INTERNET PILOT

Heres my situation: I was laid off my last flying job in November 2008. This was when the industry was abysmal, and so I had to resort to my fallback career, software development. Now I want to get back into flying.

If I were to get a medical, IPC and BFR will I be hire-able? I got a call from a recruiter at Key Lime a few days ago, and when I told him I haven't flown since 2008 he pretty much hung up on me. It boils down to this: I'm willing to pay the cach to get my IPC/BFR, but only if thats all I need to do. Otherwise I guess I'm just going to have to abandon my flying career.

BTW I have 1400 total hours.

rickair7777

I don't think airlines are that desperate yet. Most or all will want some recent flying experience, like 100-200 hours in the last 6-12 months.

If a shortage develops over the next couple years that might be your ticket.

You could also CFI on weekends...a few months of that might work too.

INTERNET PILOT

Hmm, it seems my situation isn't too unique. I imagine lots of pilots have to leave the profession when times get tough. Is it standard to have to return by starting at the beginning (CFIing)

Laxrox43

I would say that Flight Instructing would be the best way to get your feet wet again. Being as though there is a hiring boom among the Regionals, flight schools are having a hard time keeping instructors around. Another selling point on the instructor route is that there are a lot of flight schools that may even pay for you to become current. Just something to think about. Good luck!

piperpilot12w

I was in your exact situation and got on with one of the better Regionals recently.

I had 2000 hours and was with a 121 Regional, for only 4 months, and furloughed in Oct 2008. Didn't fly at all until March 2011. Did a BFR, IPC and medical. Went to a job fair and got some interviews. All I had was 15 hours in a rented Cessna prior to the interview.

I had more time than you, plus the short time at a 121 carrier. As far as recent experience, it didn't matter for me. The job fair was what got me the interview with my preferred airline.

rclausen78

Similar situation for me, but have 3000tt and 600 121-pic. No bfr or IOC, and was rehired to my "old" property. Apply, and see what happens...

INTERNET PILOT

Thats good news. The people on another forum had me believe that employers are going to think that all my flying abilities would have absolved after not flying for three years and I'd have no chance of getting invited to a class.

Laxrox43

...They were probably just a bunch of CFI's telling you not to apply so it would be one less person competing for the job that they want...

Laxrox43

I also would recommend going to a few aviation job fairs, as others have suggested. A little extra face time with a recruiter goes a long way in the hiring process.

kzofzdv

I too am thinking of returning to flying. My situation is a little different in that I have not flown commercially other than instructing for 21 years. I am an air traffic controller eligible to retire. I changed sides of the radio in 1990 when it became apparent that the bigger the airplanes I flew, the more time I spent away from home. I have missed flying every day since but I must say that getting home every night was worth it while the kids were young. Now at a different season of life, I would love to fly again.

The question is... at age 50 with 6400TT (about half of that ME Part 135) what are my options? My FAA retirement will pay the bills so I looking for fun more than income.

I fly about 50 hours a year average mostly instructing. Just got my MEI last year and will probably get my ATP this winter. Besides that, being a controller definitely keeps my "head in the game", staying current on IFR procedures and issuing dozens of IFR clearances every week.

Any thoughts?