Armed Forces Reserve vs Airline Pilot

[dbdb]

Hey,

I am looking at finishing my fATPL mid 2008 next year with the possibility of then being placed with a UK airline as part of the CTC Wings scheme. Previous to this I spent some years as an officer the Royal Navy.

I was considering the possibility of enlisting in the Royal Marine Reserve and was wondering if there was anyone out there who had experience in combining the two. Likely airlines to be placed with include Easy Jet, BA or even some of the charters (Thomas Cook, My Travel, ThomasFly) although I realise they are undergoing some changes at the moment.

I would be grateful to hear from anyone who manages to combine both or even give me an insight into particular companies allowances/attitudes towards this course of action. I know some companies allow 2 weeks additional leave and some insist you take it out of your annual allowance etc..

Would it be a disadvantage to already be a member when attending the interview? Would you be looked on less favourably if you joined after having secured a job with the company.

Thanks in advance!

[Bigfoot]

DBDB,

I'm a pilot on the B737 with a Low Cost Carrier. My previous career was in the British Army and having done my fair share decided to move on.

Before I started this Job I was already a member and still am a member of the reserve forces. On my interview I fully explained my commitment and was told it was'nt an issue. In fact my previous military experience helped me out on the interview.
The company I work for are very supportive and regard previous military experience as a great asset. A fair few pilots have come from that direction themselves, whether in the Army, Navy or RAF.

Last year I took my 2 weeks off to fulfill my camp commitment, which the company gave me and this did not come off my annual entitlement and they even paid me.

I'm finding my commitment very strained at the minute, with both the amount of flying at various hours and courses coming my way.
I'm getting quite a bit of flak from my reserve unit about my attendance, but at the end of the day your career comes first.

The biggest issue is the likely chances of being called back to regular service to deploy.
I fully appreciate this and hopefully when my work commitments ease a little I should be able to dedicate more time for my guys.

Hope this helps.

Good luck with any potential job.:ok: