I don't see how a few months as a RJ F/O would add to your CV. Most military with high time fix wing PIC go straight to the majors... assuming that they are hiring.

 

Well, with no majors hiring and them probably not going to hire anyone soon the regionals are the only game in town. Hope to get 400-600 hours there and hope a major hires. If they don't I will go back to a non-flying job where I can make a living at.

 

I don't really disagree with anything you say here. Just had a beef with the accusation of entitlement and arrogance aimed at the original post.

 

I gotta say it, something just doesn't smell right about this guy.

With 4000+ hours over what has to be a 15-20 year mil career why dont you "know anyone"? Anyone who's been around that long and is a good guy should have a large network with multiple contacts willing to help you out. You flew corporate as well? There's another pool of people to network from. Why didn't you stay there maintaining currency until a major called?

This is the most telling, and I think most suspect quote. In the past 18 months Southwest, Jetblue, USAir, Virgin, Fedex, Atlas, Spirit and probably a few others I'm missing who pay more than the regionals have all hired. United just started interviews for off the street guys. Corporate hiring is picking up as well. Why don't you know this? The last sentance says it all. You're going to quit flying for what sounds like the 2'nd or 3'rd time if your dream job doesn't land in your lap after 6 months.

I think you have a VERY tough road ahead as your work timeline brings up more questions than it answers. HR depts have stacks of resumes several thousand deep with guys who really want to be there and have the contacts to vouch for them.

 

The few people I know, are at airlines that are not hiring. As to the ones that were hiring, I have applications into every single one of them. As to why I am not flying corporate right now? That is easy, when your company goes into bankruptcy they sell airplanes. As for a non-flying jobs, I am fortunate to have my MBA, and have no problem making more $$ than I would as a pilot. I prefer to fly, but not going to be a "lifer" at some regional. I am fortunate to be in a financial position that will allow me to hold out for a good job, but I don't mind going to a regional for a short time for more currency and experience.

 

Fair enough. The 2 biggest hurdles I see are currency and recs. Six months at a regional will fix currency, but you're saying you don't know anyone that can write a lor except at AA & SWA? You should plan on being at a regional for more than 6 months if that's the case.

Aviation is small but after 20 years in the Air Force flying heavies I'd expect your network to be much bigger. I'm not saying it won't work out for you, I just fail to see how an HR type is going to pull you out of the stack when everyone else has their buds pulling for them right now. In 3 years when retirements really pick up it will likely be a different story. Three years wouldn't make you a regional lifer by any measure but are you prepared to wait that long?

 

PittsDriver,

When I went to AE in 1999, there were 3 pointy nose types there just to get some more time and 121 experience. They were all gone within 1 year.

What kind of flying is the 150 hours/3 years? You say your company sold their airplanes. If you are just flying a Pitts or some other general aviation planes, you will realistically need something better for currency from an airline point of view.

If you can believe what is out there about hiring, going to a regional now should get you through training and on the line flying if/when things pick up next year.

 

Swedish, most of that time was in the 560. Been looking for another gig flying 560s but no luck.

 

There lies the crux of your dilemma. If you separated from mil in the last couple years, I think you would be okay on currency from a majors viewpoint. However, since you've been flying a 560 for 3 years, your mil recency may not apply.

The question is how long do you hold out for another 560 gig? If you can't find another 560 gig, is flying general aviation enough to remain current in a HR point of view? If not, how long do you wait in hopes of a corporate jet job versus applying at a regional?

 

I'm not sure if you meant this as it sounded, but there certainly are majors hiring right now.