I have 2 1/2 years left until retirement from the AF. Already have the ATP, doing the class 1 medical soon, drafting my resume so I can have it ready to go soon. But how soon?

Is it worth it to start putting out apps/resumes now? I've generally heard that 1 year out was the "normal" time frame to start applying. I've seen other comments here that say an early date on the initial app will show genuine interest and some companies may sort their apps by date. But is it even worth is to put out an app when I know I can't accept an interview invitation? Or would there be a possibility of an interview and early entry into the hiring pool while I wait out the rest of my military time.

Or...what if I apply then happen to be deployed overseas and therefore unreachable when they call me for a phone interview or to invite me to an interview - do I then go in the "reject" list for failing to return a phone call?

Lots of questions...would appreciate any insight

 

Mox Nix -

I had initially thought that 6-8 months would be good and my peers agreed; but then I started reading threads on here for the fractionals that I am interested in and moved that timeframe out to a little over a year. You make some good points about getting it out there early and such but I agree with your thoughts about not being available for an interview for so long. I'm wondering what potential employers are even thinking of my app when they see an availability date of Jan 2010 on there. One question though - I take it that you are getting your FAA 1st Class for the purposes of having it on the resume; but if you are not apllying yet - you're just paying that money every 6 months without really being able to use it. If you decide NOT to apply yet - why spend the extra money?

USMCFLYR

 

Well, not only for the resume, but also for the peace of mind that I'll be qualified to hold a 1st class. I'm pretty confident, but it's a nice-to-know kind of thing. I've also read some good stuff in the medical forum here. Guys were talking about how if you're applying for the first time and are initially deferred due to the EKG or something in the lab work, well then getting it this early gives plenty of lead time to pursue a waiver. And it's easier to hold onto it once you have it. If something questionable comes up when you renew, then the waiver process is apparently a bit easier if you already held a first class than if you're just trying for the first time. So I've heard...couldn't hurt to get one just to stay ahead of the game.

And I wouldn't have to keep it current every six months; I'd just renew it annually (so it reverts to 2nd class privileges)...just as long as I make sure it's current within 6 months when I get within a year of my retirement date (which is when I hope the interviews start happening)

 

It may not hurt to show long-term interest, most airlines keep track of how long you have been "on-file" and may consider that when calling folks..."first-come, first-served".

I'm not sure you need a first class at this point, but if you have any doubts about your ability to hold one (due to injury, etc) you probably want to get the process started sooner rather than later.

 

I'm no expert but I did get hired by FedEx into the MD-11 so I must have done something right.

2 1/2 years is about the right time to start. Get your 1st class medical and keep it updated.

Next, get a list of all the guys you know at the airline you want to fly for and start contacting them. It took me almost 6 months to track down and contact some of the guys I needed to talk to. Then it took some of them a couple of months to get the recommendations in. Almost a year for this seemingly simple step. The reason for this is; you would be surprised who you know flying at some of the airlines. The airline where you have the most contacts may not be the one you wish to fly for, or may not be currently hiring. It takes a while to gather all the information for all the guys you have been friends with the last 20 years. When I did finally cantact one of my sponsors and relayed this problem his response to me was; now you know what christmas cards are for.

If the airline will allow you to submit the application 2 1/2 years out, do it. Some will not. The generally accepted practice is to apply as soon as you meet the minimums and then keep it updated every coupe of months. Almost all the applications have some sort of a field with your availability date, make sure it's accurate.

A couple more things to start doing:

Get a professional e-mail address, not one like [email protected]. [email protected] works well.

Go through your logbook to jog your memory on those memorable flights. Make a list of these, not the whole story just something to jog your memory. This will come in handy during the interview and any interview prep you do.

Lastly, as to your deployment question. I got called for an interview with UPS and then had to cancel due to a deployment (long story but I couldn't get out of it). The caller was real nice and said call when I get back. First thing I did when I stepped back on US soil was call him; his response was, you had your shot already. So try to keep your last year clear, if you can.

 

I thought of this too - but since I was passing a Military Class 1 I figured that I wouldn't have any problems and I'm even one of those that has to pass the FALANT, Btw - there was another plate test that I ended up taking for the FAA 1st Class that I did pass - so the re are many different versions out there.

[/QUOTE]
This is true.

 

Guy's the ability to pass a 1st class medical is not the issue. Anyone who has a current DOD flying physical will be able to pass a 1st class FAA medical, as long as they do not have strange wavers.

The reason to get the 1st class medical and keep it current is to set a track record with the FAA and build a relationship with an AME. It may never happen, but if you are the guy who develops some kind of problem which will require a FAA waiver one month after you separate, it is good to have these records and relationships.

 

As of August, I believe, First Class Medical priveleges last 12 months now. The change moves us in line with ICAO. I think they changed the length of a 3rd Class as well, but 2nd was not affected.

 

The first class is now valid for one year if you are under 40.

 

y'know... here's the reality. Very few airlines are hiring right now. So even if you apply now it will likely go in some sort of file for later review. If they accept it at all.

So, if an airline will accept your application then why not submit it? Do the necessary homework to complete it now while there is no pressure.

The really important thing to remember is to update it - particularly when you are one-year out. Then you will want to update regularly.