Long story short, I’m a month or so away from shipping to OCS with an SNA contract. Due to the 13 + month wait time for NIFE, and the subsequent 6-8 months on the other end before primary, I’m starting to get cold feet about an “8” year contract that is more like 13 years. Obviously with the pilot shortage, the airline route seems like a sweet gig right now, but the problem is I have 0 flight hours and am kind of scared of going 100k in debt. Any and all inputs or advice is greatly appreciated, thanks!
I'm a bit like you. I always wanted to be an airline pilot too. I just went to USNA instead of OCS. Here are some thinking points:
1. You have a finite time to fly for the military. You have until 65 (at least right now) to fly for the airlines. You only have until your early thirties to fly for the Navy.
2. The military is a stable career from an economic standpoint. National defense is always needed. A lot of people cut travel out of their lives when the economy takes a downturn.
3. You are paid from Day 1 for training and all of your training is funded. All of your training is turbine as well in the military. On the civilian side, you have to fund your training until you get your commercial/CFI.
4. You get to serve your country doing real-world missions that make an impact on the world. Pretty cool to do as a young adult.
5. You can peace out after your commitment, hit the Reserves, and have dual income with two flying jobs.
I haven't given up the airline dream yet, but I am really enjoying military aviation. The missions, the places, the aircraft, and most importantly, the people/camaraderie make this one of the coolest jobs in the world.