not pan out the way I'd imagined, is 30 too old to get to the majors at a decent age (and make a good career out of it) via a civilian career track? Is ten years to get to a major realistic in your estimation?

As always, I appreciate the guidance!

NYC Pilot

If you are 30, you can expect to be at a major by your late 30's if all done correctly. Mandatory retirement is 65 so still a long career.

1 year flight training, 2 years as CFI, 3-6 years at a regional then major. Atleast nowadays

Most guys I know at the majors never ever made anything close to $600k. These were pilots who were hired at American, Delta and United in their early to mid 20's and reached single digit seniority at retirement. Most of them say they made up to $350k. Now, there may be the occasional super senior Captain with no life who made the $600k but it's not the norm. Even if it did happen, it was probably for a year or two before retirement. It's not like the 35 year old orthopedic surgeon who regularly makes that much. For pilots, $600k is extremely rare. Also, if your that excited about this career then go for it but I will tell you that the glamour does not exist or wears off. I flew wide bodies internationally in my 20's so I come with some experience to tell you this. CRNA is hard to beat all things considered.

WantingWings

Understood, NYC Pilot. Until a few years ago I didn't even know what a CRNA was. After I found out that my aunt had been practicing the profession for many years I began to investigate but was selected to fly for the USAF so I put that on the back burner. By and large CRNAs have outstanding gigs for sure, hence my interest. I'll admit this is something I'm struggling with, but everyone that's responded on here is helping me to put things in perspective. I just know that either working for a major/legacy airline or becoming a CRNA are both goals that will require many years of my working life and laser-like dedication. That's why I'm contemplating and evaluating each path carefully right now before committing to one course of action or the other.

geosync

This. Live is much easier when you have a skill/trade under your belt that pays excellent wages and is in demand. You can always fly on the side, even some Part 91/135 work and it's more enjoyable when you don't HAVE to do it for a living. Once you settle down with a family, you'll thank yourself.

I do know a guy that flies regionals AND is an ER nurse. He lives off his nurse salary and flies for fun, but he's without any anchors aka family/kids. So that's how i'd position myself- get the nursing training, fly on the side, and now I'm playing with "house money" if you know what I mean.