BlackhawkIP

I've been reading the forums daily for the last few months gaining insight and education about the industry and the potential future. My situation is not unique but I would like some insight from anyone with good info.

I am career military (Army warrant officer). I can retire in April 2018 at age 52 after 34 years of service and 22 years active duty. I have my FW ATP, CFI, CFII, MEI and have around 2500 (1200 PIC) hours rotary wing (UH-60), ~2000 hours C12 turbine time (1000 PIC), ~300 UC35 jet time, with Encore/Ultra, BE200, and S70 type ratings. I do have my bachelors degree in Organizational Management. I have an SP/IP/IE/Aviation Safety background.

I am currently flying OSA/VIP missions stateside and will continue until retirement with a couple of possible UC35/C12 deployments included. The hours listed are what I expect to have at retirement.

Question:
Will my age be an issue?
How competitive will my hours/time be to get hired preferably with SWA, JetBlue, Delta, United, UPS, etc?
How far in advance should I put in my applications?
Ideally I would like to be based out of anywhere out west (SLC, LAS, PHX, So Cal).
What airlines would be best suited for my qualifications/background/hours?

I can stay active duty until age 60 if I choose but am really ready for a change and transition out of uniform. Money is not the most important thing to me (sign of my age I guess).

Thanks in advance for your thoughts and insight.

navigatro

My advice is to network and meet current airline pilots so you can get some internal recommendations. Get your FAA class 1 and FCC license. Good luck

rickair7777

I think you're good all around except 2000 FW turbine is a little low for a non-fighter guy. Try to rack up as many hours as you can.

But I suspect by 2018, you'll be a shoe-in.

Also..do you have to stay to 2018 for the AD retirement or an incurred obligation? If you can go in 2016 with 20 years AD, that might be better career timing for you.

ExAF

I'd start applying about a year out vice 6 mos and keep updating.

USMCFLYR

I read his post to say that he EXPECTS to have that time when he retires in 2018.

He said
That said - I agree with rickair7777 - your times sound a little low for competiveness for the airlines that you listed AT THIS TIME - but who knows about 2018. I'm also only giving the opinion based on my readings of the profile of the people getting hired on this forum (and my peers/friends). I have no personal insight with the airline hiring experience.

Someone will soon post the link that AlbieF15 posted about getting prepared for the transition.
It is full of excellent advice and is a must read.

Good luck and thanks for your service.

rickair7777

Yes I understood that, what I meant was the market conditions will probably be more in his favor in 2018. Probably.

But if he can retire in 2016, it might be worth it to get on the seniority ladder sooner, but the risk is he won't be as competitive.

BlackhawkIP

Thanks for the replies....I am averaging about 500 hours per year and am eligible to retire (due to service obligations) in April 2018. Ideally, I hope to have around 2500 hours FW time by the time I retire with 2500 RW. That is straight time without any factors added in for legs/sorties.
I have several pilots I have flown with over the years at the different airlines so should be able to network for internal recommendations at most carriers; particularly UPS, Delta, JetBlue, and US Airways. I intend to do all the interview prep and job fair networking starting in 2016.
My biggest concern was being a viable candidate with my hours and my age. I've been fortunate to always be in a flight slot but have been in staff jobs for the last 10 years, so my hours are not like those who stayed on the line.
I am at the crossroads of deciding whether to stick with the military until 60 or retire and pursue the airlines. Flying for the airlines has always been a dream but didn't think it was realistic in times past. Things have changed and doors seem to be cracked open.

Timing is everything and it seems to be the right time to take the leap!

Spike from flyi

After you retire, get a job waxing Gulfstreams at White Plains or Teterboro (Lots of S-70s there). Kiss a bunch of a$$, get a job flying corporate for a BIG company, and save yourself the heartache of an airline job. If you haven't noticed, we're all busy destroying the industry.

Airhoss

Could you clarify this sentence please? Who is busy destroying the airline industry?n

UAL T38 Phlyer

Hoss:

It's him....look at his icon. A "Proud" 1000-ft tall Pilot-Zilla is destroying the capital by walking through to the KCM checkpoint!!!

The passing jet barely avoided a midair with his hat.

(Cue Godzilla roar)