Another way, if one really wants to fly a purple jet, and have a small (very small, nice benefits though) source of income while furloughed or waiting for the hiring window, is to get on as a FedEx Express employee moving boxes. There is a one year minimum of work before the applying can start. Once the year wait is over, one would be able (barring warning letters) to apply either to the school house, the corporate flight dept, or the line. It is my understanding, that if one did this and met the hiring requirements, that one would essentially be guaranteed an interview for said position. I have met some guys who did this very thing, very cool.