Old 'Ex'-Pilot Wants Back In
#1
New Hire
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Joined APC: Jan 2018
Posts: 5
Old 'Ex'-Pilot Wants Back In
I need some advice. I was a furlough victim of 9/11 when I was a A320 F/O for US Air. Life took over, had kids and joined the corporate world. Now my kids are grown up and I realize how much the corporate world sucks compared to flying.
I want back in. I've flown exactly twice since about 2002 when I was furloughed and went to KC-135 training with a Guard unit I joined (stop loss was on after 9/11 and I had to go). Most recently I rented a 172 this weekend and had a blast flying around Phoenix.
Any thoughts on a path for me back to the majors would be much appreciated. It will tough to take a big cut in pay to go the commuter route but I'm willing to do it. Wife is sorta on board but we need to figure out a couple investments first (long story) for extra cash flow. Are the commuters the way to go? Or is there another way. I'm working on basic instrument currency via renting. Or do I just accept my lot and stick with the rat race?
I'm 50, have an ATP, Types in 73's and the Bus. Former military C-130 guy as well.
I want back in. I've flown exactly twice since about 2002 when I was furloughed and went to KC-135 training with a Guard unit I joined (stop loss was on after 9/11 and I had to go). Most recently I rented a 172 this weekend and had a blast flying around Phoenix.
Any thoughts on a path for me back to the majors would be much appreciated. It will tough to take a big cut in pay to go the commuter route but I'm willing to do it. Wife is sorta on board but we need to figure out a couple investments first (long story) for extra cash flow. Are the commuters the way to go? Or is there another way. I'm working on basic instrument currency via renting. Or do I just accept my lot and stick with the rat race?
I'm 50, have an ATP, Types in 73's and the Bus. Former military C-130 guy as well.
#2
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Nov 2012
Position: 787 FO
Posts: 101
I’m not sure, but maybe doing some general aviation to regain currency would be all you need to get on with a major. If you did go to the regionals, I doubt you’d be there for more than a couple months. I have a marine buddy who hadn’t flown in years, went to a regional and was hired to a major before finishing training. YMMV, good luck!
#4
You will not get an instantaneous interview call due to lack of recency, but with previous NB and mil experience you should get called once you fly a bit. 200 hours? 2 years at a regional? Hard to say, but you probably need some kerosene time.
You might be able to fly part time locally, 91/135 stuff, and get a call. Or they might want you to show serious interest by doing penance at a regional (which isn't as bad as it used to be). I'd probably try the former first, unless you're in a big hurry to GTFO your desk job, in which case a regional will be the most predictable and likely fastest route.
I assume you have some TPIC from the mil.
Also understand that getting a major job today can be a full-time job in and of itself, they want you to attend job fairs and maybe jump through some other hoops. Also depends on how high you set the bar... Legacy vs. ULCC.
You might be able to fly part time locally, 91/135 stuff, and get a call. Or they might want you to show serious interest by doing penance at a regional (which isn't as bad as it used to be). I'd probably try the former first, unless you're in a big hurry to GTFO your desk job, in which case a regional will be the most predictable and likely fastest route.
I assume you have some TPIC from the mil.
Also understand that getting a major job today can be a full-time job in and of itself, they want you to attend job fairs and maybe jump through some other hoops. Also depends on how high you set the bar... Legacy vs. ULCC.
#6
#8
New Hire
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Jan 2018
Posts: 5
I’m not sure, but maybe doing some general aviation to regain currency would be all you need to get on with a major. If you did go to the regionals, I doubt you’d be there for more than a couple months. I have a marine buddy who hadn’t flown in years, went to a regional and was hired to a major before finishing training. YMMV, good luck!
#9
New Hire
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Jan 2018
Posts: 5
You will not get an instantaneous interview call due to lack of recency, but with previous NB and mil experience you should get called once you fly a bit. 200 hours? 2 years at a regional? Hard to say, but you probably need some kerosene time.
You might be able to fly part time locally, 91/135 stuff, and get a call. Or they might want you to show serious interest by doing penance at a regional (which isn't as bad as it used to be). I'd probably try the former first, unless you're in a big hurry to GTFO your desk job, in which case a regional will be the most predictable and likely fastest route.
I assume you have some TPIC from the mil.
Also understand that getting a major job today can be a full-time job in and of itself, they want you to attend job fairs and maybe jump through some other hoops. Also depends on how high you set the bar... Legacy vs. ULCC.
You might be able to fly part time locally, 91/135 stuff, and get a call. Or they might want you to show serious interest by doing penance at a regional (which isn't as bad as it used to be). I'd probably try the former first, unless you're in a big hurry to GTFO your desk job, in which case a regional will be the most predictable and likely fastest route.
I assume you have some TPIC from the mil.
Also understand that getting a major job today can be a full-time job in and of itself, they want you to attend job fairs and maybe jump through some other hoops. Also depends on how high you set the bar... Legacy vs. ULCC.
#10
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Oct 2015
Position: Gear slinger
Posts: 2,898
With your time Horizon I’d make sure to include The better paying LCCs and ULCCs on your list in addition to the legacies/FedEx and UPS.
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