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’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!

 

Windsurfer89,

PM sent.

GF

 

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.

 

Rickair777,

Can he PM or does he need 25 posts? I sent one to him.

GF

 

I think he can receive PM, but not certain. He needs some number of posts to send PMs, thought it was ten but that could have changed at some point.

 

Got the PM and replied. Thanks GF!

 

Love it! Thanks. Sending in my apps this week! Can't seem to hurt.

 

Sounds great. I have about 4000 hours total Mil and Civilian time, about 1500 PIC. All multiengine turbine pretty much. Just a long time ago. What's with all this iPad stuff? Where's everyone's 80 pound pubs bag? Times have definitely changed

 

Where do you live? A regional will take you with instrument currency and you’d be able to update your apps and take the best offer you get from a major once you hit flight currency (100-200hrs in the last 12 months depending on major).

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.