JoPilot

So, I am a rotor guy about to take the plunge. I am within a few months of getting fixed wing ratings added on and then it’s off to Republic or Mesa (as of now) for the IAH Base.

Obviously, not planning to spend any more time at the regionals than necessary - so I wanted to run a few things by the group (God Help Me) ...and see what else along the way I can do to make it happen quickly for me.

By the time I apply (2-4 years?) I will have the following ratings and estimated hours:

1. 3,000-4,000 TT 1500-2000 121 Turbine, maybe some TPIC.

2. Airframe and Power-Plant License

3. Part 135 Chief Pilot & Check Airman (Helicopter)

*I started my own helicopter operation as a fresh ink paper commercial helo Pilot. 3 years in we gained 135 cert. No I’m not rich, I just busted my tail and made a ton of sacrifices whilst leasing helicopters on a hope and a prayer. It worked.*

4. Army Heavy Lift Helicopter Flight Engineer 2,000+ Hours 10 years.

*I know the FAA doesn’t really accept Helo FE Time for anything, or at least to my understanding, but I feel like it’s shows my history of ten years in a 3-4 person air crew and CRM experience) CH-47 FE is a required position by our POH*

5. I umpire high school baseball on the side for fun and although they do pay us, it’s not much and I do it more for the kids. I am also elected to the board of directors for the Houston division of over 400 member umpires - an unpaid volunteer position.

6. Going to start doing Angel Flights once I get my commercial add-on with a friend of mine who owns a few planes.

7. May get back into Volunteer Firefighter thing.

8. Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice and will have the Bachelors Degree in Aeronautics finished up by the time I can apply.

9. I have a good friend who retired from SWA at 65 and now is a sim instructor for AA, so maybe he can introduce me to some AA pilots who could possibly give me letters of rec.

Is there anything I am missing? What area / areas can be improved to make my wait shorter once I meet the mins?

Thank you all in advance.

Aviatrx

AA is tuff to figure out. If you don’t have single seat fighter time or some lunar landings, I strongly suggest to make the commute to an AA wholly owned airline rather than Mesa or Republic. Commutes can be rough but this might assure you a job at AA. If you are entertaining other Legacy Carriers or an ULCC, continue on you current quest.

Sliceback

What’s your resume without rotor time? That’s what I’d use as a baseline to compare with other guys resumes.

Otterbox

Want AA? Go to an AA Wholly Owned regional.

Minus you chief pilot check in the box, not much of your helicopter time will count for much at the majors currently (aside from JetBlue and Hawaiian).

Volunteer stuff is nice but, if you’re not competitive otherwise then it doesn’t really do much for you app/resume if you can’t get noticed.

TallFlyer

If you're going to be living in IAH, you need to make your goal United. Sure, not as many retirements, but living in base is GOLDEN.

If you're going to be commuting to IAH and have a goal of AA, I echo the advice to check out the AA Wholly Owned carriers, as even if you're not hired off the street, you still have AA in your back pocket at some point down the road.

JoPilot

Thanks gents.

I posted in AA, but I am wide open to any of the Legacy carriers.

UAL is ideal, but I’d commute to any of the others.

AA seems to have a more active group of forum guys, ergo the reason for posting here.