AlfaKilo

This actually really interests me, as I had not thought of the National Guard before. Would you be able to give more info on how you did this? I will admit that I am almost clueless about the ways of the military and how things work (though I have learned a bit from the research I have been doing today). Can you just kind of say what you had to do when you got out of high school and what order you did things in (when did you go to college, when did you earn your pilot licenses, etc.). I am sorry if I am being a bit nosy, but while I am trying to learn more on my own, I would really like to see what I might have to do if I should wind up pursuing a path similar to this. Any info you (or anyone reading this that has knowledge in this area)can give would be appreciated.

mspano85

Don't worry about asking questions. This profession is built around networking and pestering others for info!

As for the guard units, they are great, but they seem to be harder and harder to get into recently. The Guard unit at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland has expanded it's operation, but it's one of the very few that are doing so. Most seem to be trying to cut down and trim their staff. You can't get in unless you try though!

One other thing you can look into is becoming an A&P. Mechanics <~~~ click link

Being an A&P and a Pilot can weigh in your favor at some places of employment, however, a lot of places will expect you to do both jobs for no extra pay. This is normal for any civilian job in any field though. You're young so just know that now.

That being said note that if you are in one of the branches of the Armed Forces, you will do one job. I was talking to one of the Blackhawk pilots, of the 29th CAB, and he said they were forbidden from learning any of the mechanical work. They "need" to be focused on flying and flying only.

Some advice going forward, if I could go back and fix or change a few things, I would...

1. Not get as many traffic violations as I did. The FAA wants someone who follows the law and even minor speeding tickets, from my knowledge, can add up and be harmful.
2. Make an effort to fly for the Coast Guard. They have an unlimited budget and their pilots rack up flight hours like no other.
3. Get all my certification while young and single. It's getting tough being 28 and married.

MyPilot8

Go to school for air traffic.

ToastAir

No B scale at the FAA side of ATC. As a matter of fact the new people move up to the top of the pay scale way faster than was possible 20 years ago. Great profession, not so great hours. Management can really affect your quality of life. (Sort of sounds like anywhere I guess). If you wait 10 years you probably won't want to leave. By then your seniority is getting good, pay is good, starting to approach the halfway to retirement point and so on. I'm very near the end after 31+ years and may choose to fly professionally for awhile. When I first started I really wanted to fly for an airline and still kind of have it in my blood but spending 10-15 nights a month in a hotel isn't so attractive.

xjcrew1

I have never met one airline pilot who used to be ATC. I know over a dozen ATC friends that used to be airline pilots. The money and QOL is much better.

JoeyMeatballs

This is not true.....at all. The past 10 years maybe, but I don't think ATC will be as desirable as a job at a major airline.

FWIW, I knew one Controller (former PIT) who quit and became 121, he enjoyed the flying more.

xjcrew1

The illusion/mystique of the airline Captain job will always entice people. But when you add up the years of service and compare total wage earnings. Retirement benefits, medical, days off, actual work while on the job (they have gyms for crying out loud in the facilities). Double pay on holidays, night differential, sunday pay, pay you to bike to work, all that soft money, the list goes on and on. If this guys works the next ten years as a controller and then moves to 121 op, he'll take $80k paycut, at least until he upgrades (assuming same college level education equivalent). How long till upgrade at a regional? Will he even make it to a major? Even then what will the QOL be? The controllers hired by Reagan are retiring. Nows the time to get in (after this sequestration nonsense) Nope stay a controller and be able to afford your own airplane to play with.

2010 - 2012 ATC Payscale

TonyWilliams

I was an FAA controller over two decades; ZOA, SCT and CMA.

Then, I was an airline pilot.

I absolutely recommend getting the ATC job for stability and a proper retirement. No, it won't be as glamorous as a 4 day trip with a blizzard or hurricane following you, but you always do that "later". At least you won't need to worry about slave wages as a first year FO.

You'll have enough money to BUY your own plane and get all the ratings you want. I owned several planes; C172M, C177B and B55 over 20 years.

satpak77

become a controller.....

scubaash

I've been in the FAA just under a year now as a controller, I left 135 jet flying for the stability and pay. I actually really dislike the atc job, thinking about going back to an offer flying 135 jets again. 50k f/o and upgrade to captain 80k in 2 years doesn't sound terrible