Originally Posted by
John 3:16
29-year USAF fighter pilot, now retiring, 50 years old, ATP, 4,000 hours, haven't flown since 2006 (due to staff and command jobs that take you away from the cockpit).
Reading this thread is pretty eye-watering. I haven't gotten a call from a major and have been considering doing a stint in the regionals to get current/qualified, thus making me more marketable to a major.
Have gotten multiple calls from multiple regionals. I think that if I can pass the testing part of the interview that I could basically pick my regional to work for.
Looking for advice - am I smoking crack with this gameplan? Should I just be patient and assume a major will give me a call?
Would really appreciate any thoughts.
Do it, get some hours at the regional of your choice. Hit up your buddies at the majors. If you don't get a call within a year, quit. While you're at the regionals, try to drop most of your trips and focus on QOL. Don't sweat about calling in sick or missed assignments if you don't feel like going in. The money is **** anyways. In the unlikely event you're asked to resign, you'll be picked up at another regional within minutes.
When you're asked why you switched regionals, make something up and you'll be alright.