Originally Posted by skylover

Right. However, there is talk that graduates from aviation colleges and military folks will get reduced minimums (including the age going down to 21)

Originally Posted by skylover

We'll see... (just kidding, of course)

I'll definitely have a couple recommendations from outside sources, maybe one from my first flight instructor, one from a teacher, that kind of thing. I just think something from Delta would mean more to them.

Originally Posted by hockeypilot44

There has been talk. Every pilot having an ATP is in writing. You can not have an ATP at 21. Even if what you are proposing passes, that will be mainly to help continue staffing the regionals. I would definitely recommend trying to intern at the major you wish to work at. I would then count on using the internship to get an interview when you have competitive qualifications. That's a realistic goal. I hope it works out for you. Timing is everything. I thought like you did at one point. 9/11 happened when I was a junior in college. That set me back about 2 years. Then age 60 was changed and set everybody back 5 years. I managed to get lucky and get into my major at the same time that was changed. I am still at the bottom of the list almost 5 years later.

Originally Posted by sailingfun

On average so far at Delta pilots have been retiring around 62 years and 7 months. It was predicted to be 62.5 so very close to the original predictions. The impact has been significant but not 5 years.

Originally Posted by Denny Crane

Sailing,

Not denying what you say just wondering if the early out programs we/Delta have had over the last few years have affected that statistic. I would also like to see a comparison of how many guys retiring at that age have a frozen retirement vs PBGC retirement.....I'm guessing waaaayyyy more have a frozen retirement.......

Denny

Originally Posted by forgot to bid

interesting points denny

Originally Posted by flyallnite

Good for you for starting early on the hiring plan. Being in the right place at the right time will get you out ahead of a lot of your competition, and what you're doing here will definitely help. I'll add my .02 Cents:

Keep your nose clean. Speeding tickets etc...

Stay healthy and fit.

Study the standardized test books, like the Officer Qual tests for the military. DL is big on testing and practice does help.

Keep a detailed and very accurate log of your hours.

Assuming you don't go the military route, look for the jobs that get you to the left seat the fastest. Don't worry about going for the biggest or best commuter, unless you plan to make a career there. Upgrade time is the name of the game and you want yourself in the left seat of anything with two engines as soon as possible.

In the end, the total number of hours isn't what DL is looking for. It has been said many times that Delta hires captains. They are looking at you as a future captain, and want to see that you are trainable and have some experience in the left seat.

Originally Posted by skylover

Like I said above, I would have to do the Aeronautical Science degree to be eligible for reduced ATP mins (21 years old, lord knows how many hours they'll reduce it by, etc. After all, otherwise how would airlines like GoJetz stay staffed?)

Otherwise, I'd be completely onboard with your suggestion. But because of those ATP minimums, that's the driving factor for choosing AeroSci. It's a risk I'm willing to take. (But I COMPLETELY understand where you're coming from)

One thing that I believe could potentially make a huge difference in my career is networking. Any idea on how to begin doing that with Delta pilots now? I think having a recommendation from a current Delta employee for the internship would increase my chances of getting the internship.

Also, how much does Delta value academic history? I have perfect grades, 4.0 GPA, all Honors, soon to be all AP, etc. Does that make a difference for them?

Overall, the largest reason that I want to get onboard with Delta ASAP is because Delta will always be my goal, and the sooner I can get a seniority number, the better. Because I would potentially be hired for beginning summer 2019 with Delta, that's at the beginning of the retirement wave. That movement will be amazing as well...we're probably looking at 7 or 8 year upgrade times, little time on reserve, etc. I feel bad for people going to Delta in 2030 at the end of the wave!

Originally Posted by forgot to bid

The most important thing is to learn how to look like a bad ass in your uniform.




if you want to be a Southwest pilot.