Going to dark side
Posted by Alternative_Pool_525@reddit | flying | View on Reddit | 25 comments
I’m starting AFROTC at UMD this fall with the goal of becoming an Air Force pilot. I’m a CFII with 800 hours, and I’ve realized that civilian flying is not the path I want long term. Since I understand the PCSM only credits up to 40 flight hours, I wanted to ask if volunteering with CAP, participating in STEM flight programs, or similar leadership and service opportunities could help strengthen my chances of earning a pilot slot.
deer_god11@reddit
What made you want to go the military route? I'm still working on my ppl and I am considering doing AFROTC.
Alternative_Pool_525@reddit (OP)
The main reason is because I want to become a test pilot and fly cool aircrafts also I want to serve the country.
BagOfMoneyNoChange@reddit
In 15 years when you finally can get a seniority number at a legacy airline, you'll realize what everyone else meant when they said "Seniority is everything."
Alternative_Pool_525@reddit (OP)
I’m not going airline
BagOfMoneyNoChange@reddit
Yeah I've heard that one before...
Alternative_Pool_525@reddit (OP)
Well I don’t know what my mindset will be in 10+ years but now I really don’t see myself flying for an airline
BagOfMoneyNoChange@reddit
You don't know what you don't know. But plenty of people have already walked your path.
Alternative_Pool_525@reddit (OP)
Yes. I know many Air Force pilots that never went to the airlines but fly 135 or became instructors
BagOfMoneyNoChange@reddit
Anecdotes mean nothing. The vast majority of former military pilots are at the airlines.
RaidenMonster@reddit
But he’ll have doubled his hours in those 15 years!!!
/s
PuzzleheadedDuty8866@reddit
Brother, Air Force flying will run you into the ground. AMC crew dogs are flying 18-24hrs on, 12 hours off, for 21 days on and 2 days off. Fighter pilots are in combat. You’ll be married to someone you never see, your kids will grow up without you, and you’ll pay a mortgage on a house you don’t live in. Stay civilian if you’re already this far along. I’ve been counting down the days on my 10 year commitment.
Alternative_Pool_525@reddit (OP)
Yea I know but I can’t stand civilian life, it drives me insane.
BagOfMoneyNoChange@reddit
You think civilian life drives you insane? Just wait until you're the government's bitch for 12+ years.
Oh sweet summer child.
Alternative_Pool_525@reddit (OP)
I actually was for 8 years lmaoo
PuzzleheadedDuty8866@reddit
What the fuck? Can’t stand civilian life? Do you not understand what I just told you? I am living the Air Force pilot right now I’m trying to tell you this shit fucking sucks
immisternicetry@reddit
Air Force pilot that commissioned through ROTC here.
You've done all you can from a flying standpoint by having those 40 hours. Anything done outside of ROTC has literally zero bearing on your chances at this point.
From now on, it's about GPA, AFOQT/TBAS, your leadership abilities, and physical fitness test scores.
Alternative_Pool_525@reddit (OP)
Yea figured. Thanks for you input!
Itchy-Operation-896@reddit
Following. I am also pursuing this path.
DefundTheHOA_@reddit
Yeah, ok
You’ll be applying to civilian airlines quicker than you think
Alternative_Pool_525@reddit (OP)
Eh no, it’s not like I’m close to being competitive anyways on the civilian side, plus I’ll be too busy with rotc to fly for the airlines =)
Tman3355@reddit
As someone who did ROTC and flew its not too hard of a balance. Unfortunately the timing for the airforce was bad for me so I didn't get a field training selection (was onlu 50% when I went through) but on the flip side was great timing for civilian flying. Just like the civilian world getting a field training selection and or a pilot slot is all based on timing and "needs of the airforce"
Under current pro military administration though id say its a good time to shoot for the airforce. Aim high, work hard, and best of luck.
22Planeguy@reddit
Just do well in school, testing, and pt. There is no more flying you can do to help your chances. Volunteering isn't going to help directly although your det commander may consider that when they're deciding class rankings. I wouldn't do it with the goal of making your package better though.
ltcterry@reddit
If you don't get flight school out of ROTC you can instruct on the side for the four years on active duty.
Why do you call service that?
KCPilot17@reddit
No, volunteering doesn't go into your OM for AFROTC. It's test scores, GPA, CC's ranking, FT ranking and fitness scores.
See you in the right seat in about 16 years, as that's where all lines end.
rFlyingTower@reddit
This is a copy of the original post body for posterity:
I’m starting AFROTC at UMD this fall with the goal of becoming an Air Force pilot. I’m a CFII with 800 hours, and I’ve realized that civilian flying is not the path I want long term. Since I understand the PCSM only credits up to 40 flight hours, I wanted to ask if volunteering with CAP, participating in STEM flight programs, or similar leadership and service opportunities could help strengthen my chances of earning a pilot slot.
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