Originally Posted by HighFlight

Actually, it's not. Community service is one of the least preferred metrics for the majors. Leadership is where it's at. Own your own company. Management experience. Lead people. Do something besides wiggle a yoke and push a thrust lever around all day. As is evidenced by all the posts here on APC, pretty much anyone who is willing to spend (quite) a few dollars can do that.

But they (majors, and even the LCCs to a smaller extent) want leaders. People who can function outside the cockpit. People who have had real jobs outside of the cockpit. Being a pilot is simple. Proving your CRM skills with a crew of two is not too impressive. Try managing 850 employees, or contracts worth millions or billions of dollars. THOSE are the skills that will set you apart from the thousands of "throttle monkeys" who apply for jobs with the "big guys", yet never get the call.