Need a class 1 to apply to AAL?
 

Hi,

Should be an easy question to answer -- I am a current military pilot with a flight physical, and I want to get my app into AAL as soon as I can via pilotcredentials.com, but on the link, the minimum prerequisite questions tell me I need a valid FAA class 1 before applying.

I have found an AME in my local area, but I don't want to spend the money or get it too early if I don't need it yet, I'm about a year out from leaving the military.

Should I get my flight physical now or will AAL pay for it if I get hired or what?

Thanks,

GP

It is unlikely that your application would even be considered for review if you did not have a current 1st class medical.

Your military flight surgeon may also be an FAA AME and can give you a 2nd class and an EKG. You can then mail/fax in your EKG to Oklahoma and request your 2nd class be upgraded to a first class.

My recommendation is to find an AME in your area that you will use after you leave the military. Build a continuing relationship with the AME so that they know your history and your future class 1s will only take 5 min.

After you realize your AME is making $400-$800 per hour signing off flight physicals you will kick yourself for not going to medical school.

AA will not pay for it ever.

Go get the physical. This is a pretty obvious one...

Don’t step over $5-7mil to save $100. Just get it.

Better get used to paying to play...

Good news is your class 1 will allow you to apply to all the majors. Don’t forget to update it every 6 months if that’s required based on your age/ airline targets.

Another reason to get it now is just to make sure there are no surprises. If you have to work a special issuance (waiver) for any reason, this gives you plenty of lead time to work with the FAA.

“the minimum prerequisite questions tell me I need a valid FAA class 1 before applying.”

Black and white. This isn’t a trick question.

Yep.

I can’t imagine someone is cheaping out over this.

I never cease to be amazed at how strange some pilots are. 100 bucks for a medical. 300 bucks for interview prep. 60 bucks for shoes. Too much?

Damn. People spend more than that on just the examiner fee for a private pilot check ride. Quit being a cheap ass!

Hahaha. Doesn’t Yo Nited still charge $70 just to apply w airline apps membership? Cross that one off the list..

Good point.

The savings are adding up fast!

Saved over $500 already!

Only thing I bought for my interview was a belt and I returned it the next day (commuter pilots were brought up cheap).

****.

U got off cheap. I bought an entire new uniform. (No ****. They wanted to see you in a current uniform-and word on the street was that it should be new.)

I didn’t skimp on interview prep as well. I know I’m a sparkling conversationalist, but these interviews ain’t exactly small talk. So it’s best to work at being ready for a whole bunch of odd questions-preparing for those was a task.

Success is where preparation meets opportunity. No place is that more true than a legacy airline interview.

I just wore my regular uniform. Why did you think it had to be new? I didn't know anyone who paid for prep for Airways, and all told I knew a dozen guys hired there personally from my regional.

I wasn’t taking chances.

I rode the van back to the airport with a guy who didn’t do prep. He didn’t make it.

You only get a couple of these chances (at best.) I know a LOT of great folks who are well qualified and can’t get a sniff from any legacy.

Luck has something to do with it. My app was in for 4 years and I kept getting crickets, and then one day I got a call out of the blue. I sure wasn’t going to waste it.

I agree. It can’t hurt, it can only help! Congrats!