So I got furloughed from a regional in 2009 after 2 years as an FO. I applied for ATC which I had minored it as a backup, but never thought I would need. I got picked up and by the time I was recalled, I was enjoying being home and the money. Good thing, since the airline was liquidated a few months later.

my QOL has steadily been decreasing on the FAA side. My seniority hasn’t changed in 10 years and I’m still on Tues/wed days off. We’re short-staffed and it doesn’t look to be getting any better for at least another 5 years. I noticed the airlines are hiring again and I’m technically qualified but it’s been 10 years since I’ve flown 121. I have about 2000 hours total and 900 hours 121 time. I’ve kept my cfi current and I’ve done a handful of BFR’s. I think my only saving grace is that I stayed in the industry. Lastly I do not have my ATP because at the time, that wasn’t a requirement for FO’s, but I meet the qualifications.

So has anyone heard of someone in is a similar situation getting picked up by the majors? Could I just get my ATP during training as part of the check ride?

Is it worth it to make the move? Right now with all the overtime and my current schedule , I effectively get about 10 days off per month. I currently make about $170k per year before OT. I don’t mind moving eventually to avoid commuting. I think I would take a pay cut for the first 3 years but eventually break even, does that sound right? I’ll keep a partial pension for my time in the FAA and have a nice 401k(TSP). I’ve considered retiring at 50 and then applying to the regionals (I don’t think any major would hire me at the point), but financially it would make more sense to stay at the FAA until 56.

I’m looking for more time with my family, eventually more money, and finally doing what I’ve always wanted to do. I appreciate any insight, thank you.

 

Well, for starters, you'll need the ATP. That'll take time and money, and you don't want to fail it.
Second, I doubt you'll get hired at a major off the bat. By all means apply and see what happens, but with essentially zero hours in the last 13 years would you expect anyone to hire you? A regional on the other hand wouldn't be difficult at all. The pay at the regionals is significantly better than 2009, but with the staffing shortages the QOL certainly isn't.
Hiring isn't expected to slow down anytime soon, but you should plan a year at a regional. After that is where the gamble really is. No one can tell you if you'll get hired at a major. Too many variables. On paper, sure, looks good... but too much luck and timing involved to place a bet.
Is your overtime forced right now? You mention the desire to have more time with your family. That's commendable and something positive to strive for. However, you're home every single day AND have ten days off. You remember your regional days I'm sure. You'll be back to 12-14 days off a month, and GONE the rest of the time.

Can you change positions/locations in your current job? I have a few ATC friends, one recently left a great center position for a tracon controller position for a better lifestyle.

 

I think your pay cut may be longer than three years. Even with signing and retention bonuses you’d have to work a lot to hit 170k at the regionals. You might get there at a lcc or cargo operation if you can get on there.

 

I’ll be blunt. You will not get hired by any LCC or major US airline without an ATP and you are not currently in a position to expect to be back at $170k salary in three years. Honestly even if you had an ATP your lack of recency would probably preclude a call from a major right now.

That being said, if you are serious about this you could probably get on at a regional, get your ATP in training, and then after a year or so be qualified to be picked up by a major or LCC. I really don’t see a path for you that doesn’t involve time at a regional. That being said, if you focus on what you need to do and are willing to extend your salary expectation horizon to five years instead of three, I think that’s definitely realistic.

 

I appreciate all the feedback. This is basically what I was looking for, confirmation that my lack of atp and recent experience would preclude me from being considered. I’ve considered the regionals but it would be too risky and too much of a pay cut. I’ve thought about getting my atp but I don’t want to waste the few days I have off and money if it won’t help my chances anyway. I’ve thought about switching facilities but the grass isn’t always greener and the whole agency is short. In the end, I really can’t complain too much, I have a good career, early retirement, and a pension and I enjoy what I do. I’m glad I got to entertain the possibility of doing what I dreamt of doing. I’m going to try to make time to fly for fun. Thanks again for all the input.

 

Yeah man, just put in for the transfer to ZHN and never look back.

 

Dont give up on the regionals without giving them a good look. They pay less than majors but they are FAR better now than your last go. Fwi. You prob upgrade quick too and wont spend long at one either.

 

You’ll get hired at a regional instantly and they’ll send you to a course to get an ATP. It would just add an extra couple weeks to your training footprint. LTs in my squadron with 750 hours TT are doing it all the time. Your ATC background would be a huge plus for your major/cargo/LLC application after doing a couple years at the regionals, as it would separate you from the vanilla Embry Riddle to CFI to regional FO to regional Capt crowd, who are getting hired in droves right now regardless. I’d do it if I were you. It’s clearly what you want to do with your life or you wouldn’t be asking the question. Don’t let your dreams be dreams.

 

Could happen quicker then you think. Guy I know went to a regional at 750 hrs and couldn’t shut up about needing to get to 1500 so he could get his full ATP and go to a major. I told him to temper his expectations a bit. Well….guess what…. 1520 hrs. Hired.

 

Very Glad to here I’m not the only one thinking about dusting off the logbook. ATC, level 12 Center, 3.5 years in the agency. 6,000 plus TT, one type rating. Mostly 135 time with a small amount of 121. I thought it would be nice being home, and that the work would be something I’d enjoy. Like the OP said, 5-6 day work weeks with no relief to staffing in sight is hardly enjoyable. Many good friends have mentioned the same advice to me about the regional path. Best of luck OP! I have to wonder how many more of us are thinking of getting back in the air again.