ARAMP1

Was actually just talking to another dude about this. Lots of airline guys have asked me why I don't transfer to a heavy guard/reserve unit that is closer to where I live. Some people enjoy the flying that we do in the airlines..I don't particularly. Don't get me wrong, it's not digging ditches or anything. It's a great job. But going to my reserve job flying the T-6 is fun. It's easy. There's no vault/studying. No deployments. Get to rage around in a little hot rod. It's the perfect reserve gig. Hell, I've been doing it so long now that I've probably forgotten more about the T-6 then I knew about the other two aircraft I was an instructor in. So what's the problem having it a dedicated reserve/guard specialty? The only thing I could come up with is that it wouldn't develop young pilots. I learned more about flying and matured more as a pilot by teaching primary students than I did teaching at the RTU. Don't know if that would really be the case AF wide. And, we're in no danger of the change happening.

So true. Plus the gross mis-management of personnel. I doubt AFPC could find their own ass with both hands. Hell, I was offered the VSP to leave and the bonus to stay in within 8 months of each other.

Another recommendation for Marty and Trident Home Loans. In the end, we went with a local bank because we got a smidge lower rate, but I would definitely recommend them any of my friends, especially first year airline guys, to check them out and see what they can do.

I decided I wanted to go to med school after separating from the AF. The only problem was that my undergrad was in math and I hadn't taken any chemistry or biology classes. So, as a captain in the AF, I started with gen chem 1 and went from there. Organic chemistry, biology, anatomy, physiology, etc. all with labs, and all taken around TDYs, deployments, and exercises. Ultimately, I ended up going to the airlines for a couple of reasons. I've seen many doctors have problems with the ACA, putting up with paperwork, insurance, etc. Plus, I had a couple surprise kids and with the new family to support, school and residency would be increasingly difficult, and realistically, I wouldn't see any real money for at least another decade. With my experience as a pilot, I could step into any major airline and start making good money right from the get-go. To answer your question, do I regret my decision...not at all. I've been an instructor pilot in three aircraft. I've flown all around the world and over every ocean. I'm honored that I was able to serve my country and my best friends have been squadronmates. And it gave me an in for a job where at a year in, I make over two times as much as I did as an O-4 on flight pay. If I was in your position, if you don't have a family, I'd go to med school and see how it worked out. I met a flight doc that didn't get into the residency he wanted so he joined the AF and flew KC135s as a line pilot. If you haven't already, head on over to https://forums.studentdoctor.net/ and read some experiences. Of course, their advice will probably be to go the pilot route. Good luck with whatever you choose!

Don't know if that's true or not, but we'd be in serious trouble to have to recall a bunch of 58-59 year olds that separated two decades prior as majors.

I can't see the bonus for RPAs increasing at all, in fact, it'll probably go away altogether. With the enlisted force taking over, the AF is going to save money.

Im looking at buying a house in the $7-800K range. I know the max for the VA loan is just over $400K. Has anyone done a conbined VA loan with an eledgible spouse? How much of a pain in the ass was it? We probably have enough to put down for a conventional loan, but i wanted to see if anyone had any thoughts.

True.

There has been more than one ATP check ride failure at Skywarrier at KPNS. Don't know if it was the DPE referenced above and don't know of the circumstances in each, but the gouge is to go elsewhere or proceed with caution.

Jack is the very definition of a good dude and I'm proud to call him my friend. Glad he made out alright with this one. Could have ended up much worse for sure, but he's always had the mad skillz, so I'm not surprised.

Complains today's leaders are more focused on the little things than the mission... Bitches about a guy in unauthorized patches.

I don't know the guy, but I've been in a couple squadrons that you could literally wear any patch you wanted. Besides wearing the Gadsden Flag and Weapons School Non-Graduate, I also sported squadron patches that I was previously in, to include being a maintenance officer for. All were in constant rotation. I suspect nobody at the NATO AWACS wing gives a shit what patches you wear.

I wouldn't have signed for $100K a year, but that's just me.

Late rated?

All this, plus depending on which airline you get on with (thinking Delta and FedEx here, but maybe more), by the time you're done with that school commitment, you could already be in the left seat.

Okay, along the same lines... Separated in October, packed up in November and moved (partial DItY) the week of Christmas. I didn't file the travel voucher and get paid until February. Should I have a travel W2? There isn't one in mypay, but turbotax seems to think I have one.

Question for the class: I had originally planned to go to med school after separating from active duty but ended up taking the easy route and getting an airline job. Now, I have the GI bill that is not being used. Does anyone know if I can use it towards getting a seaplane or helicopter rating even though I already have an ATP? I was thinking of burning it on that or something like a masters degree in beer brewing or distilling.

Agreed, however I would include location or locations in the part that I don't know about. I'll pass along his contact info to anyone who is interested.

I'm posting this for a good friend of mine who is a former Marine Cobra pilot. I don't know much about what the actual job entails other than it's an office job that pays 6 figures plus benefits. He specifically said they were looking for recently separated or retired AF Osprey pilots. If you're interested and/or want more info, drop me a private message and I'll pass along his contact info.

If you've flown the BACN and know their way of scheduling, I'm sure you could answer that question pretty easily.

It's all good until you can't turn it off. https://theaviationist.com/2014/08/13/bacn-supports-air-strike-afghanistan/#disqus_thread

I just checked my vMPF rack (STS) and it includes a Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, though I was part of the unit when we earned it. Looks like it wasn't updated. It's probably going to be an asspain now that I'm separated and already have a DD214.