Originally Posted by
bfmglobal
Hi All,
I'm a former F-16 guy who has been away from flying for a few years. I don't have current time. I'm currently working on getting back to a flying career, having recently finished the ATP.
I've always assumed that because I don't have recent time right now, I am not competitive for a job with Delta. I'm assuming I'll need to fly with a commuter to get recent time.
Is there anyone here who can shed any additional insight into this for me? Should I go ahead and submit an app for Delta anyway and just update it once I have a few hundred hours of recent time?
Thanks!
Yes, submit now.
Update every 60 days minimum - 30 days a better idea (even if it's just to update 12 month time).
Get a buddy to send the pilot hiring desk an email on your behalf as soon as you get 100hrs in 12 months (DAL's posted minimum).
I specifically asked AK a similar question. His answer paraphrased:
- Every situation is evaluated on its own merits.
- He understands military pilots have been unable to fly recently due to assignments.
BL: Apply. Be honest. Work hard to get 100hrs quickly. Keep your app updated. Prepare for the interview so you're ready when you get the call.
In addition to a job in the regionals, CAP is a superb way to put on hours for relatively cheap, especially if you have your CFI. That's how I managed to keep current in a non-flying job, and it was worth the effort.