Originally Posted by
ChrisH
SkyHigh,
You obviously meet the requirements to get hired by Alaska, or you would not have gotten an interview with them. But, how long ago was it, since you have put in your resume? How much recency of experience do you have? Sometimes reaching a dream involves some sacrifice. I'm don't mean going and flying for a regional again, but some kind of flying job would probably be beneficial. As someone pointed out, Alaska is supposed to be hiring in pretty good numbers.
You and I are on the same team here. I was a part time CFI (had to give it up) a year ago and have had a few close calls on local King Air jobs. However I am not a 20 something anymore and can't afford the wasted time sitting around the pilot lounge all day for low wages. Perhaps in a year or two I might be able to find something. Till then I will continue to build houses.
Another thing to consider is that right now there are few good airlines hiring. Alaska Airlines has to wade through a lot of military heroes, astronauts and the sons and daughters of the check airmen before they even get down to taking a look at no name CRJ captains let alone a sidelined guy like me.
Times are much different now from when I had my chances. Back then all the big names were hiring and Alaska Airlines was considered a stopping point for losers. Today we have an ocean of well qualified and furloughed pilots who have been backed up for over five years now and are hungry for anything.
I have been a fan of Alaska Airlines since I was a little kid. I have carefully studied their hiring practice for 20 years now. It will be a long long time before there will be any real opportunity there. In case you haven't read the letter from the Alaska Airlines chief pilot, to me he was basically saying that King Air and twin otter types of flying will soon be discounted and only the larger turbo-prop or CRJ type of flight time will be considered.
In my estimation in a few years every major airline will raise their requirements to 1000 RJ PIC or better. I am too old to start over and chase a moving target that I don't have enough time to reach.
SKyHigh