Originally Posted by
TeamSasquatch
Others at the company can chime in with accurate info. But, I think they likely want someone with 1,500hrs. Less chance to move onto something soon like LCC’s, NetJets, Flexjet and such. Maybe a history of 121 time also is a concern. Might give the impression you’d just want to fly and not do the service stuff. Just some ideas, not sure of your background.
Team,
No offense meant and as you said, more accurate info versus speculation is appreciated I suspect to readers on this forum. I’m on the XOAV side and not the XOCR (350/Global) but I suspect my comments apply to either side.
Your assumption is incorrect. Candidates can receive such letters for a variety of reasons (won’t list them here because it only creates more questions/unanswerable) and while I don’t know the details (I’m just a line pilot) of Boeing’s situation, just looking at his hours total and experience, I’m pretty confident it wasn’t for being “over qualified” or because XO fears persons leaving for another 135 gig. Having 121 time say at a commuter, another common “theory”, has been proven wrong on many occasions as I have flown with several former 121 Captains and had a 121 regional pilot in my new hire class.
Getting hired by any company, not just XO is a combination of many factors and since no one else is inside the room or in today’s world on the Zoom call most likely, assessing the reasons why someone is not invited to continue in the process is pure speculation.
Reapplying is always a good thing. Replying to a TBNT letter is also a good thing as long as the tone is cordial and appreciative. Every 121/135 carrier or any employer for that matter can and does miss out on some highly qualified and potentially very successful employees....I saw that happen at Southwest for 20 yrs. NJ, FJ, XO and others have their process that works for them but is a mystery to those not involved in the process. I’m happy to say the quality of folks I’ve flown with shows me that XO has a formula that appears to be working and one has to respect that, even if good candidates on paper or even one’s we personally know are turned down for unknown reasons. No system is full proof.
That still doesn’t make a TBNT letter easier to swallow but the trend line is good for more jobs opening up and that is good news for everyone....just a year ago or even 6 months, the picture looked very different I think we would all agree.
And one other misconception, one that I operated under before coming to XO. “Everyone is thinking of moving on, no 135 pilot truly views that position as a career move”. WRONG! I’ve come to realize there are many, and I mean many scenarios that make the right 135 job far better than a 121 position. A long debate back and forth is not productive but I’ve come to realize my worldview of the 135 world and QOL issues that are enhanced by aspects offered by flying at XO could never be matched at any 121 carrier. It isn’t for the majority of pilots who come to the 135 world but for some, it is a perfect match.