Need advice - accept pilot or stay aero engineer?

[johnpauljones1776]

8 months go by, finally I get a job offer with Boeing, working on B-52 CERP right now, moving to Phantom Works projects soon. Fucking cubicle office job, but fun defense programs.

I was in a similar situation as you around 4 years ago also in aerospace, I definitely don't regret taking the SNA spot, feel free to PM me if you want specifics

It's hard to find guidance/mentors for this. I can't find anyone who went pilot and pivoted back to advanced engineering.

You really haven't look hard enough into test pilot school

 

[IKE]

So I already replied here, but I missed your comment about flying then pivoting back to advanced engineering. Yes, TPS is a way to get there, but also I think it's important for you to understand that Naval aviation is not a blue-collar job.

• The fleet is doing more and more with rapid prototypes and other small projects.
• Every combat platform is a complex system, and aircrew with technical acumen can make a big impact
• There are other technical opportunities on shore tours: WTIs are doing technical work, there are DARPA fellowships, etc.

All of that is to say it's not an either-or. Yes flight school will be focused on practical knowledge, but after that you'll have a chance to get nerdy.

 

[Gengar88]

i can't tell everyone how appreciative I am to those who gave their 2 cents on this. Between here and a few other forum sites, I managed to get the experienced opinion of more ex-military pilots/pilot to engineers, than I thought was possible.

 

[zippy]

I just got the call from my recruiter for SNA! I think I have to turn him down though.
Anyone want to help talk me out of it?

I earned my BS in aerospace engineering last year, 200k in loan debt. I did everything to find a job, very rough market, and was forced to consider joining the military. I only applied to the best job, aviator.

8 months go by, finally I get a job offer with Boeing, working on B-52 CERP right now, moving to Phantom Works projects soon. Fucking cubicle office job, but fun defense programs.

Not even 3 months in with this company and my Navy recruiter dangles the pilot slot in front of me...
Initially I applied to the military because I had no other choice. I'm a high achiever, and when a peak is in sight I have to climb it. I never thought about the Military before. Now that I know that peak exists, I'd beat the shit out of myself if I passed it up - especially if I get stuck in an office job.

Long term goals are to work on new liquid fueled rocket engines/advanced propulsion. Push the envelope in aerospace, R&D. Maybe conducting tests. I want something more hands-on, less time in the office. I want PPE on, standing behind a heat shield watching something explode or work.

If both roads can lead to the same career goals, I'm taking the more adventurous scenic route.

Then the real crux is my girlfriend - she has career goals and dreams too. She's a pilot wanting to get into aerial firefighting, and while she's considering joining as a pilot with me to get to her goal afterward, what if she doesn't get accepted?

I can't tell if the regret of passing this up is worse than the regret of losing her/ruining her career dreams. I'm also worried I'll stay civilian and resent her - a lot hinges on her decision with this.

It's hard to find guidance/mentors for this. I can't find anyone who went pilot and pivoted back to advanced engineering.

Thoughts?

A Boeing or other Aerospace defense job will always be there.

Take the SNA slot and go on mil leave. You can always return to Boeing if it doesn’t work out, or after you get out.

 

[ChuckMK23]

The time of life you are in right now is exactly the time to make big bets on yourself.

There is zero downside to pursuing SNA with gusto. Congratulations on being accepted.

Don't be a pussy. Go do great things.