flynavyj

Good luck in your decision, it's a good position to have but i understand the complications.

I'm a former 121 regional guy who was scooped up by the DoD as an analyst 5 years ago. Initial pay was in the GS-9 range with auto promotion to top out at GS-11. I earned a GS-13/14 position 2 years ago, and am making a decent salary with great options for the future.

I too have had the "do it when you retire" thoughts...I could bow out of civil service at 55, and have 10 years of flying left in me (if I keep current) and could run around having fun with free travel during the later years of my life until I start drawing a pension...plenty of time to top out on the GS14 payscale too, with opportunities for GS-15 promotions or a chance at the senior scale.

My wife works as a college professor (adjunct) and her pay isn't steady, nor the work...so while I have all the desire to get back in the flying game (and unlike you, Delta isn't calling me) financially it seems like a losing proposition. I stay current via flight instructing, but like many I'd like to go fast again...I just can't bear to roll the dice on an industry that can be terribly unforgiving, but I guess that's what makes the difference between those willing to put it all in, and those who are scared sh*tless of the $$ on the table vanishing into thin air.

satpak77

I would not throw GS-14-10 pay away to chase some airline gig. Even if "Delta". The guy that went to Braniff thought the same thing. Ask him how that worked out.

You gotta pay the mortgage and health care for the kids. Airlines are "hot" now, so what. What about tomorrow. Layoff, loose a medical, etc etc.

Secure your retirement and live your dream, with retirement-in-pocket

TheJudge

It's really just you that I miss.

F15Cricket

For a different perspective, I left a contractor job that paid probably at least as much as a GS-14 to fly for Alaska Airlines. I am loving it. Yes, there are concerns about future stability,etc, but those same concerns existed in my contractor job ... or in your GS job. I was only one budget away from the contract getting cut, and so is any GS job. I have seen hundreds of GS positions get cut at the base over the last few years, and if Congress and the Pres ever actually figure out a way to balance the budget, those cuts might get more extreme. All to say, there is not, in reality, any more security with one route over the other.

Finally, I did leave for Alaska, whereas you have an offer from Delta Airlines .... don't know if I would have made THAT jump :-)

Dragon7

You go to the Airlines for the time off not for the flying. Flying is good but not military flying or squadron life at all or even close. Commuting sucks. Commuting to reserve sucks more. If you can be happy doing something else do that. But for me this job is the only long term thing I could do mentally after retiring. YMMV.