Hi,
I submitted the online application for Allegiant Air 2 days ago and this morning received an email notifying me to apply again in 6 months. I meet all the requirements as listed on their website. I have 5,700 total time, 2,600 PIC turbine, 800 SIC jet from my previous 121 (B737).

Now here's what I'm thinking may be the major reason: recency. I've been out of the cockpit for over a decade (had to leave work to take care of my son and his health issues). So 1.) I have no recency (except for a little recreational GA) and 2.) I'm a lot older (44).

My ultimate goal is to get on with Allegiant and based out of BLI. If recency is the main reason for my rejection at this point, would it be best to get back into the commuters to build time (uhg)? Or would any time work, ie: local island hopping, corporate ops (mostly light twins).

Any thoughts, opinions?
Thanks!

Regency is the biggest show stopper. Even some regionals wouldn’t take you at this point as you are a high risk for a training failure. Go get some instrument currency and apply your local regional airline of choice, successfully complete training and OE there and reapply to allegiant as well as others.

Clearly recency is the issue. Your best bet would be to get some 121 time if a regional will hire you. 10 years is a very long time to be out of commercial flying.

Go get some regional time and reapply (get 121 current). You’ll be in BLI in no time. Easy peasy.

Thank you for all the responses.
I figured it was currency related and I can work with that so I shall start there. At least I'm not too old..

Cheers!

Recency for sure. But then, it seems Allegiant wants inexperienced FOs who won’t/can’t jump ship quickly to a legacy...dunno. Despite wanting the Allegiant lifestyle of no overnights and not interested in the legacies, you can’t even explain that case by going to the meet-the-chiefs or if your app is never pulled for interview. There is no pilot shortage lol.

I was out of the cockpit for 4 yrs, recently back as a regional CA since last year (ugh for sure), with the similar kinda time you have (even 737) and got the thanks try again in 6 months. No checkride busts, college grad, etc... But they’ll take a 24yr old 2k total no TPIC or no degree regional FO hands down. Good luck...and just keeping trying if that’s where you really want to be.

Yes, any regional will hire you even with the gap. Give it a try, UGH.

Hiring has been much more competitive post contract. The company has been releasing hiring stats: 5500 is the average TT, 2800 average PIC and everyone except 1 or 2 in each class has 4 year degrees. I can't blame the recruiters for valuing recency, don't know of any LCC/major or legacy airline that hires without it.

To the OP, not sure what the magic number is but I don't think it would take much since your resume is very competitive. Good luck to you.

I don't think there's any preference on age. Lots of the newhires look to be in the mid 40 range, they've also hired plenty of 50yo guys and plenty of under 30.

Allegiant itself is Ugh

I got the same re-apply in 6 months. 5300+ total time, all military/3500 PIC C-17A (EP)/MC-12W (AC)/T-1 (IP) time. 737 typed and actively flying.