flensr

Hello,

I'm mil retiring soon, with about 2400 hrs most of it PIC in fighters or IP time in trainers. The problem is I've been in RPA land for a while and don't have any manned PIC time in the last 4ish years. I don't have the cash reserves to build PIC time on my own dime, and desired family quality of life is preventing me from hooking up with one of the mil contract jobs that could get me something like an MC-12, instructor, or light attack gig overseas to build up some recent hours.

So... A few strategy questions.

Do I even submit applications to the big companies now, knowing that I'll have to get a bunch of hours before they get any attention? Or do I hold off on submitting anything at all to the legacy carriers?

Do I go to job fairs even though I know I'm not yet a good candidate for the companies I want to someday end up with?

My ATP won't be complete until mid-May, just need the practical since I'm sitting on a valid written. Do I submit anything at all to any companies large or small, until the ATP is done?

My assumptions are that a regional would probably hire me now, some of the large or LCCs *might* consider me, and the legacy/majors won't even consider me until I have some recent hours. I'd love to find out that I'm too pessimistic, but I also don't want to find myself in a situation where I apply too soon and get put on a 1-year time-out before I can re-apply.

Thanks in advance!

BeatNavy

I think this exact thread already exists in mil forum. No reason not to submit apps now. DL/UA (and most regionals) use airlineapps.com and your app isn't going to make it thru the computer until you have an ATP. But you just keep your app on file until they call you for an interview. There is no apply then reapply there. Same with AA and whomever else uses pilotcredentials. Just continue to update/refine and add your ATP in there when you get it.

JetBlue, Hawaiian, and I think some other LCCs have app Windows that open every so often and stay open for a couple weeks. You could apply if you're interested in one of those when a window opens, then update when you need to and reapply to a subsequent window.

A regional will hire you as soon as you can start. Most LCCs I know of (and most legacies I think) want at least 200 hours in the last year or two I believe. I know some legacies have made exceptions for O6s and maybe others.

I'd go to a job fair only after you are fully qualified (ATP). Perhaps maybe with a little recency as well. They are expensive and if they do trigger a file pull/score you want to make sure the app will be as comolete/competitive as possible so t isn't sent to the bottom of the stack again. That includes having LORs and such.

If you need to bite the bullet just go to a regional for a few months, get a type, some 121 time, and recency, it's not a bad gig, esp with retirement income. There have been plenty of AF/USN pilots who do that at the regionals. Doesn't take long to get a call at that point. And as far as recency it doesn't need to be PIC.

FYI I think your times are competitive for legacies, just need some recency and an ATP.

DrunkIrishman

Go to a regional that you can upgrade the fastest. Get the ATP and the recency and then apply.

Toonces

Apply yesterday. You can't win if you don't play.

True story: former CO in the reserves with similar stats, 13 years removed from the cockpit of an F-14, went to a regional for 14 months and is now an FO at JetBlue. He turned down an offer at a legacy because JB was his desired end state.


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FLY6584

I disagree. He has the TPIC that he needs. Go to a regional that has a base where you want to live. Don't worry about flow throughs or upgrade times. You should only have to spend 6-12 months there anyways for your rehack until a Major calls so you might as well avoid commuting.

CaptainDooley

I agree with this. With your mil background, you only need to get your ATP and get current at any regional. QOL will be 100% better if you pick a regional where you don't have to commute.
Even at the places with fast upgrade, you will not be there long enough to get the upgrade. they are many guys like you that went to a regional for 6-12 months and there app got pulled at UAL. (but then you have to pass the Hogan test!!)
The 1 yr clock only starts after you take the HOgan and fail or you have actually interviewed and didn't get picked. If you don't have recent flight time, your app will not get picked by the secret formula.
Rumor at UAL is you need at least 100 hrs in last year.
good luck

AeroCrewSolut

It is not a rumor but a fact. You will need 100 hours within the last 12 months for Delta and United.

FlewNavy

100 turbine, multi-engine, PIC, SIC or teaching in Cessnas? Does this matter? The answer will help me determine my off-ramp as I approach Navy retirement. I have been on staff duty for several years.

Thanks!

Cajun

Just posted this in another thread, but thought I might ask here too...does the 100 hours in the last 12 months apply for fighters as well? I am current/qualified/IP, getting 6-8 sorties a month at 1.0-1.3 average. Twelve month lookback is close to 100, but will be +/- a few hours depending on schedules/holidays, etc.

All of your help and info is much appreciated!

sourdough44

I think some of the majors have a '.2' or so addition per flight for the military time. That may help push the numbers up.

This is because the military logs the time only from takeoff. The details should be stated somewhere.