Originally Posted by
km1619
I appreciate all the advice, good lucks, and honesty.
I think if I ask my detailer about possible flying jobs one more time he will kill me. So with that being said, non-flying disassociated sea tour is the next path for me. I have totally accepted the fact that my AD flying career is over and there is no chance of making O4. Except for the lack of EP's (Early Promote check box on Navy FITREPs), all my FITREPs summaries sound great (don't they all...). I never had any desires to be a Hornet DH/XO/CO so getting out at the end of my commitment was always the plan. I would have loved though to have flown at the VT's for a tour or two. I have a contact in the ANG so I am trying to work that path and I am trying to find contacts on the C-something side of the house too.
Although I am not flying grey jets anymore, I still stay active on the general aviation side. I have around 1700TT so during this shore tour I used the GI Bill to get my ATP and I am currently using it to get my MEI too. I was also thinking of using it to get my 737 type with HPA this fall. I have no kids and I really do not want to get a Masters so what else am I going to use it on...
I agree with ImTumbleweed that it will be an uphill battle. I think I would have issues if I had the hours and went directly to a legacy/major interview so since I don’t, I'll prove my worth when I do my regional time.
Thanks again.
1700TT? If you have a ATP/737 type and 1000 PIC you are in the ballpark for SWA, just need a little more TT.
JetBlue: Military can add .3 to all mil times (yes 30% increase of flying times not sorties)--we clarified this several times to make sure we heard it right.....Plus if you attend a Vets in Blue meet and greet then you have the hours and networking in play.
I highly recommend HPA and use the 9/11 Bill, I did. Remember the airlines are no longer looking for just high time guys, they are looking for the complete package. So add some FSO stuff, CRM, 737 Type ratings, community service etc. Build the whole package for your resume. If you have to go to non-flying job, try to get one with a title that translates to "Director of Operations" needs to be aviation related but that is one of the blocks to check on the apps.
Typical boxes you can work on checking without being in a mil cockpit job:
Director of Operations (aviation related)
737 Typed
Instructor Pilot
They all have points associated with them the biggest battle is getting to the interview, but don't do anything you can not answer to in a face to face. i.e. if you were the "STAN O" don't try to use that as "Chief Pilot". It cost a USN guy a job he otherwise would have had at UAL.