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Officer Life

U

UpSidEdown777

Applicant
To be honest, I don't know what's wrong with Helo's. Basically, all I know is fixed wing. I own an Exceed RC Falcon 40 helicopter and understand the principle aerodynamics of helo's and they are really amazing. I suppose my biggest issue will be the lack of jobs available as a helo pilot vs fixed wing (when I get out). However, maybe that's because I've only searched for civilian fixed wing jobs. Which brings up a good point. What do helo pilots do for work when they get out? Not like they have an easy time converting their helo time at 75% or whatever the airline will take. Do you guys have to start out at a regional or something?
 
BlackBearHockey

BlackBearHockey

go blue...
UpSidEdown777 said:
To be honest, I don't know what's wrong with Helo's. Basically, all I know is fixed wing. I own an Exceed RC Falcon 40 helicopter and understand the principle aerodynamics of helo's and they are really amazing. I suppose my biggest issue will be the lack of jobs available as a helo pilot vs fixed wing (when I get out). However, maybe that's because I've only searched for civilian fixed wing jobs. Which brings up a good point. What do helo pilots do for work when they get out? Not like they have an easy time converting their helo time at 75% or whatever the airline will take. Do you guys have to start out at a regional or something?
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1. I can't tell if your matchbox car helicopter reference was a joke or not.

2. You're already worried about what you're going to do when you get out of the Navy, when you're not even in it. Are you looking to start the clock when you get your wings or what? I understand that looking down the road is important, but one step at a time much?
 
red_ryder

red_ryder

Well-Known Member
None
UpSidEdown777 said:
To be honest, I don't know what's wrong with Helo's. Basically, all I know is fixed wing. I own an Exceed RC Falcon 40 helicopter and understand the principle aerodynamics of helo's and they are really amazing. I suppose my biggest issue will be the lack of jobs available as a helo pilot vs fixed wing (when I get out). However, maybe that's because I've only searched for civilian fixed wing jobs. Which brings up a good point. What do helo pilots do for work when they get out? Not like they have an easy time converting their helo time at 75% or whatever the airline will take. Do you guys have to start out at a regional or something?
Click to expand...

I thought you didn't want to fly for an airline? :confused:

UpSidEdown777 said:
I don't want to fly for an airline. I'm just posing viable options for when I get out. I would much rather fly for the Navy.
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Spekkio

Spekkio

He bowls overhand.
BlackBearHockey said:
1. I can't tell if your matchbox car helicopter reference was a joke or not.

2. You're already worried about what you're going to do when you get out of the Navy, when you're not even in it. Are you looking to start the clock when you get your wings or what? I understand that looking down the road is important, but one step at a time much?
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Just a general question for the pilot guys: if you're already half way to retirement once your commitment is up, why not go the distance?

To OP: not to sound cheesy, but you can do whatever you want when you get out of the Navy no matter what job you have. Having military flight time might make it a bit easier to transition to a civilian pilot job, but it's not a requirement.

Also, here's a hint no one else has told you: there are quite a few threads that detail the life of a Navy pilot. Check the stickies, and use the search ;).
 
A4sForever

A4sForever

BTDT OLD GUY
pilot
Contributor
UpSidEdown777 said:
....... does life as I know it totally change? Basically, I am asking what it feels like to be a Naval aviation officer. I'm not looking for a bunch of sarcasm. ....
Click to expand...

I could tell you, but my consulting fees are $250/hour. :eek:

The sarcasm, however .... is free. :)
 
HH-60H

HH-60H

Manager
pilot
Contributor
Spekkio said:
Just a general question for the pilot guys: if you're already half way to retirement once your commitment is up, why not go the distance?
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At least on the helo side, I would say most people don't make it to 10 by the time the commitment is up.
 
U

UpSidEdown777

Applicant
I don't want to fly for the airlines right away. I'd rather fly with the Navy and eventually meet ATP mins. at which point I could go straight to a major airline when I'm out of the Navy. Isn't that what most people do unless they go career (retire)?

No I am not joking about my helicopter!!! What is so funny about it? I think it's awesome. It's got full cyclic and collective control.

As far as looking too far ahead goes, I'd rather not commit 10 years of my life with even the slightest bit of ignorance but thanks for your concern. So anyways, anyone have insight as to what people do for jobs when they leave the Navy with a bunch of helo hours?
 
M

MasterBates

Well-Known Member
I would have been at under 10 years and that's including the year and a half I scammed on BDCP.

Now, I will be at 13 years when my new commitment is up, and its a whole new calculus on that.

Its a tough call, a lot depends on how much ass I kick in my new community. If I am doing well and having fun, I will ride it to the end and concede giving the Manatee her 12%.

If I am enjoying flying, but want to try something else, the reserves is an option. (and cuts the Manatee out for 20 more years while not losing all my retirement)

If I somehow get sick of flying totally, I could just jump to the Civ world. Military officer leadership experience goes a long way, so I have been told.
 
Spekkio

Spekkio

He bowls overhand.
I don't get the Manatee reference, but thanks for the response.

Isn't a pilot commitment 9 years? Considering all the bonuses + retirement benefits the Navy shells out (or so I was told), it just seemed surprising that people would quit when they're halfway there or more.
 
Dirty

Dirty

Registered abUser
pilot
None
Contributor
In my infinite wisdom of 8 posts, this has all the dribblings of someone who wants the "A" without the homework. Good luck in the movie business IKE. I know someone who could get you a deal on an RV when your 60 if you'd like to put a down payment on it....

Jobs that jets/props/helos guys do: Cheetah's bouncer, dry cell battery tester, riverboat captain and where I plan to go... Home Depot

Life is fluid my man, so what, the Navy will own you for 8 years... A paycheck and sense of purpose beat a cubicle
 
U

UpSidEdown777

Applicant
It's 10 years with flight school. An "8 year commitment of active duty." Although I'm not sure it's different for helicopters?????????
 
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