navyellis

Hello,

I'm currently Active duty military and I retire in 6 years. I am enlisted, not an officer. But I do have my instrument rating and am working hard towards my commercial rating. I'm also enrolled at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and am 3/4 through my Bachelors degree. My dream has always been to fly for either United, or Hawaiian. I have always had amazing experiences with those airlines and the people are awesome. I WANT to be a part of that! The problem is how?

Sorry for posting such a basic question on a professional platform, but I want get in there. Thank you all in advance for advice and information!

Jason

APC225

Nice. You’re doing all the right things. Once you get the minimum flight time start applying.

TransWorld

Are you flying for the military? Or is it just private?

If you are doing it private, kudos to you doing that and working on your degree, while serving in the military.

When you get the hours (1,500 hours) start applying. As things stand right now, you would want to apply to the regionals. (Things may change in the next few years as the massive wave of retirements take place at the majors. If it gets so crazy that the majors start hiring a few civilians without regional/etc. experience, you will be well positioned for that opportunity.)

Clearly military experience is a strong differentiator with the majors. You will be able to get on with a major in a few years, ahead of a 23 year old who did a year as a CFI and started the same class as you with a regional.

If you are flying for the military, you likely will be able to go directly to a major.

Get your 4 year degree. Regionals don’t require it, but the majors pretty well have it as a requirement. Yes, there are exceptions, but they are exceptions.

Keep doing what you are doing, you are on the right track. You sound like one of those outstanding candidates the majors want to preferentially hire. Initiative and perseverance are big pluses.

(Realize all of this is a generalization, but if you keep your nose clean, it should happen.)

Dave Fitzgerald

I'd go for the CFI when you can. Then you get paid to build time.

robthree

With 6 years to go before you retire, you should have plenty of time to build your total flight time to the 1500 minimum you will need to get a gig at a regional.

Finishing your BA should be a priority. Then earning your CFI. Then hitting the 1500 TT mark and whatever the current multi engine minimums happen to be when you get to 1500. That could be as high as 500, but probably will be closer to 100. YMMV. If you're not at the 1500 mark when you ETS, or are significantly short of ME time, look into a part 135 operation like Cape Air. You can get hired at very low times, get great flying experience, and PIC. You won't make very much money at a place like Cape Air, but that may not be as important if you have retirement income as a cushion.

If you're not in an aviation MOS, or assigned to a flying unit is it too late to change? Flight Engineer, Crew Chief, Load Master, supply clerk, whatever, doesn't matter. The contacts you make in your unit can be invaluable to advancing your career.

davessn763

Use post 9/11 GI BILL to do all your ratings after private. Some schools are eligible 100% reimbursement for course work including flight time. Use every flight hour allowed for the course.

I was in a similar boat as you, non flying navy working on ratings while active duty. After active duty I went CFI to regional to major. Lots of ways to get there have fun while you do it.

Things I would have done different are, transfer, directly into the drilling reserves if you aren’t retired. The active duty opportunities if you are furloughed are worth it. If you meet the medical and age requirements find a flying military position as soon as can. Apply everywhere and take the first major job that comes. Seniority is everything. I waited a year to apply at the airline I eventually got hired by and it cost me about 1000 numbers or about 8% seniority.

horrido27

PM Me if you want..
ex enlisted~

There are a bunch of ex sweaties here. Not impossible at all. Just a little harder than if you are a military pilot.
That being said, I (personal opinion) think we get a little credit for coming up the ranks and making it to the interview!

Good Luck

Motch
(Ret. USAF/ANG MSgt)

baseball

I am former enlisted. 8 years wrench turner on F-15. I have flown with enlisted guys from drill sergeant to DV honor guard to mechanic, you name it. Use the GI bill for what it is there for and get r done.

Get your ratings, instruct, do whatever, build time, and get the first job. The first job will lead to your second job. You should be able to make it to a major within 4 years of flying regionals. Just get that first flying job.

aileronjam

Some good overall info:

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