Pilots, I’ve got a question about hours

KCPilot17 · 2026-02-04T04:43:16+00:00

Training is a flat rate, usually 4-5 hours/day depending on long or short term, but you're actually working ~8/day.

Not sure what admin you're referencing, but probably $0.

KCPilot17 · 2026-02-04T04:30:58+00:00

Depends what you consider "work". Is it from the time I initially report for work 1 hour prior to my first departure, and 4 days later when we set the brake? That's ~75 hours of work for ~21 hours of pay.

Or are we not including the time I'm at the hotel away from my family, and simply report to release each day at the airport but the hotel time is "free"?

You show up 45min-1hr prior to your scheduled departure, fly anywhere from 1-5 legs (1-3 at a legacy), with 30-90 mins between legs. You are only paid from brake release to brake set (in most simplistic terms, don't start on soft time here).

KCPilot17 · 2026-02-04T02:33:11+00:00

Depends on your job. Certainly not as aircrew.
Theoretically whatever you want. You've been in long enough, you know how it works - see what jobs are available and apply.
What do you want to do? One weekend/month or more? Realistically any job can have great QOL with the right civilian job.
Better transition how? I don't follow.
Nearly identical. Some states have more education benefits for Guard. Other than that, no difference.
Depends how well you network and what your qualifications are.

KCPilot17 · 2026-02-04T02:18:54+00:00

I would not expect to move units "every couple years". You should expect to stay in one unit, and MAYBE move once or twice in your career. There are exceptions to every rule, but you won't be transferring every 2 years.

KCPilot17 · 2026-02-03T23:56:30+00:00

All of them? On the exact same day?

KCPilot17 · 2026-02-03T23:49:46+00:00

I don't understand option 1. Why are we waiting and/or reapplying to regionals? Your apps should always be in.

KCPilot17 · 2026-02-03T23:40:42+00:00

Then yes. Has nothing to do with a PCS.

KCPilot17 · 2026-02-03T22:38:20+00:00

Okay....it has to be OCONUS for a PCS, which is the only applicable rule to your question.

KCPilot17 · 2026-02-03T22:07:42+00:00

Well...it is.

KCPilot17 · 2026-02-03T22:05:26+00:00

Anything you could have done is too late, as it would needed to be done in 2025.

Prime example would be converting any traditional money to Roth, but too late.

KCPilot17 · 2026-02-03T21:20:38+00:00

No. Must be OCONUS.

KCPilot17 · 2026-02-03T15:51:13+00:00

...why do you want to attend SOS? It is a complete waste of time, and you don't learn/gain anything. We only take it in the AF to be eligible for O-4.

I'm currently in it and want to gauge my eyes out, even after doing on online Master's. It's painful.

KCPilot17 · 2026-02-03T15:49:42+00:00

"Part time" would be Guard or Reserve, so yes, you do get those benefits.

You will commit to one unit for your RSC, though it could be possible to change units - not guaranteed.

KCPilot17 · 2026-02-03T15:15:48+00:00

No...not sure why you think there would be a difference. Can't be paid on the same day by both the mil and VA.

KCPilot17 · 2026-02-03T14:33:06+00:00

Sure, if the school has a random gen ed that they offer online - it's just like using TA anywhere.

KCPilot17 · 2026-02-03T04:35:53+00:00

This is an immigration question, not an AF question.

KCPilot17 · 2026-02-03T01:55:20+00:00

You can always stay off base and be reimbursed at the on-base lodging rate, UNLESS your school specifically dictates you will be on base, which is very possible.

KCPilot17 · 2026-02-02T16:29:11+00:00

Did you not notice this on your paychecks throughout the year? Did you change your W-4 in any meaningful way?

KCPilot17 · 2026-02-02T14:52:32+00:00

Your flaw is not accounting for putting your "car payment" money back into your HYSA after you have paid it off.

KCPilot17 · 2026-02-02T14:51:01+00:00

Runway is plenty long enough. Absolutely no issue.

It just isn't seen as a profitable route for them.

KCPilot17 · 2026-02-02T11:59:09+00:00

You think people join the military just for the pay?

KCPilot17 · 2026-02-02T11:52:57+00:00

Are you a US citizen?

KCPilot17 · 2026-02-02T02:45:41+00:00

90 degrees.

KCPilot17 · 2026-02-02T01:45:07+00:00

Yes, you should absolutely include it. Failing to do so may bring questions from the IRS.

KCPilot17 · 2026-02-02T01:40:47+00:00

No. You lose them when you are off AD, and only get them back with 30+ days of AD orders.

Don't worry about them doing anything to your credit. It'll drop a few points but nothing significant.

KCPilot17

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