Apply to everyone you are remotely interested in! Do it early (just tell the truth as stated) HR folks like people that have had a long term interest in their company. When you FINALLY get the interview, they can see that you have applied to them a year out (for example) and that their filters blocked. It shows them a thoughtful, committed applicant. I wanted everyone to think that about me when applying. Also, gives you time to keep updating HR with your monthly hours, etc. You can also find out who you know that might be working there (even buds who have buds....) It is like fishing. Sure we know much of the technical stuff from experts on this forum, but you never know when the filter changes, or an HR person pulls your name outta the hat and calls on you.
I applied to the former DHL (now ASTAR) in the early 90's when they would require 4000TT (I had 2500). They changed every now and again hourly requirements. Suffice to say, when they changed lower, I got the call ahead of everyone who followed the 4000TT and was offered a job. (Side note: be nice to everyone you meet inside the property <g>. If truly competitive, there requirements will get you noticed, remember HR is like the military, they set parameters simply to make their job easier. (i.e 1000 hrs PIC turbine, well apply when you have 800 and you have reasonable expectation to make 1000 PIC in next year)
My penny thoughts. YMMV