Rawhide16

For all of the guys that fly for the majors, what is your take on the importance of being a mil IP/SEFE with regard to airline interviews?

I'm approaching 1,000 hrs in my airframe with only a 1 year break for a non-vol MC-12 assignment. I was a flight lead prior to that and have since requal'd as a flight lead after returning but haven't been able to make IP for various reasons (sequestration, attached flying at barely BMC rates, pending PCS for the last 6 months). Now, I'm heading to an assignment next month that historically doesn't upgrade many, if any at all, to IP/SEFE. I will most likely be able to 7-day opt my follow-on in a few years and plan to make my exit to the airlines and hopefully the guard/reserve.

Assuming that I don't make IP/SEFE in my upcoming assignment I'm concerned that not having the IP/SEFE quals/experience could raise some red flags with the majors. I've been told by nearly all of my supervisors and CCs that I have the capability but that my timing with the MC-12, sequestration, and PCS prevented my upgrade.

Thanks in advance!

Hilltopper89

My opinion only, the typical fighter pilot response: it depends. If you're an O3, young O4, probably not. If you've been around a while, maybe. In my interview they stressed normal/above average progression. Flying airplanes for 15-20 years and not being an IP is a red flag. SEFE is icing on the cake and is a helper. Being an IP in multiple airframes helps too. I'm not sure how they view an IP in a T-6 vs an F-16. Maybe no difference.

Again, just my opinion. There are a few on these boards who are in hiring at the majors and know better than I.

John 3:16

Any way you could get to Luke? IP/SEFE are a sure thing there

Rawhide16

I am an O-3 now. My O-4 board is next year due to the 1-year slip.

It would most likely be Holloman now. I could probably work that no issue but that would require that I stay in past my commitment which, given the current climate of AD, I am not interested in doing. Things would have to change drastically for that to happen.

I doubt that it matters much but I was a civilian CFI/CFII prior to the AF so I do have about 500 hrs of IP experience.

This begs another question...would a guard/reserve unit even bother hiring me if I'm only a 4-ship flight lead?

John 3:16

That's beauty of Luke - Reserve wing there, LOTS of airline pilots, easy to transition from AD to Reserve side as long as you're not a tool.

hawgdriver

Being an IP shows normal career progression. Is it a show stopper if you don't have it? No, but you should try and get it on your resume.

Rawhide16

I agree 100% hence my concern. I'm afraid that it will appear as below average career progression. I will certainly push to get IP at my next assignment if at all possible.

Thanks for the words everyone!

sledy

Yes. Depends on manning, but we need 4ship FL as part timers as well. If you want a full time gig the IP qual certainly would help as all full time guys are IPs in my squadron anyway.

Sledy

asupilot

I don't yet have a coveted airline job; I'm in the hunt. I just separated after 12 years of service and never made IP. I've done some interview prep and was asked why I've never been an IP. I replied by saying I flew the B-1, then was an ALO, flew the MC-12, then on the RC-135, and now, I'm training in the C-17 for my Reserve gig. I exceed the "mins" for TPIC time and my TT will hopefully be 3000 by the end of the year. The interview prep folks told me not making IP is understandable given my somewhat "different" path. For a while I was somewhat insecure about never having been an IP, but then I'm reminded of the variety I've had the good fortune to enjoy. I've enjoyed learning new airplanes and missions and wouldn't change a thing. That being said, a year or two from now when I'm not receiving any calls for interviews may drive me to change my mind. I'd say if you meet the mins, apply, update and let the airlines say no.