Originally Posted by
AFSoar01
I’m finishing up my last few years of USAF active duty prior to hitting 20 years of active service and it looks like I might spend my last two years in a non-flying command assignment. If at all possible I would like to leave active duty and get hired by a major immediately after, so this assignment presents some problems. A lot of folks on this board have said that spending six months to a year in the regionals is a good learning opportunity and a resume builder, and while I respect that I would still prefer to get a jump start on the majors if possible. So here’s my question: is there a way to stay recent by flying on the weekends? I spoke to a retired Delta Captain last week who is close to the hiring process, and he told me that the only recency they care about is twin turbine, and not to bother with flight instruction, etc. So I’m wondering if any commercial outflts could use an experienced pilot who could only fly on the weekends? With all the talk of pilot shortages, it seems like someone willing to fly for free in exchange for a flexible schedule might be appealing?
1)DO NOT fly professionally for free. To do so cheapens the profession for everyone else and aviation professionals would rather you find a job in a different industry all together if you’re going to undercut them like that... put another way, if folks in the industry who know you personally knew you flew professionally for free there’s a decent “do not hire” letters would be associated with your application to the majors.
2) SWA is still a viable option with their currency requirements (specifically tailored for military folks in your sitatuon).
3) Jump pilot might be an option, or contract ferry pilot if you live in a market that makes it worth the investment.
4) Other than the pay cut, what’s the hangup with going to the regionals? You’ll be best prepared for your transition to the majors if you’re not hired on directly leaving AD. ISR is another option that pays better but most folks take longer to get to a major compared to the regional touch and go.