Part Time vs Full Time Pilot at ANG
Hi all,
I plan on applying to the Vermont ANG UPT slot.
In the description, the website says: “After completion of all MQT requirements, the now combat-ready F-35A pilot has the opportunity to revert to a Drill Status Guardsman (DSG, part-time status) or compete for a full time position if one is available.”
My question is how often do people get selected to be a full time ANG pilot? Do people usually become part-time or full-time?
Thank you.
Simon
- 4 Replies
In the recent past it seems (anecdotally) that most younger fighter pilots stay full-time. They usually want to complete their instructor upgrade and have too few hours to join an airline.
That said, individual results vary. Some folks are eager to go part-time and sometimes a unit runs out of resources.
If I had to throw out a number…75% stay full-time.
Do you know if you commit to full time are you able to change to part time say mid way through your commitment?
Absolutely. Most guardsmen and reservists have multiple seasons of part-time and full-time.
The classic ANG-Airlines flow is.
Full-time to get to 750 hours and IP. Apply to the regionals.
Part-time at the regionals to get to 2,000 TT and Captain. Apply to the majors.
- Fly a lot with the unit to stay tactical and make money
Part-time with the Majors initially and then back to full-time ANG.
Full-time ANG for 2-3 years. Be a mid-level officer and IP. Become a Mission Commander and Flight Evaluator.
Back to part-time Guard + Airlines.
- A couple of 60-90 day deployments to stay sharp.
Come back full-time for 2-3 in a leadership role. Commander, DO, Chief of Stan/Eval.
Back to part-time. Upgrade to captain at the airline. Buy your captain house. Fly part time with the ANG unit. Deploy as desired. Retire at 20 (or later if your medical holds out).
Reattack.
Some folks will skip the part-time + regionals and just stay full time.
Advantages
- more flying, competitive for weapons school, probably better cash flow initially
- Higher value pension (ANG or Regular)
Disadvantages
- Get to the airlines later.
- You’ll likely make less money over the course of your aviation career (maybe 5-10% less)
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