headhunter

So I've been researching these boards for the last couple of weeks since I started training at ExpressJet. I have 1000 hours total time, having flown F-16s, with just over 700 PIC hours. My first priority is to get to the 1500 hour mark so I can get my unrestricted ATP, and then start applying. My goal, like many, is to make it to one of the majors, or UPS/FEDEX. In particular, since my wife and I now live in South Carolina, I'd prefer Delta or AA. But I'm not going to pass on United or SW if given the opportunity.


Obviously the typical route is to hang out at the regional line of choice and start applying at the majors when eligible. But I'm wondering if going a different route might work better. Once I get 1500 hours and an unrestricted ATP, would it be smart to hire on with a Kalitta or Omni to gain some widebody experience, along with the opportunity to fly international, to then have a better shot at hiring with one of the majors or Fedex/UPS? Yes I'm aware of the QOL of these cargo/charter lines, but that's for another thread. This would be a stepping stone to a major, but with better pay and (hopefully) flying experience that is more competitive than staying at a regional flying small jets.



Another way to ask this: will I be more competitive with some time in a widebody and international hours when applying to one of the majors?


And finally, by getting that experience, would I be able to hire directly into a widebody at one of the majors? For example, if I get typed in, say, a 767, would American hire me directly into a 767? Is this a common practice?

Otterbox

You won’t be considered until you have 1000hrs ME or tactical jet PIC for Fedex/UPS. Your best bet is to get your 1500hrs to get the ATP then go to a regional with a Direct Entry Captain Program once you’ve got enough time to upgrade since XJTs upgrades are just shy of an eternity... if you haven’t been picked up at a major (which may happen within your first year or two at XJT).

Atlas et al time will help on the FedEx/UPS apps, but not if you don’t have the preferred” mins.

A major will hire you into an Indoc class... your seniority in your Indoc class will determine what aircraft you get to fly first. Not every aircraft/ base is available so at a major expect some sort of narrow body in a relatively undersirable base as your first go until your initial seat lock is expired or you’re senior enough to hold a base that sucks less.

AirBear

Your type ratings have no effect on what jet you're assigned to at a major airline. It's all seniority based. Most (but not all) majors assign class seniority by age with the oldest pilot being the most senior.

Now for getting hired if you're typed in say a B737 and you're applying at SWA that will help you. Ditto for the Airbus A320 and somewhere like JetBlue or Allegiant. Most large cargo carriers fly B747's which no major airline uses anymore. Might help for UPS/Fedex thou.

rickair7777

TPIC trumps all, especially 121 or mil TPIC. Once you have "enough" of that, then international widebody would be icing on the cake, especially if your goal is FDX/UPS.

If there's no upgrade in sight at XJT, better find a new regional.

No. Absolutely not, as others mentioned it's 100% seniority... "most" widebody slots go senior, but occasionally lucky new-hires get them (usually a 75/76 mixed fleet).

Sliceback

Stay at the regional and get 121 TPIC/Captain time. Get your mil IP qual. If you don’t have a major job after you have 2,000 hrs*
121 TPIC I’d consider a w/b international FO job.

* - by the time you have 2,000 hrs 121 TPIC your resume will have at LEAST 3,000 hrs 121 plus whatever F-16 time(and IP qual?) you get in the next four years.

You’d have 4,000 hrs TT, 1,000(?) mil fighter, 3,000 121, 2,000 121 TPIC. I have a hard time seeing you NOT hired by then. But if you aren’t then I’d consider resume expansion/improvement by chasing a 777(?) w/b international job.

Sliceback

Current age is 26-30? Get hired sometime in the next four years? You’ll be in the bottom half of the class which almost absolutely 100% guarantees you’ll get a n/b FO slot (nitvtruevwith FDX/UPS).

rickair7777

Some airlines assign seniority by age, others do it randomly. So new hire seniority could depend on the airline, and luck.

headhunter

Thanks for all the replies. It appears my best bet is to stay in the regional world and just build time/upgrade until getting on with a major.



Current age is 44. I last flew the Viper in 2002. Only about 750 hours Viper time, no IP time. And just over 700 TPIC time.