Originally Posted by
RyeMex
Congratulations on your new ATP and first type rating. It's an exciting milestone for your career.
As to feeling "unprepared and unqualified", all I can say is that, in the words of Bob Dylan, the times they are a'changing. If Atlas is where you want to hang your hat, then this is a great opportunity for you. However, just know that if Atlas is not where you think you'd want to spend the next 5-10 years, you might be better served by going to a regional. Personally, I love it here and have no plans to go elsewhere. But this job isn't for everyone. And on the 737 (which I am assuming that they would offer you if you make it through the interview), it definitely isn't a great way to build time. And if you barely have an ATP, you're going to need to build time in order to make the "stepping stone" move to wherever it is that you want to be.
As to how to prepare, I'll let someone who was more recently hired, and therefore has more accurate information, chime in.
Best of luck. If you decide that this is where you want to be, then don't let anyone on here tell you that you won't belong. Just be ready to study your a** off, and be ready to be made to know what you don't know.
Thank you very much! I really appreciate that! Working through regional training and getting ATP was definitely the hardest thing I have done in my life so far... I am definitely not the sharpest tool in the box.
I am currently at Endeavor and we have a flow to Delta in about 4-7 years. (it's anyone's guess really). And it was recently revealed that Delta is throttling OTS hires from its regional carriers to about 5 a month to maintain regional staffing. And if we do try to interview outside of the flow and fail, we lose he flow completely. It seems like It's set up to encourage regional pilots to stay put. So the consensus among our pilot workgroup is "don't wait for the flow, follow opportunity."
Regarding your advice: Atlas wasn't really my end goal. But I wasn't planning on chasing any particular company - but to see what opens up as I went along. I am completely unsure of how I should structure my career plan. But I assume there is some clause that prohibits me from leaving Atlas for some number of years? Hm... I'll have to think about it carefully.
But for now - I will do my best to prepare for the interview! Having options is good
