I think I've been around long enough to differentiate between
fact and fiction.
Anyway, flying in the RSAF is not about "flying around the
island". How do you think the RSAF conduct bilateral exercises with
foreign air forces that deploy here?
Also, being on standby is part and parcel of any military force
and therefore it is something you are expected to do if you join
the air force. What good is an air force if every pilot
wants to have every weekend and public holiday off? In any case,
try asking around any SIA pilots, you will find that only the lucky
few will get to spend their X'mas, New Year, Chinese New Year and
etc in S'pore.
Pay wise, I think a newly qualified RSAF pilot's pay is
comparable to a newly qualified SIA pilot. The main difference is
that the mentioned RSAF pilot is probably 22-23 years old whereas
the SIA pilot is about 29 years old at best. To earn big bucks as
captain in SIA, you'll have to wait till you are in your late
30's.
i think hor, maybe if you are in the air force, you might be
singing a different tune.
i am (not a pilot though).
pay-wise, you can't complain.
the commercials paint the glam side. who doesn't like the
glamour of being a fighter pilot, especially a Black Knight's
one?
but the reality is, it's not Top Gun nor Behind Enemy Lines
everyday.
you may not even get to fly the plane more than once a week.
and the 'extra shit' that people tell you? it's all the
paperwork and secondary appointments that suck up your non-flying
time. most pilots get farmed out to staff jobs after a few years
anyway.
and the standby? yes indeed it's true. 15 mins from receiving
the call to being in the aircraft ready to be take-off? that call
can come anywhere anytime. why do you think pilots move so close to
their air bases?
sometimes, you just wear your flight suit, sit in the plane and
sweat it out just because something out of the norm happened. then,
realising that it's all for nothing, you just get out of your
plane, engines left unfired.
and not all get to be fighter-trained. a substantial number get
transport a/c (rumoured that this is more relevant for SIA) and
others get helicopters.
of course, there's no denying that having chances to take part
in overseas exercises is eye-opening.
as in all things, there are pros and cons.
i ask you to consider it carefully, because many people signed
on for pilot thinking about the pros but neglecting the cons.
if it's really your dream to be in the skies, then by all means
sign on.
i look forward to hearing you over the comms someday in the
future, if you make it.
