Originally Posted by JasonB29 (Post 3727184)

Hi everyone,

Thanks in advance for any advice...I've recently submitted an application for an FO position with Alaska Airlines. My background is that I was a former pilot for Cathay Pacific Airways, where I spent 3.5 years as a Second Officer (cruise pilot) on the B747-400, and then a subsequent 7 years as a FO flying the B777-3ER. My last base was the London Heathrow base, but unfortunately Covid hit and we were furloughed for 18 months and then the company closed the base and made us all redundant.

Since the base closure, I converted my HK ATPL to an unrestricted FAA ATP with a B737 type-rating (obtained mid-2023), and have spent the past 15 months applying/waiting for my Spousal green card (UK passport holder) so that I can immigrate and work in America. However, this has all meant that it's been a number of years since my last flight due to the furlough and mammoth wait for a green card.

I meet all of the minimum requirements, however I am concerned about whether the lack of flying will severly hinder my chances despite my time and experience on the B777 for CX, the B737 rating and unrestricted ATP?? Any opinions or advice is greatly appreciated.

Originally Posted by Nightly (Post 3728445)

Can a new hire expect to fly more than min guarantee a month? If a new hire wanted to work as much as possible is it feasible to do?

junior base I assume is sfo?

thanks

Originally Posted by 907ANC (Post 3728694)

Will you live in base or commute to SFO?

​

Originally Posted by Nightly (Post 3728703)

I’d plan to move there

Originally Posted by Nightly (Post 3728703)

I’d plan to move there

Originally Posted by MinRest (Post 3729451)

You would be in a great spot if you moved to the bay area and were SFO based. It is a great base (maybe I am biased :p) but it is so junior that your progression in base will be far greater in SFO so if you can live nearby, it will really put you in a good position.

Originally Posted by GoCats67 (Post 3729541)

And then you can go to United where all of that is true, plus widebodies if you desire! New hires getting SFO 737 Captain assignments

Originally Posted by Jet J (Post 3729668)

How do those narrow body bid packets look in sfo? I’ve heard not great.

Originally Posted by conquestdz (Post 3729735)

I don't have any specific knowledge, but there has to be a reason that so few pilots there think the extra pay is worth being a junior captain that it goes all the way down to street captain.

Originally Posted by GoodJet (Post 3729844)

The same reason there are 800 FOs system wide senior to our most junior captain. It's the same everywhere. It's a job. We'd all rather be somewhere else but it's how we pay the bills. What all of us do with our careers is an individual choice.