LowerLoon185

First off, thanks to all of you that post...there is ton of great info on this forum. A lot of it has helped shape my plan, but wanted to get a couple more "takes" from folks that have been there.

I'm 45 and have been flying privately for a while. Veteran, don't know if that matters to HR. Have been working in oil and gas and been lucky to survive the layoffs though the years, and have saved some money so financing retirement is not a huge concern. I'm ready to get flying for a living.

Question is, what things do i need to do to position myself to get hired by a good regional? I know realistically at my age that with ~20 years left to work nothing is guaranteed...economy, hiring, health, etc. So, my goal is to be a CA someday at a quality regional with a good schedule. Maybe an outside shot at legacy FO spot with a good schedule in my late 50's.

I don't have much time, ~900 hours and i'm currently working on my Instrument. Plan to roll right into commercial and ME at the end of the summer. What would you guys suggest for getting from that 1000 or-so hours to hire-able at a good regional?

Nothing is guaranteed with hiring trends, but realistically is a guy like me a good candidate? Do they care about age or type of degree, veteran status? I've got a clean record both civil and military, and in good health (always kept my medical).

Thanks in advance.