I was in your same situation in late 03/early 04. Retired from the navy with 4500+ hours and a Gulfstream IV type. During my last visit to FSI in Savannah, I took an unannounced road trip to NJI headquarters in Hilton Head, SC. I strode in with my resume (not fancy, but complete), and a bag of groceries (sweets and fruits) for everyone there. I was not even eligible for interview/ employment for several months. But that was my initial and only interaction with anyone at NJI. They did not start hiring (best of my knowledge) until late '04/early '05. I got the call for interview, based on my vist 'bearing gifts', in December '04. Unfortunately, the call came the day after I got the "you're hired" call from FedEx. I am very happy where I am now and think that I would be very happy at NJI as well. The message here is, start networking now. It helps to know people on the inside, but not an absolute. Do all that you can to help yourself. Frequent some nearby reserve squadrons. Those are the guys that can help you and have a good handle on airline practices. Longwinded, but hopefully helpful.