Start applying with 800 TT and 80 ME. Complete all your CFI certificates and ratings - CFI, CFII, MEI. Get at least three letters of recommendation including one from the DPE who does most of your students checkrides (hopefully he did your CFI rides and knows you). Do not wait to finish your degree. Do that after you get hired. Seniority is everything. Make sure your school work is B average or greater. Try to find someone to reccomend you. Make sure you get some sim time just before your interview. Take and pass your ATP written prior to interview. Make sure you get a good score. Be yourself in the interview. Look sharp and professional. Be honest, trainable, likeable. Understand as an FO you are on the bottom again and you DONT KNOW IT ALL. You'll make $20 - 22K your first year working 85-95 hours per month, 4 days on - 3 off. Try to find an airline with quick upgrades - Republic, Colgan, Mesa, etc. Not Eagle, ExpressJet, etc. (check airlinepilotpay.com for captain upgrade info - I just met a 6 year FO in an American Eagle Saab the other day, 4000 hours SIC in the right seat with no upgrade this year in sight - ouch!). It does not matter to JetBlue, SouthWest, Continental if you fly a jet or turbo-prop as long as it burns Jet-A and is greater than 20,000 lbs BTOW. Be persistent. You'll make it if you love to fly. If you are hoping to meet girls and make big money, please do us a favor and choose another career.
