Rich Weidner
New Member
Im aware this question has been asked on here several times, I’ve read the threads, but have other questions. I’m finishing up API, and overheard an instructor say that the worst thing you can do is be halfway through primary and not know what you want. I think it’s a good thing I’m not dead set on anything, but I would like to narrow airframes down and have a priority.
The problem is that there’s very few Marine instructors, and of the ones I’ve met they’ve all been Cobras or Hueys.
My main criteria is that I want to be in the fight. Whether it’s in a fixed wing or rotary aircraft doesn’t matter to me as of now.
The second biggest factor to me is transferring to civilian life. I’m by no means going to pick the aircraft that sets me up for commercial or whatever. That’s not why I joined. I’m intending to do 20 years in the Corps, then fly afterwards for another 10-20. I’m aware that c-130s fit this the best, but how exactly do skids compare? Is it easy to get a rotary civilian job that pays decent? Is it too competitive against army warrant officers that do nothing but log hours?
This leads to my next question. Flight hours IN TODAYS Marine Aviation. I’ve heard horror stories of less than 4 hours per month in the f18s right now. “The jet that never flies.” Is this true? How about skids? I’m very interested in any input about every single airframe that anyone has.
My next variable is family life. I don’t currently have a family, but intend to one day. How and why are particular airframes better than others relating to family life?
That’s all that I’ve got for now. Sorry for the novelty, and i greatly appreciate anyone and everyone’s input.
The problem is that there’s very few Marine instructors, and of the ones I’ve met they’ve all been Cobras or Hueys.
My main criteria is that I want to be in the fight. Whether it’s in a fixed wing or rotary aircraft doesn’t matter to me as of now.
The second biggest factor to me is transferring to civilian life. I’m by no means going to pick the aircraft that sets me up for commercial or whatever. That’s not why I joined. I’m intending to do 20 years in the Corps, then fly afterwards for another 10-20. I’m aware that c-130s fit this the best, but how exactly do skids compare? Is it easy to get a rotary civilian job that pays decent? Is it too competitive against army warrant officers that do nothing but log hours?
This leads to my next question. Flight hours IN TODAYS Marine Aviation. I’ve heard horror stories of less than 4 hours per month in the f18s right now. “The jet that never flies.” Is this true? How about skids? I’m very interested in any input about every single airframe that anyone has.
My next variable is family life. I don’t currently have a family, but intend to one day. How and why are particular airframes better than others relating to family life?
That’s all that I’ve got for now. Sorry for the novelty, and i greatly appreciate anyone and everyone’s input.