Originally Posted by
Lori Clark
Stay positive!!!
of course take the interview...if for nothing else than practice.
I am detecting a disillusioned tone, perhaps from frustration, but it will come across as negative and smug if you're not careful.
Unfortunately you may have to take a step backward in order to move forward in your situation. Not knowing the "interaction" with the other airlines it looks as if they are concerned about your recency of flying experience. My conclusion is they may be concerned about whether or not you would pass their training.
I know you want to move forward with a regional job, thereby getting a "flying job" but you may need to take a position outside of the airlines in order to get there. Cargo, charter, banner towing, etc. Anything that is flight time.
I would highly recommend that you seek out job fairs where these airlines are in attendance and talk to the recruiters. Ask them what you need to do to be competitive. They will review your resume and give you feedback.
The other thing to consider is corporate flying. This would take the retirement age factor out of the picture, in case it is of concern. Use all your former contacts to network and meet people in this arena. Corporate is a different ball-game and relies heavily on who you know.
Let us know how your interview goes, will you?
Lori
Lori,
Thank you very much for your input. I kind of had a down day that day.
As far as corporate flying, it's the same thing as far as currency. They want me to be current in the Hawker. I can get current by going to Simuflite to the tune of $15K which I will do if I have to or I could fly my Bonanza and spend the $15K on fuel. Either way I'm flying and I'm not locked into a contract that so many of these companies you suggested want. Like I said before I was hired by a regional in May only to have the rug pulled out from under me the next day because they stopped hiring.
One of the great things I have going for me is a wife of 27 years that is behind me 100%. She is as excited as I am because she knows this is my dream. I quit the FAA in 1990 and was hired by a regional in STL. We have 4 children that are grown now but then they were little and I was only making $800/month as an FO. I didn't think it fair to them to make them sacrifice so when the FAA called and offered me a job here in the DFW area I reluctantly accepted it. Now I can pursue my dream. Unfortunately my timing is not that good with oil at $138/bbl.
I am excited about the interview. I will let you know how it goes.