th340B

I need some honest advice out there, but please, but please, no sarcasm. I am a former regional airline pilot (AE), been away 16 years, working a desk for a great non-aviation based company. Flown some since, and now realize that I wish desperately to return to the airlines. My family and I have enjoyed a great life, with strong financial stability. My question to those qualified to answer is, if I get my certificates/ratings current, which I am in the process of doing right now, would a 46 year old guy in excellent health, have any chance whatsoever of returning successfully to the airlines after being away for that amount of time. Yes, I realize the whole hiring/interviewing process is lengthy. However, I left on good terms, but financially, I could not live at the time on a regional pilot's salary, so I left. Looking back now, big mistake...big. I have 5715 hrs, 2100 of which is Saab 340B FO time.

Thank you very much for replying, as the advice positive/negative is very important.

HercDriver130

IN short....Yes. Of course, YMMV, and there are various ideas on what hiring will be like over the next few years, but if you are financially stable and can afford to get back in, once you are current, I see little reason why you wouldn't be picked up.

Just for a point of reference, I was a military pilot 1985-1992, and flew for AE also 1992-1994. I was then out of aviation completely until NOV 2007. Worked for a regional for 9 months, flew Citations Charter for 1 year, then flew contract citation work nearly 18 months. Now I am a 747 FO for an ACMI company.

seafeye

Not sarcasm...

You may be remembering the good times. Post 911, this industry is not what it used to be. Well the one thing that remained the same is the pay.

HercDriver130

+1...........

Beechlover

Hi 'TH',

Hey Im 47 (48 next month) and have been a regional FO now for the passed 4 yrs. I'm also a career changer, having a USAF retirement to help offset the still insultingly low pay at this level of flying. (no that hasn't changed since you left)

I'd say being financially stable is HUGE, if you have the ability to financially live without relying on this income much then you'll do fine. The next part is, gaining employment.., maybe there are others who have experience that more closely mirrors yours. ie: being out of the industry for awhile and re-entering. Anything I say about finding a job now is pure speculation on my part. The economy is still weak, although the there are some regionals hiring now. I'd say, take a look around at whose hiring, decide if you'd be interested. Also you might want to do some home work on the carriers your interest in to determine if they are having any financial troubles ie: AMR/American Eagle (Chapter 11), Pinnacle etc. If you comfortable with the financial side of things, and a possible wait, go for it! Hey take a look at the regional Job fairs coming up, I think they are sponsored by FltOps.com.., just google search them, that will at least get you some face time with actual recruiters. Hope this helps. Best of Luck!!!

Carl Spackler

I know this may not be what you want to hear, but if I was in your position and felt the way you do about aviation, I'd start immediately on pursuing a co-pilot position in a Fortune 500 corporate flight department. I say this because it may well be quite some time before regionals start hiring in any large capacity. When they do, you'd certainly be qualified with your time, but it would be for that same unliveable pay. With a good corporate flight department, you're at least flying for a decent wage. The last two friends of mine that hired on with corporate flight departments started at $75,000 and $83,000 respectively with a department that flies Gulfstreams. The departments also have numerous helicopters and both of my friends have now been asked if they would consider getting their helicopter ratings (paid for by the company of course) and possibly be dual qualified.

My two cents.

Carl

intrepidcv11

U left at a great time so congrats. No sarcasm here. If you love your wife and kids be happy you left. This 'career' isn't worth it. I work for the 'world's biggest airline' and there is no way I would recommend this job path to anyone I consider a friend. You didn't miss anything besides a spanking.

AxialFlow

Go rent a plane to get some recency of experience. If you have a pulse and are willing to sit reserve...somebody will pick you up. Good luck.

dirtysidedown

Let me know when you leave your job so i can apply for it! Just kidding, i believe the regionals are almost at that point again if you can fog a mirror your hired state of hiring if not there already.

SlickMachine

What he said.