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Yet Another newbie thread

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Johnybusa, Oct 28, 2011.

  1. Oct 28, 2011 #1
    Johnybusa

    Johnybusa Bobtail Member

    11
    1
    Oct 26, 2011
    Goldsboro NC
    0
    So here is my situation. I’m currently in the Air Force and after 15 years of service I might me getting out due to some PT issues and force shaping. I have been reading the forums and I understand about the long hours and times away from home but I would actually get to see my family more by being a trucker and not deploying for 4 to 6 months at a time. At least I can always pick up a cell phone and call the wife and kids and they could call me as well. So here is the dilemma, I have been in aircraft maintenance my whole career and could do that as well but I need an A&P Licenses to do my job in the civilian world and it would take around 2 weeks and $3500 out of my pocket to get it. Even then with no civilian aircraft experience it would be difficult to get hired on and make any kind of real money for a while. With driving I can use my VA benefits to get school paid for and hopefully get a job ASAP. The problem comes with timing. I would like to get my CDL now but it could take anywhere from a month or two to a year or more for them to decide to let me out or give me another chance and I have read on here anything over 6 months of no driving I would need a refresher course. What to do, what to do. Any advice would be appreciated.
     
    Johnybusa, Oct 28, 2011
    Johnybusa, Oct 28, 2011
    #1
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  3. Oct 28, 2011 #2
    chompi

    chompi Road Train Member

    5,653
    3,485
    Jun 21, 2008
    Deland, FL
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    Whatever your decision do not get your license until you are ready to roll. Most companies really don't want a student that has waited more than a month after school. In fact they are going to make you take a refresher course if its much longer than that. So definitely wait to go to school until you are ready to go to work.

    Personally I would think you are going to make a lot more money staying in the field you are in. You are going to spend twice that to get your CDL if you choose a public school. You can opt for company training which personally I think is better because you don't have to pay interest on a loan and it is half the cost. Yes you have to be under contract but I would rather be under contract with a company than a bank. The downfall would be that you will be away from home for about 3 months if you go that route.

    I won't give you the whole "hometime" speech being you are already in the armed services and already know about being away from family. Expect to be gone for about 4-6 weeks once you are in your own truck and are through with training.

    Hope this helps.
     
    chompi, Oct 28, 2011
    chompi, Oct 28, 2011
    #2
  4. Oct 28, 2011 #3
    Johnybusa

    Johnybusa Bobtail Member

    11
    1
    Oct 26, 2011
    Goldsboro NC
    0
    Thanks. as far as paying for CDL I will not need to. The VA will pay for the training and with some companies I qualify for an additional $1000 a month from the VA for up to a year on top of the driving pay. Pay is good in aircraft maintenance if I can get on at a good place that recognizes my military experience. If not its bottom of the barrel for me and would be looking at $20000 a year starting out.
     
    Johnybusa, Oct 28, 2011
    Johnybusa, Oct 28, 2011
    #3
  5. Oct 28, 2011 #4
    chompi

    chompi Road Train Member

    5,653
    3,485
    Jun 21, 2008
    Deland, FL
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    That's about what you are going to make trucking your first year. Course you will make more after your first year and you get more experience.
     
    chompi, Oct 28, 2011
    chompi, Oct 28, 2011
    #4
  7. Oct 28, 2011 #5
    reptij

    reptij Medium Load Member

    401
    108
    Oct 3, 2011
    Rochester, NY
    0
    Why not use the VA to help pay for the A&P licenses instead of for a CDL school?
     
    reptij, Oct 28, 2011
    reptij, Oct 28, 2011
    #5
  8. Oct 28, 2011 #6
    Johnybusa

    Johnybusa Bobtail Member

    11
    1
    Oct 26, 2011
    Goldsboro NC
    0
    Becouse of the type of programs they are "classed" as. GI bill and VA will not cover A&P at all. It will cove CDL and small portion of private pilots license.
     
    Johnybusa, Oct 28, 2011
    Johnybusa, Oct 28, 2011
    #6
  9. Oct 28, 2011 #7
    reptij

    reptij Medium Load Member

    401
    108
    Oct 3, 2011
    Rochester, NY
    0
    Ok im spitballing here but are there schools or classes you could take that the Gi bill would cover that will also get you those licenses? Or at the very least get you a job working in the private sector doing what you are trained for?
     
    reptij, Oct 28, 2011
    reptij, Oct 28, 2011
    #7
  10. Oct 28, 2011 #8
    Johnybusa

    Johnybusa Bobtail Member

    11
    1
    Oct 26, 2011
    Goldsboro NC
    0
    Nope. If im lucky I might be able to save up and get the A&P license myself before i get out. The disadvantage is still going to be experience on civilian aircraft. When you work on an A&P license in the civilian word you get aircraft ratings kind of like endorsements on a CDL. Nothing will translate from the military to get those.
     
    Johnybusa, Oct 28, 2011
    Johnybusa, Oct 28, 2011
    #8
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