Originally Posted by
tzadik
While I don’t need a safe space, I can attest this is difficult news to digest. As a person that has wanted to work at United since the days of my PPL, it seems as if I’ve been trying to hit a moving target with terrible aim. They said build turbine time and get PIC, so I did that (5000/1500). They said get a 4-year degree, so I went to school full time for three years on my days off and earned my bachelor. They said community service is a big plus on a resume, so I volunteered at the local food bank. They said letters of recommendation help, so I went out and got 12 from current and retired United pilots (including 3 LCA’s and a CP). They said you get points on your application for attending job fairs, so I went to three of them. They said recency of Part 121 experience is important, so I left corporate aviation and returned to 121 a few years ago. Thus far, crickets.
I did not come here in search of sympathy nor pity but rather to confirm the words of a previous poster that yes it does feel like “we’re taking it on the chin yet again.” I don’t hold any animosity towards the CFI’s that have been hired as I’d be the first through the door if in their shoes. However, I can only hope they realize their seat in said class most likely comes at a disadvantage and that every opportunity to quell said encumbrance is heeded.
I’ll be sure to let you know when the crickets stop chirping.
The good news: UAL is ONLY doing this to lay the groundwork and build the pipeline for when there are not pilots with your qualifications in the stack. Until that changes these CFIs will only comprise a small minority of new hires.
As a side note, and looking back at my early avaition education and peers, I can’t help but notice that every single one of us “made it” eventually. The only ones that didn’t were the ones that stopped trying at some point.
Keep the eye on the ball. It will seem dark and hopeless right until the email for an invite arrives.