Just In Case
Greetings fellow aviators, aspiring aviators, enthusiasts, and those simply passing through. As a full-time airline pilot for a major US carrier and a part-time mobility…
The Ultimate Military Pilot Career Path (Part 1)
I’ve written extensively on The Pilot Network about what I consider to be the Ideal Career Path for a Military Pilot. I envisioned that path…
The Ultimate Military Pilot Career Path (Part 2)
Welcome back, future aviators! In Part 1 of this series we saw how getting hired by a Guard or Reserve unit right out of college…
How to Become a Fighter Pilot
Have you seen Top Gun or any of the (objectively terrible) Iron Eagle movies more times than you’re willing to admit? Do you daydream of…
Ultimate OTS/TFOT Guide (Part 1)
Dear BogiDope Readers, We have a treat for you today! A recently-commissioned Second Lieutenant wrote a fantastic report about what to expect at Total Force…
Ultimate OTS/TFOT Guide (Part 2)
Welcome back BogiDope readers! This is Part 2 of our in-depth report on what OTS is like right now. We covered sections 1-3 last week,…
USAF Initial Flight Training (IFT)
So you’re a freshly minted, steely-eyed 2nd Lieutenant that’s ready to dominate UPT with the highest MASS score ever recorded and eager start your new…
Surviving Wright Patterson and Your FC1 Physical
First of all, congratulations, you did it! Whether it was through ROTC, Active Duty, or the Guard/Reserves to fly fighters, heavies, or helos, you won…
Air Force Career Progression – Officer
We’re going to discuss career progression today. As a former Active Duty pilot, I’ll admit I don’t love this topic. You have to understand: I’m…
Air Force Career Progression – Pilot
Welcome back to Part 2 of our series about career progression for Air Force pilots, from the pilot perspective. If you haven’t already read Part…
Military Pilot Pay and Benefits
The military offers some fantastic career opportunities for pilots. It can also set you up for an enjoyable and lucrative civilian flying career later in…
Guard and Reserve Pay and Benefits
The National Guard and Reserve components of the military offer outstanding opportunities for pilots like you and me to serve our country. While they provide…
Understanding the Reserve Retirement System
The potential of receiving a pension is one of the many benefits of a career in the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve. Understanding…
LinkedIn – Social Media for Professional Pilots
Last week we covered some of the benefits and perils of social media for pilots who are trying to land a dream job at a…
Social Media – Blessing and Curse
Thanks to Social Media our world is connected like never before. It helps friends and family stay in touch more easily, holds businesses and governments…
Networking – The Pilot Superpower
When I got sent to Hurlburt Field, FL, in late 2007, I bought a house. Then the housing bubble popped and our house was worth…
The Ultimate Guide to Earning a Pilot Slot in Air Force ROTC, Part 2
In part one of this article series, we discussed what Air Force ROTC is and what it is like. This article will detail how you…
The Ultimate Guide to Earning a Pilot Slot in Air Force ROTC, Part 1
Part 1: Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (AFROTC) Table of Contents What is AFROTC? There are various ways to break into the world of…
10 Year ADSC – End of the World?
I don’t hold back when people ask me the best way to become a military pilot. The Ultimate Military Pilot Career Path is to get…
Mentoring For BogiDope Pilots (Part 2)
Last week we looked at mentoring from the perspective of the protege…the person receiving mentoring from someone more experienced. We identified some of the reasons…