Becoming a pilot - should I join the military? (Read)?

Question

I have a few questions

I understand that airlines luv to hire pilots that have flown jets in the military, but my dad is currently working on the P-8A Poseidon which is a 737 that the military will use to hunt subs. I want to know, If I get a four-year degree and then join, can I garauntee that I will fly the P-8A or not? Can I choose?

If I fly the P-8A 737, then when I try to get hired by the airlnies will this improve my chances? -Because I didn't have experience flying jets, but a 737, so how would they see this? Would they like it, or not care...? I want to get my degree & enter the military to really improve my chances of getting hired, but I want to know if flying a military 737 will help.

My dad says that when you join the military, they make you do this thing where you take like a 2-year course, and if you fail like one test or anything just once, they will not let you continue your training but will make you stay in the military for 6 years and do crappy jobs. True?

Answer 1

You don't get to choose aircraft category or type. You could end up flying props or helicopters, for example. Or whatever. The Reserves/Guard sounds like maybe a good deal, as far as military avenues, except they've been deployed a lot in recent years.

Answer 2

Airlines do not love to hire pilots who have flown jets in the military.

There is no guarantee that you will fly the airplane types that you want to fly.  It is likely that you will not fly what you want to fly.  The military's necessities and preferences, not your preferences, will guide those decisions.

Military 737 flight time will help, but you might well have to get experience also in commuter or regional flying before a major air carrier will be interested.

If you don't make it through flight training you get assigned to whatever they need you to do.  If you joined only to fly then you will be unhappy.  In fact, you will be unhappy there anyway, because you are only interested in military flying as a stepping stone--not because you like flying there.

Answer 3

If you go into the military after college, you will go in as an officer. Which is a slight higher rank as a recruit. You get to mark down what you want to do. Actually, being an aviator is only an option for officers and other higher ranks. I'm assuming you want to go into the Air Force because the Navy doesn't have these 737s. Usually, if they let you fly they will let you choose between fixed wing or helicopters. If you choose fixed wing you can put a preference between fighter jets and the cargo planes. The airlines don't really care what plane you fly. They like you from the military because they know you have intergrity and you're an honest person and loyal employee. Remeber, if you go into the military after college most likley they're going to pay for your college, but this means that you owe them time after college. Usually 8-10 years. But also, you would be flying regional for 8-10 years if you didn't go into the military. But after the military you can go straight to the majors because you will have all your turbine time.

          I've been thinking about joining the military or just going to the regionals after college. I would joing the Navy because I'm a Navy grandson. I also love carriers. You get payed like c**p, but you get dental/health care, military housing, etc.

Answer 4

I do not know where people get this from, but airlines give no special treatment to military pilots.

I have two retired colonels in my family who fly airliners and they both regret signing up because they consider it a waste of there lives and they are now 15-20 years behind other guys their age in seniority. One is a first officer and he routinely flies with captains who are half his age. He is not pleased.

The training is incredibly hard, only extremely hard headed people make it through.

If you were to just go to a part 141 flight school you would be far better off. Getting a degree isnt necessary until you get into the national airlines. Regionals dont care.

Answer 5

You have gotten some good answers, but I just have a suggestion.  You should become friends with Comair, as I believe he is about your age and you both have a lot in common.  Perhaps you can compare notes and help each other research some of your questions.

As far as your question, joining the military is a great idea, even if you end up flying something the airlines don't even fly.  Military flight experience is very good, and they give you something few other places will.  That something is contacts.  You will make a lot of good friends in the service, and that is the most helpful thing you will have to get a good flying job later.  Another place is in college, and ROTC while in college.  Making good aviation friends is probably the one thing that will help you the most in this business.  So, if you can get the degree and meet the requirements, I would definitely join the service.  Good luck to you.

Answer 6

Joining the military isn't worth it...save yourself a lot of time , money , and health. You don't get to choose what you fly , just as in the airlines. The P-8A is probably not going to be around by the time you ll want to join. The Regional's are starting to have a pilot shortage , which is true , their aren't enough qualified pilots today to suite their needs.You have to sign a contract with the military and serve for some years , no matter what. By the way most people in USAF aren't pilots , only a small part are , most others are mechanics , computer/technology personnel.The Regional's are already lowering their hiring minima....rack up your multi time and IFR.

I've taken the College path.....it's up to you , but I think air force isn't worth it.

Your not taking lessons now , but with this d**n recession 100LL is fu*&ing  skyrocketing .

Answer 7

Right now the major airlines like or prefer military personnel but that may change in the years to come but I doubt it. The reasons why I will not go in to. Dogg is talking about his Uncles who apparently retired from the military. A military retirement and flying for a major airline, I think that would be great.To me serving your country is not a waste of time, and that is my advice to you, join if you want to serve your country first and then as a pilot secondly.

The military will guarantee you flight school but as your dad said if you fail any part of the required tests you could find yourself in a job for a 6-8 year commitment doing something you don't care for. Also they will tell you if you finish first in your class you can pick what ever you want to fly. That is true to a point, you get to pick what is available when your class graduates. Maybe they need 30 P-8A pilots and 20 F-22 pilots when your class graduates or they might need 50 helicopter pilots when your class graduates. So as you can see you may not like the selections that are available when the time comes to choose and you will have to choose something.

The military will give you an advantage in getting hired by a major airline if you fly just about anything except maybe helicopters but maybe it still would. Even if you where enlisted you would have an advantage over a non military person with the same qualifications i.e. ATP with 2-3 thousand hours and a 4 yr. degree. But it really is all about timing, having the right qualifications at the time airlines are hiring. Don't go into the military just to improve your chances of being hired by an airline, do it if you want to serve your country. There are no guarantees in anything. Listen to your Dad, he is looking out for your best interest.

The P-8A Poseidon is going to be a Navy aircraft(replacing the P-3 Orion for those who don't know.) Tell your dad that I just read where the fusealage had just been completed and keep up the good work. FLY NAVY.

Answer 8

Essence is you trust the opinion of people here, who you don't know. more than your father.

That raises a few issues but the important one is you have to do your own research.  

I hope you can come to terms with your father.  It sounds like he's paid his dues and wants an easy route for you.  While you chose to doubt.

Source:  Been a Son and a Father

Good Luck