Sputnik

Totally solid advice. Two years out is really a great time to start all this. I did everything last minute--and it worked--but it wasn't fun and it's not an approach I'd recommend.

I'll add two things to Dragon's list
6. Find an interview prep company (Emerald Coast was excellent) and attend training/seminar, that will answer questions you didn't know to ask
7. Make a list of specific questions, and come back to ask. Yeah, you might get some flaming, but you'll get answers. What you've asked so far is so general it's unanswerable.

HuggyU2

Yes, I'm confused too. You're coming up on 11 years as a USAF pilot, with IP and EP time... approaching 2500 hours... and this stuff is new to you?

I'm not trying to belittle you... but it just comes across as quite strange. Maybe it's from the community you're from. You said you're single-seat and multi-engine... so F-15 guy? The community where the "airlines" are the "A-word"? I don't know that culture... maybe no one there talks about the airlines. I don't know.

There's plenty of resources out there. But, frankly, your squadron buds that are interviewing, and those recently hired would be your best starting point.

BTW... you're "not opposed to commuting" because you haven't commuted yet.

TSRAGR

Don't be confused. I'm not an eagle guy, not that that's a bad thing, those guys are awesome. Anyway, I'm not sure about your community, but for individuals that work hard in their careers and have leadership roles and opportunities, it's a bit faux pas to spread the word you're 'pulling the handle' two years out. I can't really network at work, b/c it would stop the advancement. Fair, maybe not, but it's reality.

BTW-I"m "not opposed to commuting" b/c I try to find the positive in every environment. Kinda like, hey I have my dream job, i'll put up w/a lil' BS now for hopefully a better situation later...

thank you all for the info

galaxy flyer

You need not be coy, if you us to help--it's anonymous. You should have many contacts that have left the service and now at the majors--contect 'em.

All the advice here is good, many were where you are now. In two years, the legacies will still be hiring, you'll have the right resume to be an istant interviewee, BUT you MUST spend the next 2 years getting ready--ATP, Medical, apps, interview prep. AND get your finances and family on board the transitition--it's not easy. I know a AF guy separation to legacy in 4 months--don'd count one it.

GF

TSRAGR

thanks for the words. I did knock out the ATP along w/737type-used the GI bill. As far as the medical, is it important to have a current class I or just that I "can" get one? I've had a class I, it expired a few months ago, and w/moving overseas i'll have no way to get a current one. Is it important to have one on the applications, or just prior to the interview?

And i do have a two buddies that just separated and got hired, i just figured this arena had much more info.

TSRAGR

HuggyU2

Ok, A-10, with some T-38 sprinkled in.

Many of us here understand what it's like to be on active duty and separate. I separated at the 15 year point, came back in 2 years later, and did 29 years total. I got it. That said, I didn't live in a vacuum. I kept it low key from my commanders too. But everyone I worked with was passing a ton of information back and forth.

There's a ton already posted here, other sites, and in books. Some people here may be willing to re type all that was already written in past posts. However, you've got 2 years... and I'm guessing you know how to use the search function.

ox999

FWIW...Last year during Indoc at United, the chief of hiring spent a few minutes talking to us and answering our questions. He emphasized for us to pass along to our buds that while their app was 1 of the 10,000 in the pile for consideration, their Class 1 needed to be current. He said that if the computer spit out their app as someone to call in for an interview, but he noticed that the physical was expired, he would simply skip them and move on to the next in line since a current Class 1 was a requirement for employment. You can argue all you want about "when" it should be required...but all I know is what the main hiring guy told us.

HuggyU2

Yep.

I've met plenty of folks that wanted to cut corners and save $$: cheap suit, hold off on the Medical, avoid the sim prep, etc...

If that's your style, then go for it.

gr8vu

Took me over a year to get educated, prepped for interviews, and hired before I retired last summer. My timing worked out very well but I controlled the things I could and relied on a large dose of luck and help from a host of folks. Many of my posts will cover some of what you are looking for. I have personally helped a long list of others start the same journey. Some I have to spoon feed and others do their homework. I spent hours on here as well as going to lunch with old squadron mates who had done the airline gig years before me. There is a lot to digest and I am now just understanding what folks mean by QOL as far as what your contract allows you do/not do. Airline job is easy compared to my last 26 years and the best part is being home with my youngest kids with time to hang out and be their dad. I worked 14 days this month--half on reserve at home and half flying...and am off the next two weeks.

PRS Guitars

I started prepping two years out, and yes against most advice I let it be known what my plan was. That actually worked out well for me, but won't for everybody. Nearly a quarter of my squadron was in the process of preparing to get out and it was good to have others to talk to about the process. I also spent hours and hours talking to reservist airline guys and perusing this board. My biggest advice is apply everywhere. Don't just hold out for UAL for the DEN domicile.

I'm a Colorado guy as well and commute to Philadelphia. It's not bad at all as long as you embrace the commute. The second you start feeling sorry for yourself about commuting you're doomed.

For me living near family for support is much more important than living in base. I'm going to be out of town no matter what and I want family around for when things happen while I'm away. My family is very happy in Colorado. This job is not worth living in a place you don't want to and definitely not worth moving your family around for. But that was half the reason I got out of AD to begin with. Others here may disagree, but that's the beauty of this job, lots of options.