Mike,

I think about it all the time. (Everyday in fact) Alaska Airlines claims to like to hire locals however in my experience that means friends and family. I am not related to anyone there. I think my attitude was fine in the interview and I was told by the examiner that I flew the best ride that he had seen in a long time. My problem was that I did not have a strong political pull from the inside. It seems to me that both HR and the chief pilots office have a stake in each person who gets hired. There was no advantage to either side to see me on the line so both times I interviewed I fell short. Everyone I know who I consider to be a peer has either fallen short or had to interview at least three times.

Since leaving aviation I have surprisingly met more Alaska Airlines pilots. I don't think they hang around the slums I had to live in while a working pilot. Sadly my biggest reason is that I am badly out of currency and I can not afford to suspend the activities that have been supporting my family these last three years. Last winter Empire offered me an interview but the pay was only 20K and I would of had to leave the state. However, I have been trying to sell my Taylorcraft and buy a Cessna 152 to get back in the air.

Hopefully someday Alaska Airlines will become interested in hiring worn out side liners and I will have a shot or perhaps one of my friends will reach a position of power at Alaska.



SkyHigh