[Smallzz]

Hi my name is Carson Small, most just call me “Smallzz”

I am currently on track to qualify for the airlines even before I turn 21. I’ve always wanted to be a military pilot but never explored the “how” behind it. I have about 200hrs with a multi-engine instrument rating, soon to get commercial. I’ve looked into the process in trying to apply for a pilot slot at a guard base street hire, I know it is very competitive, and many have just said take the money at the airlines but that is not what truly matters to myself. While I am a CFI building hours and experience I will complete an online bachelors qualifying me as an officer.

I’m 18 and have already made it much farther than most double my age and enjoy the challenge. I hope to gain a lot of experience and information from the forums, hopefully enough to impress a local wing looking for a young a determined airman wanting to make a difference.

[Smallzz]

That is probably 100% correct and I’ve heard the same thing from multiple people. I am not sure what makes them differently specifically. Problem is… I’ve already spent the money, I didn’t even know doing this was a possibility till I was already in deep to my civilian career.

But I’ve also seen many pilot doing both careers at the same time. I am very willing to learn a new way and possibly the reason the more experienced fail is because they feel as though they don’t need to try as hard as the inexperienced. We will find a way…

[Smallzz]

I am pursuing the airlines as well and once I get back from basic+A school I will be working as a CFI within an hour of the wing. By the time I am within a year of my bachelors most likely I should be in the airlines applying for a military pilot slot.

People call me crazy for not just sticking to the airlines and making more money, but I don’t want to stand at an airshow at 50 and think “I had a chance to do that”. Either way I go down I will still get my time at the airlines with double benefits and pension. Plenty of money to me for years of living the dream and fighting for my state/Country.

[Smallzz]

I am currently in Flight School, should be an instructor in the next couple months. I have been exploring my options to pursue both civil and military aviation at the same time. I’ve found 2 options that I am very torn between:

1. Continue as a CFI while also gaining a bachelors hoping to get a UPT slot from street hire. Low probability on getting picked up from a unit without any experience however.

2. Continue as a CFI, but sacrifice 9 months to become a crew chief at my guard base then return as a CFI and have the bachelors paid for. By the time I finish the bachelors I’ll be at an airline at 21-22, then step away to train until I go part time. I already have the mechanic scores it’s just about the time.

I am 18 so I have plenty of time, I am just a very time conscious person and everything I do I think about well before a make a final decision.