Officer Life

Hi all---

Stats:
Age: 22
GPA: 3.3 (Dean's list last 3 semesters)
Degree: B.S. Sociology with a minor in aviation ops.
Flight exp: CFII with 320 hours TT.
LOR: Congressman, Navy Captain (active-duty), Dean of flight ops.
ASTB: In progress (still studying)
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I've done all the basic research that can be found pretty much anywhere. However, I lack information that can only come from a personal account of what life is like as a pilot in the Navy. First, a little more about me, I'm an adventurous person. I enjoy maintaining discipline. I eventually want to get married and have kids. Being rich is not important to me at this stage in my life although I'd like to get out of the Navy at 32-33 and start making some real dough either flying for a major airline or starting my own business. I'm currently working in the film industry for a high profile producer as his assistant and would eventually work my way up. However, I'd rather enjoy doing something that only a handful of people can do in their lifetime and not stay in this rat race, corrupt, stinky business. Not to mention I love flying. Flying for the Navy is obviously age sensitive and I can only do this once and I don't want to start at 26 and be close to 40 when I get out or miss it entirely. Anyways, I value discipline and will not have issues with that. My concern though is whether or not I will feel free. I'll be fighting to preserve American Freedom but will I actually feel free? I understand compliance with rules and regs but 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. This is a big decision, please be sensitive to that!! THANKS for all those who offer insight. If you're more apt to PM me then do that instead. Thanks again.

Every time I read this stuff, I want to retire.

What is this, a personal ad?

No shit, virtually all of us here understand the gravity of the decision.

get a fvcking sack.

Much of it depends on your attitude, and the leaders you are assigned to work under. I am not a psychologist, but it seems you might have some aprehension about this career, and it is best to go into it with an open mind. It is not like the movies at all...some of it is glamorous, some of it is ridiculous, and some of it is tedious. It will balance out though, and this is probably a good forum for answers. Best of Luck!

700+hours, a few overseas deployment and almost a decade in, and it is not too shabby.

I got your sensitivity right here, jackass!

Now on to the subject. You won't get rich working for Uncle, but you won't do too shabby. I made about $75K last year, and I live where cost of living is cheap. Only $56K of it was taxable.

I am as free as most of my buds who are "married to their jobs" in the corporate world. Big difference is I can't quit, but I enjoy what I do so its a non-issue.

You will go to places that suck, where people are trying to kill you. Won't lie there. But I still enjoyed it, although not maybe at the time. Where and how bad the suck is varies greatly, and is for the most part beyond your control at this stage.

Keep in mind there are more rules that we have to abide by, that would not affect you in the CIV world, and the penalties for screwing up, are generally more severe.

In short, don't suck, don't fvck up, and get some thick skin.

Whats wrong with starting at 26?
By the way, if you want to fly for an airline, fly for an airline.

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.

By the way, how common is it for someone to end up getting helo's when they want fixed wing? I'm NOT asking "what % get jets?"

Common. For all intents and purposes, it's totally random what you will get, since the needs of the Navy will change from when you get in to when you finish primary.

Bottom line as I understand it is, you should be able to be happy with anything you get. If it's a major problem for you what you end up with, don't join.

I had the fixed wing mentality when I was going through my application process. Wasn't until I was doing an interview with a retired Admiral (former CNATRA) who flew Huey Gunships in Vietnam, joined the Navy flew P-3's and then onto test pilot school where he flew everything. He said he loved flying jets but he had the most fun flying helos... That kind of made me think maybe it would be fun to fly. I still want to select tailhook but if I can't helo's are the next on my list.

Everyone goes fixed wing! We make millions of dollars, have tons of babes falling all over us. Feeling free? Sheesh, we hardly work! Every time you see those people on ships and stuff or in the sandbox, it's ALL computer generated. Hell, the day you join you get cool sunglasses, your own black book, and the keys to a multi-million dollar aircraft WITHOUT EVER having to SACRIFICE any of your personal time or interests... DO IT!!!! It's the best snail race, bureaucratic, non-odor producing business on the planet.


PS The kool-aid is best flavor in the whole world!!!, the Navy has a secret recipe.

With that said, I wouldn't trade shoes with a civi for a second (maybe a milli-second though)..

Little bit of fixing...

"For those that fight for it freedom will have the flavor the protected will never know."


The only time i feel confined is when i have to wear khakis.

Sometimes I feel like Airwarriors was created to announce to the Naval Aviation world that Masterbates is divorced and that he lives in a RV.

We can't tell you how you will feel. That's up to you. One of the best things I've ever been told is Naval Aviation is what you make of it. As far as "feeling free", whenever I get to strap into my own jet and go flying- what do you think?

I feel Free. Can you just pick-up and decide to move whenever you want? No... but can you decide to take a weekend here or there and have a good time? Hell yes.

If you're a CFII and have a few hundred hours... you will probably be able to get whatever you want... in the current environment. Possibly not jets... but you already have the stick & rudder skills that most people are going to struggle with... and you already have the instrument skills that hurt a lot of guys grades in primary.

But what the hell is wrong with Helo's??? Much more fun to fly!

Hahahaha... and DITTO!

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?

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?

and

Nice.

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

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 .

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

The sarcasm, however .... is free.

I would have gone with "priceless" myself, but that is a technique, not a procedure.

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?

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.