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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
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4 Replies
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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.
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Do you know if you commit to full time are you able to change to part time say mid way through your commitment?
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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).
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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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