At 37 years old, I've been in corporate aviation since I was 21 years old. I have around 6,500 hours, of which 5000 hours is jet, 1000 hours is turboprop, and of that 6000 hours of turbine, just under 5000 hours of it is PIC turbine.

Growing up, I always wanted to be an airline pilot, but I also didn't realize that companies and wealthy people owned their own airplanes. I've had a great career thus far, progressing up to managing the airplane I now fly (large corporate jet). That said, I am considering the airlines.

My biggest strike is I do not have my degree yet (working on it, but still two years left). So, do I even stand a chance at getting an airline interview without a degree? If so, which airlines do I stand a chance at actually getting an interview at? Any legacies, or am I going to be looking at the likes of Spirit, JetBlue, Frontier, etc?

I've been green lighted at Kalitta Air for an interview, but I need to do a little soul searching to be sure that I am OK with their 16 day on schedule. The type of flying that they do is definitely my cup of tea, and not too different from what I do now.

The other possibility if the airlines aren't for me would be to stay corporate, of course. I am not convinced that too isn't viable -- with all the pilot (airline) hiring going on, my hunch is corporate pay and benefits is about to take a great step in the positive direction.

Lastly, the airlines look & sound great to me, but I do have concerns about pay. I am in the low $200k/year range now, and I think it'll be years before I can see that kind of pay at the airlines that would look at me without a degree.

Like I said, I am pretty green on the airline world. I'd love to be educated, and am humbly asking for your feedback on what has been shared above, and anything else that may come into your mind based on what I've said in this message.

Many thanks!

 

I know of a number of recent cases where it already has.

 

Go to the airlines. The next 10 years is going to be massive hiring. Don't wait and get on at the end of the wave. Go now!

 

You’re in a golden cage right now.
It will take you literally years before you reach $200k.
At Kalitta you need to be a 12(!) year Captain at min guarantee to break $200k
At a United a 12 year FO or First year Captain with a 8-10 year upgrade.
If you have 300k stashed away to maintain your lifestyle go for it.
How safe is your job when the economy tanks again?

 

The job is safe, as it’s working for a very long term aircraft owner who has paid cash for everything he’s got right now, and has a net worth in the 10 digits. The airplane is going nowhere, that’s been made abundantly clear.

Your comments above match my research on the issue as well. I have lots of peers going to the airlines, but I just can’t make financial sense of it due to the YEARS before I’d be making what I am now, and the loss of income during those years .. that is the gap between airline pay and what I would be making.

Retirement is a bit weak at my job, with 5% 401k matching. So that’s an area that the airline wins in.

 

There is a thread where pilots have posted their 2017 earnings, might give you an idea of what to expect. “2017 W2 earnings”

 

Stay right where you are, until one of the big 4 or UPS/FedEx call, then don’t commute. Hurry up and get that degree done.

 

You have to finish the degree! Get that done ASAP. PM we can chat. I was also Corporate back to 121 now.

 

I'd say save money, get degree. Live in base at whatever major you decide. Don't go for the low hanging fruit, no offense frontier/spirit /allegiant /Kalitta etc. Wait until you get paid like a professional from the big boy's.

 

Legacy airlines aren't hiring guys without degrees, at least 99% of the time. Cant speak for non legacy majors