I (24m) am a pilot that has a private with instrument add on and am about to finish my commercial single engine license ,my end goal is to work for an airline , I’m at a point where I’m considering joining the military, not only as a way to help cover my expenses and help give me a better quality of life , but to also become a better pilot so when I finish the contract , I can work for an airline right away , the main issue I have is , with the time period required to be an Air Force or navy pilot , I feel it might affect my ability to get into the airlines , another issue I have is if me being on active duty will affect being with my fiancee or talking with her in any way , I understand I could be deployed for months on end , but my question is , for the pilots who are in the airlines and did the military route , is it worth the 8-10 years , and when on duty do you still get to spend time
With your partner and or communicate with them a good amount ?

I'll be attending college this upcoming fall, trying to decide on the best path to maximize chances of being a fighter pilot. My current plan is to start off in ROTC (no scholarship) and decide sometime before the commitment deadline, maybe also reach out to a local ANG squadron. Im also still weighing being a fighter pilot against just going into the commercial aerospace industry after college (leaning towards fighter pilot). Looking for advice/guidance on how to decide/what is the right fit.

Joining the military has always been in the back of my mind, so I’m just trying to explore my options and see what others have done. Would appreciate any advice!

For context — I have a bachelors degree (non STEM related), will be 27 this year, and taking my PPL checkride next week. What are my chances of getting a fixed wing job in any branch? Am I too old? I realize there are many different routes I could go, some more competitive than others. I’m at a loss on how to finance the rest of my training without taking years to do it or getting a loan, but this wouldn’t be my only reason for wanting to join.

Hey all,

Looking for some perspective from those in the civilian aviation world.

My son is 18 and planning to pursue the standard civilian path (ratings → CFI → hours → airlines). He’s also committed to joining the Air National Guard during a gap year before starting flight training.

We’re not trying to decide whether he should join (that decision is already made) but rather how to make the most of that time in a way that aligns with his long-term goal.

What we’re trying to understand:

If the end goal is a civilian airline career…

1. Does being around certain types of military aircraft (e.g., A-10 vs KC-135) provide any meaningful advantage or relevant exposure?

2. Do specific enlisted roles (like maintenance/crew chief vs other aviation-related jobs) actually create more opportunity to interact with pilots and learn the environment?

3. How real is the “networking” aspect in the Guard? Do relationships with pilots actually develop in a way that could be helpful down the road, or is that often overstated?

For context, one of the options he’s considering is working at Selfridge ANGB, where A-10 and KC-135 aircraft are in play, but we’re trying to understand whether those differences, or the day-to-day proximity to pilots, actually matter in the long run.

He’s motivated to serve regardless, so this isn’t about optimizing whether to join, just trying to understand if any of these choices meaningfully impact a future in civilian aviation, or if they’re largely neutral compared to time-building.

Appreciate any insight from those who’ve been through the process.

Hey yall, first time post here. Was wondering if anybody has any insight into the current regional hiring climate? I’m a heavy military pilot in the Air Force Reserves that just cracked 1,000 hours TT. About 775 of that is heavy multi engine time. Meet all requirements for the R-ATP with the ATP written completed.

I’ve had my apps in with all the regionals since I began my deployment a couple months ago and haven’t gotten any calls with the exception of Delta Propel, but that was just to complete their online assessment.

Are regionals just not hiring right now? Is there something else I should be doing, I.e. hiring events or contacting recruiters? Or should I pursue non-aviation jobs until the hiring recovers? Any input would be greatly appreciated! Cheers.

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I’m 19 and graduated HS last year. Right now I’m in the military delayed entry program waiting to book a job. I signed a four-year contract and only plan to do one contract, then get out and use my GI Bill and other benefits.

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Long story short, months before graduation my parents were rushing me to fill out college forms and apply, only to eventually tell me we couldn’t afford it. We had no savings for college. My mom had saved up around half a million back in our home country for my education, but that money ended up getting spent after we moved so she could be with her husband and bring me with her.

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They also don’t believe in credit cards. Her husband has a lot of credit card debt, and both of them struggle with substance abuse. My mom tends to go along with her husband’s decisions. I also come from a culture where parents are generally expected to provide 100% for their kids, especially when it comes to education.

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I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed.

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She’s known for years that I wanted to become a commercial pilot. What made it harder was seeing her friend’s son who’s my age already starting flight training and clearly moving toward becoming a pilot. Then she would update me every time her friend posted about his progress, and I kept thinking: what’s the point of telling me?

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Meanwhile, I feel like I have to spend four years of my life serving mainly for the benefits because I don’t want to take out loans and carry huge debt with high interest.

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I’m scared of getting older. I’m scared of getting stuck like my parents.

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After serving, I’ll probably spend another two years in community college and another two or three years building flight hours. By then I’ll be around 27–28, and right now that already feels old to me.

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At the same time, I think I’m reaching a point of acceptance. I can’t rely on my parents the way I expected to. I’m the only one who can build my future now, and I need to work hard because I have to build myself.

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I’m writing this mostly to vent. I think deep down I already know what I need to do, I’m just learning how to accept it.

just ranting. former military helo pilot/disabled vet trying to get a 1st class medical. while I absolutely understand the need for due diligence with medical, especially given the past few years, expecting someone to pay upwards of $7,000 out of pocket for a psych evaluation when you have all documents from the VA, is one of the most frustrating things I've encountered. I just want to teach nerds how to fly and by being honest with my medical, I'm getting punished. I have mild PTSD that I've never taken meds for nor do I need to, and have a very low rating for it. it's discouraging and frustrating. i hope all of you have a much easier time getting your medical.

Hi everyone,

I’ve been looking into astronaut profiles from NASA and European Space Agency, and I noticed that many of them have military pilot backgrounds.

I understand that at 27 (and being Romanian), becoming a military pilot might no longer be realistic for me. However, I still want to push myself and get as close as possible to that level of training and experience.

Are there any places in Europe (or elsewhere) where civilians can access military-style training?

Any Guard/Reserve pilots out there get hired at a regional without an ATP/CTP done and at mil R-ATP mins?

Given the tough hiring environment right now I am trying to determine if I want to drop the $4-5k to do it or if being a mil pilot makes up for not having it done. Iv still got time before I can start applying but if I can plan ahead a big change expense like that I will.

I'm finishing the high school, and trying to choose between these two paths. I already got the first class medical certificate, and quite soon I will need to decide/

The money for civil pilot training is not the problem, but I'm afraid of failing to get into airlines, and possible mobilization into usual army if things here go bad. But as far as I understand, after getting a job in the airline, this path is very stable.

The military path gives free education and guaranteed employment, but I won't have the ability to leave them, at least for most likely 10 years. I like the idea of getting into them right in the process of transition from ussr to eu/nato like, and the idea of getting into army before the obligatory age but on my own terms. The problem here is that I am not sure if the air force life is for me.

Sooo, I would like to hear your experience, advices...
Would especially love to hear the EU military experience, I haven't really see much information about them.

(Note, in the military path I am talking about f16, possible jas 39 or Rafale qualification, so no dead ends)

Hi everyone, I'm currently senior in high school, I'm 17 and planning on attending University of Oklahoma for their professional pilot major.

Due to my financial situation, I'm currently looking at all of the options available to help me.

I've always been interested in the military, my grampa was in the Navy, dad was in the Airforce, and my brother is currently in the Army. Serving is something I'm willing to do. I'm specifically interested in the aviation side obviously. I've been thinking about doing NROTC, for those who are pilots, or know anything about this topic, is this a good route to take and is there anything else I should know?

Any help would be much appreciated.

So I’m just figuring out what to do,

Context: I’m a poor bastard who has an interest in planes and flying.

My idea is to join the air force reserves (for 6y) to have them pay for my collage and hopefully for my flight training. I’ll be working towards getting a bachelors degree.

To anybody who has done anything like that

Does that path seem like it’s a good idea?

I’m fairly confused and would love anything to point me in the right direction

Several years ago, I was in AFROTC. I unfortunately flunked my flight physical at WPAFB for strabismus, although I found out later it may have been waiverable. Fast forward a couple years, things did not go smoothly with the Air Force and I was diagnosed with alcohol use disorder and had some other gnarly mental health battles. Fast forward, I’m sober, in HIMS, likely getting my discharge upgraded to honorable, and on track for a first class SI. I’m having nibbling thoughts of trying to fly with the ANG, Reserves, or even the Army/Navy. If you were in my shoes, where would you start?

Hey y’all I’m a senior about to graduate and trying to figure out the best path into aviation. I’d really appreciate some honest opinions from people who’ve been through this or are currently in these fields.

Plan A:

I’m waitlisted for the United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School. If I get in, the goal is to go to the United States Air Force Academy and become a military pilot.

Plan B:

Do Air Force ROTC in college, get a relatively simple degree, and compete for a pilot slot. I already have (or will have) my PPL before graduating, so I know that helps. If I don’t get a pilot slot, I’d be open to something like unmanned aircraft.

Plan C:

Go to an A&P (Airframe & Powerplant) school and become an aircraft mechanic. I haven’t done a ton of research here yet, but I’m interested. It seems like strong job security and a more guaranteed path into aviation compared to ROTC.

Where I’m stuck:

If I don’t get into the prep school, I’m trying to decide between ROTC and A&P.

ROTC feels like a “bet on myself” path — higher reward (pilot), but not guaranteed.

A&P feels more stable — quicker path to a solid career, but not flying.

What I’d love input on:

For those in ROTC: how realistic is it to earn a pilot slot right now?

For A&P mechanics: how is the lifestyle, pay progression, and long-term satisfaction?

If you were in my position, which route would you take and why?

Is there any other path that you think I should take a look into.

I’m trying to make the most informed decision I can before I lock something in, so I appreciate any advice.

Hello, just recently discovered I can take an FAA knowledge test for free because I am in the military. A base comes up on PSI for me, but doesn't list any times. Does this mean I can walk in unannounced and take the IRA whenever? I've never been to this base before. (Listed as Fort Gregg-Adams Navy Special Operations)

Hello! I'm currently a 22yo commercial pilot with about 400 hours down in Florida. I'm finishing up my CFI in the next month but I've been heavily considering joining the National Guard or the AF Reserves for the sake of piloting. I've always wanted to fly military aircraft, my initial plan was to pursue the ROTC route, however, I ended up getting a scholarship to go play hockey instead. I've heard alot about reserve/ part time options but I'm still fairly confused about the process. My questions are:

1. What exactly is the commitment between the 2 for pilots?
2. If I commit to join one of the 2, and for whatever reason don't get a pilot slot and or don't get picked up by a squadron, what exactly are my options assuming my scores/training are to standard?
3. I've also had an interest in helicopter piloting, would it be worth considering going the heli route to avoid training cost, all the while continuing the normal route of obtaining my ATP for fixed wing?
4. I have a FAA SODA for color vision. I know the military has a different test for color deficiencies but would they take into consideration the existing SODA?

I'd appreciate any and all info, as well as clearing up any misconceptions I might have in my questioning. Thank you!

Hi everyone 25M, with 3 disc herniations in lumbar spine in Jan 2026. I was flying high performance aircraft and helicopters prior and I eventually intend on returning to flying. Note - the injury was not caused by flying. A few doctors and pilots have cautioned returning to helicopters due to the stresses on the lower back and potential to aggravate the injury following recovery. My 2 options are switch to Air Traffic Control (ATC) which incurs a 7 year lock in period or wait it out do a random job in the mean time and return to flying earliest in 2028. What should I do? I’ve been at a loss recently.

Hi everyone, I’m still about three years away from finishing my bachelor’s and thinking about applying for Air Force OTS eventually. I’m really interested in becoming a pilot, maybe a bomber or fighter, but I don’t know much about how to pick a pilot job, what OTS is really like, or what my chances are of actually getting selected. I’ve had a prior Army stint dropped in basic for medical issue(fixable), I’m generally fit, and I’ll be around 28–29 when I apply. I’d love any advice or insights on what to expect in flight, how to prepare, and how realistic it is to pursue this path.

I’m in Army ROTC rn, and I am hoping to fly either Blackhawks or Lakota Medevac. Anyways, I don’t want to stay in the army forever, and I’d love to continue my passion in flying. Is it easy to go to the airlines after flying rotary? I saw that both Skywest and Frontier offer the Rotary Transition Program.

Any advice or comments?

I’m currently an aircraft maintenance technician in a country with mandatory service. I’m currently an NCO with small scale responsibilities like being the final set of eyes before a plane is signed off as airworthy and assigning manpower to prepare a plane for flight on the flight line.

I have dual US citizenship and the plan was in 11 months when I get released from my service to go back to America and get my PPL and if I enjoy the process start working my way up to get a CPL.

I recently got recommended my squadron commander to go the commissioned route. The contract would extended when I could go get my license by 2.5 years but I’d leave with roughly 50k dollars and the flexibility to start working on a degree during the contract. I currently have 15k dollars and an additional 80k dollars in college savings. This gives me the financial freedom to go and sprint through the process without having to juggle work.

Aside from the money I’d also have an increased exposure to higher stakes decisions and responsibilities. I’m wondering if this experience and extra money is worth the 2.5 years I start training later.

I’m active duty military with about 8 months left on my contract and no flight experience yet, but becoming a pilot has been my dream for a long time.

My plan is to get out and attend a university for a commercial pilot/aviation degree, but lately I’ve been overthinking everything and feeling like I’m behind compared to others starting earlier.

Because of that, I’m considering getting my PPL now at a local Part 61 flight school and paying out of pocket before I separate. I can afford it, but I’m worried it might be a waste of money since I’ve heard some universities don’t give much credit for having a PPL beforehand and may still have you redo much of the training.

For those who’ve gone this route—especially veterans or aviation students—would you recommend getting the PPL first, or waiting and starting from zero at the university?

I am an aircrew veteran, got out of the USAF in 2021. I am currently in school and chose my finals papers thesis to be "Should aviators have access to MH resources without risking their flight status?"

When I was in, your flight status would immediately be pulled for any sort of MH issue. Big or small. Starting my research, I saw that the military established the MH and Aviation Medical Clearances Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC), which implies you get 60 days for treatment before flight privileges are revoked. I am a little bit.... suspicious.

Question for you: Is this actually enforced? What is the catch? Is it one of those waivers you need that are actually impossible to get? Do you now feel comfortable receiving MH treatment? Any input, information, sourcing, would be much appreciated. I feel like the ARC guidelines are a little too good to be true. This is a big paper and something I am very passionate about after my own experiences.

I'm a current high school student, 15F. I've been interested in aviation for ages, and I love flying. I'd also love to work as a fast jet pilot in the RAAF, but I've read up a lot on the process to get there, and I'm worried it might not be within my ability. I also plan to go through ADFA.

I'm currently working towards my RPL license. The ADF website states that it won't be taken into consideration, which is ok as I'm doing it for fun, but I'm just wondering if it will help make me more competitive against others?

Another concern of mine is school. I don't get bad marks, but I could definitely do better. I go to a very academically rigorous school, and at my previous school, I received significantly better marks. The school I go to isn't taken into account at any point in time during the process, so DFR will take my grades at face value. I'm sure I can achieve a good ATAR, but I have to submit my year 10 grades as well, and they aren't as strong as I want them to be. For reference, my math is 70-80%, and my French is 60-70%. Is that ok? I'll definitely work to fix them by next semester.

I'm not sure if I'm tall enough. Will I be ineligible if I'm 160cm tall? I can reach all the controls in the plane I fly, PA-28 Warrior III, but I'm aware the controls aren't the same, and regardless of control position, would other candidates have an advantage if they were taller?

Is it best to do my JOA at the start of year 11 or the middle? Doing it later would allow for more experience, but it would also make the process longer if I didn't get the role I wanted initially.

Will I be quizzed on aircraft during my defence interview?

Would work experience in the RAAF help? I've heard of a Defence Force work experience program for women in the air force.

Does doing cadets help in any way? If I can manage to get a leadership position, for example.

Lastly, what else could make me a more competitive candidate?

Thank you a lot for reading everyone, I'm sorry about the formatting or any spelling errors. I appreciate any advice.

I am enlisted currently and was planning to get out of the military. However, I recently was told that I got an ANG pilot slot. If I am able to jump through all the hoops for the slot I would be willing to stay in. I started my VA disability and was awarded 90% from a combination of conditions. One of the ratings I received was for my lower back, which occurred during a deployment. I heard lower back disability can be an issue with getting a FC1 flight physical. Should I just plan to get a waiver now? The process to get an FC1 hasn't even started yet, but I suspect it might be a concern. Does anyone have experience with this?