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Career turning point questions

Old 10-26-2016, 05:03 PM
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Good day all, long time lurker, first time poster. I've done a search around, and can't find much on it, so figure I'll post here and see what I can find out. Currently a C-12 pilot for the Army, and am at a point where I have to decide soon to continue for another two years for the Army, still flying, or play my cards and attempt to get hired by the airlines. I know I'd probably have no problem going to a regional, but I'm specifically wondering if anyone here would know what is competitive for military pilots going to the majors out there. I'm currently at 1,850 hours, approximately 750 of which is C-12 time, 700 is military helo time, and the rest civilian time in various piston aircraft. I anticipate getting another 250-300 hours or so in the next 4-5 months, and am looking at transitioning summer of 2016. I have my ATP, no restrictions, first class medical, and am a Unit Trainer and soon to be IP for the C-12. If unable to make the transition, my next chance won't be until summer of 2019, with more flight time behind me obviously...does anyone think that if I wait until then (if it comes down to it) I would be hurting my chances of getting in while the going is good? Thanks, and appreciate any advice or critiques you may have.
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Old 10-27-2016, 05:14 AM
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Write down your current resume.
Write down your 2017, 2018, and 2019 resumes if you
stay or go to the commuters.
Then write down your 2020, 2021, etc resumes.

For many, or all, of the Big 4 airlines helo time = zero when looking at flight time. You get credit for the job responsibilities but don't be surprised if they count your TT as 1,150 (1,850 - 700).

The objective is to get hired ASAP, to have the best airline career, unless achieving an AD retirement is part of the separation planning.
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Old 10-27-2016, 06:42 PM
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It all depends on whether the 2 years affects your retirement in any major way (assuming that you are in that category). I think regional airlines would hire you without issue and the 121 time would eventually make you competitive for a legacy carrier. However, I think you should stay a bit longer to get that IP box checked. Yes, a lot can change in two years, and seniority is key in the airline business. Depending on your age, get the IP and consider a wholly owned regional (AA, UAL, DL) depending on your preference. If you don't want to interview again or don't have a degree, Envoy, PSA or PDT are the best options right now.
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Old 10-27-2016, 07:52 PM
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Probably not competitive for majors just yet, would be very helpful to have 1000 TPIC FW (RW time is icing on the cake, but doesn't count much in their scoring).

Have you looked at the hiring mins for all the majors? Pretty sure they typically want 1000-1500 FW minimum. Some may grant partial credit for RW.

18-24 months at a regional would probably do the trick too, depending on how picky you are with majors.
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Old 10-27-2016, 08:11 PM
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The hiring surge will continue for the next few years and maybe beyond. Stay in and get the PIC time. No point getting out for the regionals to get 121 time because military PIC time is just as valuable IMHO. I am also an Army pilot and I have just received a CJO without any 121 time. The difference is, I have 2000 FW PIC. Good luck.
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Old 10-28-2016, 06:17 AM
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I'd get the IP qual, 1000 hrs TPIC, and bail.

After those squares are filled the future job path in the following 12-15 months would be another 500-600 hrs C-12 time or checking off 121/jet/new type rating/800+ hrs/civilian high density ops.
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Old 10-28-2016, 03:44 PM
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I agree with everything stated above. Some additional points to consider...

First, as has been said, will another two years qualify you for AD (regular) retirement? If yes, you might seriously consider staying in. If going ARNG/USAR is part of the plan, you may have to stay in as much as six years to qualify for a RC (non-regular) retirement. That time period depends upon how much AD time you have.

Second, if retirement from the military is not a major consideration for you, consider applying for a regional now. Seniority, even at the regional level, is everything. A resume with military FW, PIC time plus a couple of thousand hours in a CRJ is a very attractive package of experience to a major. These days, there are fewer pilots with military AND Part 121 on their resume.

Several regionals also have bonus packages and increased first year pay making any pay loss a little easier to deal with.

Good luck, soldier!
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Old 10-29-2016, 07:02 PM
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Are you a warrant or commissioned? What I'm getting at is do you have a 4 year degree?
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Old 10-29-2016, 07:25 PM
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Originally Posted by jpdfly View Post
Good day all, long time lurker, first time poster. I've done a search around, and can't find much on it, so figure I'll post here and see what I can find out. Currently a C-12 pilot for the Army, and am at a point where I have to decide soon to continue for another two years for the Army, still flying, or play my cards and attempt to get hired by the airlines. I know I'd probably have no problem going to a regional, but I'm specifically wondering if anyone here would know what is competitive for military pilots going to the majors out there. I'm currently at 1,850 hours, approximately 750 of which is C-12 time, 700 is military helo time, and the rest civilian time in various piston aircraft. I anticipate getting another 250-300 hours or so in the next 4-5 months, and am looking at transitioning summer of 2016. I have my ATP, no restrictions, first class medical, and am a Unit Trainer and soon to be IP for the C-12. If unable to make the transition, my next chance won't be until summer of 2019, with more flight time behind me obviously...does anyone think that if I wait until then (if it comes down to it) I would be hurting my chances of getting in while the going is good? Thanks, and appreciate any advice or critiques you may have.
If you're in retirement range that's something to consider. If you want to build more C-12 time while you apply directly to the majors, look at the ISR contractors- more money, more time off, way less bull**** to deal with than being an active duty guy flying the same platform. you'll definitely get hired on at one with the hours you're posting.

If you're not close to an AD retirement staying in doesn't really buy you anything. I'd apply to the majors now, and have an ISR contractor and a regional or two in your back pocket if you don't get hired. Have a talk with the family if you're married about which avenue supports your lifestyle the best.
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Old 11-02-2016, 11:52 AM
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Check your PMs.
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