How Do I Get To Alaska?
 

Mil pilot looking to get out and get an ATP, hours in a regional. My goal is get into a PNW regional (Preferably Compass or Horizon) and stay there until I am competitive for either Alaska or Delta. I am trying to move to Seattle.

I understand every place has its issues, but a Major is a Major is a Major. Especially if I'm on the outside wanting to be on the inside.

I met with a career counselor and he advised that once I get into a regional I make captain as quickly as possible and then obtain 1000 hours TPIC as captain ASAP. At that point majors MIGHT start to look at me. I am 27, and I suspect I may be spending anywhere from 10 to 25 years before getting called by a major.

Assuming I can get into a regional, what can I do once I am there to improve my chances and make myself more competitive for Alaska?

Ho Do I Get To Alaska?

What are you flying in the military? Qual and hours?

There is weekly service to Alaska. Recommend booking here: Alaska State Ferry | Alaska Marine Highway System

Couldn't resist, sorry.

Massive Investment
 

This career is such a massive investment of one's life.

The OP wrote "I suspect I may be spending anywhere from 10 to 25 years before getting called by a major."

Why do we do this to ourselves? The pay isn't even all that great anymore. The lifestyle is hard. Imagine if it took several decades to become a dentist. It's no wonder the young are choosing away from this career.

It is my dream to work for AS too and blew two of the best decades of my life in the effort. Every day I imagine how things would have worked out if I had spent as much effort and devotion in an arena that actually had a chance of producing a meaningful return.

Skyhigh

It really depends on where you start from.

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Seat...5aa78468e3!3e0

Are you planning on driving, training it, walking, or biking. These should also be factors to think about when trying to go to Alaska.

Be more specific. What are you flying now? Active, guard or reserve?
1000 tpic in a regional is not important if you've got that from the mil.

A major is not a major is not a major.

If your image of a major is AA, Delta, United or Southwest, then you’ll find that other than flying 737 and Airbus, Alaska is far from a major airline, from the pilot’s perspective.

[QUOTE=Ispeakjive;2564837]Be more specific. What are you flying now? Active, guard or reserve?
1000 tpic in a regional is not important if you've got that from the mil.

I have just over 800 hours in the T-34, T-44, and E-6B. Most of my time would be considered SIC - I didn't sign for the jet too often.

All active duty.

Not enough info. What is your total time including military flight time? What Aircraft are you currently flying? ie fighter/transport. Can you get a guard slot/ reserve and continue accruing military flight time? Skywest is a solid airline to start out at. Compass is less stable but still reputable. Horizon is very unstable at this point. If you already meet 121 Captain requirements then Horizon has very short upgrade times right now.

How are you active duty, but getting out at 27?