155. The Air National Guard: Is This the ultimate career hack for pilots?

Ever wondered what it’s like flying for the Air National Guard? In this episode, Ben joins Dylan and Max to share his journey from high school aviation dreams to the cockpit of a KC-135. We break down the steps to becoming a Guard pilot, how to balance it with a civilian flying career, and why the Guard might be the ultimate flexible gig for pilots. Plus, insider tips on navigating deployments, training, and building a career that works for you.

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Show Notes

0:00 Intro

2:51 Ben’s Aviation Journey & Opportunities

10:18 Training Path & Pay

20:23 Scheduling & Extended Deployment

25:01 International Guard vs Air Force Reserves

30:20 College Path & Tuition Assistance

42:27 Incentives & Benefits

47:10 Boom Operator Rapid Fire Questions

56:35 Final Advice From Ben

 

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Hard Landing: The Epic Contest for Power and Profits That Plunged the Airlines into Chaos by Thomas Petzinger Jr

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