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Well, after the Welsh hype = zero results, I'm willing to support a non-pilot type. We gotta do something different.

When I asked "where is butters", this is exactly what I was looking for.

Disagree, my AMU graduate degree has served me well. My company even paid for it, despite the fact that I already had one from active duty... Disagree all you want. You're a GS/contractor working for the military somehow are you not? I'm honestly not sure, but if I'm right, then there's virtually no difference. Real companies, not one full of a bunch of retired military guys wouldn't look twice at AMU. You can tell yourself they're great all you want. It's still a for profit garbage school. YMMV, there are always exceptions to the rule...

Folks, If you are considering an ETP, this is the best road map anyone will provide. The process is completely independent of the medical route and, in fact, won't occur until medical waivers have been exhausted. The key is to have people with clout support you. Thanks to ptwob408 for taking the time to post.

My SR's slides said... I/APZ: 50% DP BPZ: 10% DP Overall: 84% promotion opportunity

Because you haven't yet actually had a venous thrombus event (to your knowledge), you're in a much better category if you indeed do have this deficiency. The deficiency alone is just a risk factor for Thrombophilia, but it's probably enough to require a waiver. Read these MSD excerpts of "disqualifying" conditions: Remember "disqualifying" doesn't mean the Air Force will throw you out the door as soon as it's discovered. It just means a waiver and further consideration is necessary. Though the title isn't totally accurate, the Waiver Guide entry for "Deep Venous Thrombosis/Pulmonary Embolism" is most applicable to you. Whether you will require anticoagulant therapy will be the deciding factor in your waiver consideration. I imagine you'll be categorized as having a "Transient Risk Factor," meaning certain actions will increase your likelihood to experience a VTE. Thus you'd only be DNIF'd in response to things like major surgery, trauma/bone fractures, etc. You'd already get DNIF'd for such events, but the DNIF would last longer. But what do I know? You haven't been tested yet for anticardiolipin antibodies, lupus anticoagulant factor, protein C, protein S, factor V Leiden, prothrombin gene mutation, and antithrombin III. I don't have access to your medical records. You might be mis-remembering whether you've had a VTE. Or not. Get tested, and go from there. For the FAA, damned if I know, but I can't imagine it would be anything other than more lenient than the AF. Every interaction I've ever experienced with FAA clearances is how ridiculously low the bar has been placed.

Disclaimer, I'm an active duty guy, but I have plenty of bros in the guard unit that augments us that have been through the guard process. Looks like you've got a competitive package, so don't wait to apply since you're already 27. And also don't limit yourself to only 1 guard unit and only C-130s. Beggars can't be choosers right now when it comes to getting a UPT slot. Find out who's hiring, go visit those units, be a bro, and I think you've got a good shot at getting picked up. Also, I've heard a rumor that there are "un-assigned" guard/reserve UPT spots that are going unclaimed. I was told that if you get one of those spots, you go to UPT, and then a guard unit will take you afterwards. I don't know all the ins and outs of that, but its something to look in to if you're really serious about going to UPT. Hope that helps.

If you want options...your best bet is the ACSC online masters program (OLMP). Very low time requirement and very easy to work into a demanding flying schedule, squadron job, and deploying multiple times a year. It will also cost you zero dollars, unless you decide to buy the course books, and then it will cost you about $80 total. It will also leave you available to get a good MBA or other MS/MA as desired for post-AF employment.

Not directly on topic, but applies to the discussion I think. Last UTA, my Reserve base just had a visit from the AFRC/A3 to brief the ARTs on retention. The picture did not look good, and they are bouncing any potential ideas to (1) keep the current ARTs attracted to stay, and (2) continue attracting potential baby ARTs. The core problem from my perspective is a simple numbers game. The older ARTs who already have 20+ years of federal service are doing the math (adding 1% for each additional year to the already secured civilian retirement vs. starting an airline career in their 40s). The potential new ARTs are doing even more lopsided calculations where they'd had to stick it out for 20 years as an ART to realize any retirement, vs the beauty of starting an airline career possibly in their late 20s. There is no golden carrot that a government job could possible offer that counters becoming a millionaire while progressively working less for more money. As a former Active Duty pilot, I'll say that the great thing (which totally works against AFRC) about the Reserves is the openness in which we discuss careers options that ACTUALLY benefit ourselves and our families. We have airline cockpit posters up all over the squadron, most of the TRs fly for major airline X, the TR squadron commanders are airline guys. So the discussion about doing what's best for your family is open and honest. On AD, these conversations do not exist. Every pilot with the potential to jump is playing those cards close to the vest until the very end due to overbearing leadership forcing everyone to project a false facade of loyalty to the company. It's total bullshit, with fake "support" coming from AD commanders that everyone knows is not genuine. There is not one person in my Reserve unit that would ever say "Oh, FedEx just called you? Before you take the interview, let's talk about how wonderful your ART job is and the impact on the unit if you left." All (including commanders) would actually say "You're an idiot if you don't take the interview and the job if offered. That's what I would do."

Alright my main question is if you guys recommend going to a course that is only a couple of days and only provides one flight and a checkride? Or is that a risky move considering you barely know how to fly the plane at that point? I am trying to decide which ATP practical program is right for me and I have read through the entire threat here and on Airline Pilot Forums and talked to several of the companies as well. It seems that the amount of money and flying training you get varies widely between these companies. Also, this is obviously a check the box type of activity, so I really want the cheapest and fastest way to get it done without failing my checkride (which I imagine is exactly what most people want). I am not using the GI Bill because I want to save it and it doesn't seem like a good use of a bunch of months of benefits. These are the companies I have compared which would be close to where I live in the Northeast: All ATPs: (nearest location for me is Trenton, NJ) - they do roughly 10 hours of flight training and it costs about $5000. No thank you. Higher Power Aviation (HPA Training - Dallas - get a 737 type rating (personally I am not interested in spending that much money or spending that much time). Accessible Aviation - Columbus AFB - not interested in dealing with "crazy carl" judging from the feedback on the forums. Sanders Aviation - Alabama - approximately $3500. Good reviews but far from where I live and about the same amount of money as places closer in the northeast. Downtown Aviation - Memphis - quoted 1600-1800 and you get it done in two flights and two days. Seems like the best deal for time and money. Hortman Aviation - Philadelphia - Typically 6-12 hours of flying time - they said to expect $3500ish and about a week of training. Middle River Aviation - Baltimore - I am told they are about $3500 as well, and I have heard a lot of guys going there recently - also something about them basically guaranteeing you will get it? Not sure if that is true. Boston guy - the mythical guy that no one can get in touch with. Seems to be a great deal if you can. I don't have his price details or contact information though...Please PM me if you do!! So my question to you all is this: Why would anyone spend $3500 and more time to do any of these programs other than one like Downtown Aviation? For those of yu who have done Downtown or any other really abbreviated course, should I be concerned about failing my checkride due to lack of preparation? I am a C-17 IP with pretty much no civilian flying experience. The courses that cost $3500 provide hours more in flight instruction....is this recommended or not necessary? Bottom line....I want an ATP and don't want to fail my first attempt. If that costs $3500 than so be it, but I don't want to waste my time or money. Thanks for the help!