I'm in the process of starting to get things lined-up for a run at the airlines.
I know I have a lot to do and would like some guidance on which areas to reinforce most....or if I'm delusional for even thinking about it.
The numbers:
I'm C-S/MEL with instrument. (I am
NOT an instructor)
650 TT (360 X-cntry, 39 actual-inst, 71 night, 405 PIC)
250 Multi
- 170 SIC Turbo-Prop (Merlin, Metroliner, King Air 100/200/350)
- 20 SIC Turbo-Fan (Citation II, Citation III, BeechJet)
I've completed Insurance-required/approved school for:
PIC - Cessna 337 SkyMaster Multi-Piston, Centerline
SIC - Fairchild SA-227 Merlin/Metroliner Multi-Turbine 12,500+
SIC - Citation III C-650 Multi Jet
SIC - Citation II C-550 Multi Jet
SIC - Mitsubishi MU-300 Multi Jet
My objective:
Airline
Not too picky as to which one.
My dream job is to work for Delta...someday.
I dont mind starting at a regional.
I dont mind starting with a freighter
I dont mind starting as a flight attendant
baggage-handler
toilet scrubber
Working against me:
- low time
- I'm 41
- not an instructor
- No bachelors degree (I have two associates)
- At-fault accident on record ( 2 yrs ago, no fatalities )
Working for me:
- 20+ years of management positions
- Background of impeccable reliability and critical thinking
- Employment history is diverse but stable (7 yrs with current employer)
I dont know if it makes any difference:
- Former Deputy Sheriff
- Former State Investigator
- Former Emergency Medical Tech.
- Honorably Discharged from Army
- LOTS of airline buddy's offering to write me letters.
(Delta Line-Check Pilot, SWA Recruiter, United International Capt,
Half-dozen Regional F.O.'s)
Strongest selling point that they cant ask about
:
I haven't missed a single day of work in my 23 years of full-time employment history.
I am fiercely (almost pathologicly) loyal to my employers (as long as they share the level of committment).
Questions:
I have some cash in reserve for "emergencies"
a) Is there any strategic value in acquiring a Q-400 or 737 type rating in hopes it might make me more appetizing for interviewers?
b) Is it wiser to put that money/time into getting my CFII to fly around in circles, building time/experience to get me through the "minimums gate"?
c) Do letters of recommendation actually do anything or are they scratch-paper for the interviewer?
If I can get an interview or if I can get to the reference-checks....I can get the job .... people LOVE me...and they should
But the initial screening is the killer.
Any guidance is GREATLY appreciated.
Cole Reed
[email protected]