I could really use some advice…

As the son of an airline pilot all I ever wanted to do is fly. After instructing, hired at a regional in 2000. Got married, loved my job, life was good. Then… 9/11 and the resulting furloughs. I was lucky and kept my job, but the industry was so stagnant that I decided this would be a good time to chase more income. I left.

Real Estate was not a good choice, I did well till 2007… then the crash. Since then, I have not found the right fit and I can’t shake the idea that my heart is in Aviation. I have my own business now, but it is struggling to get out of the start-up phase.

With the airlines hiring, I am weighing my options. If I am meant to be in aviation, now is the time. Or, just let it go….

My stats:

2000+ total, 1000+ 121 SIC (ATR)
CFI would need to be reinstated
Current 1st class medical and studying to retake ATP written
Although I have been out 10 years; 5 years ago I flew a little in a C-310 for the home builder I was working for. (I mention that because the skills weren’t lost, like riding a bike)

38, Married, 2 young children. Wife is working.

I am looking for any words of wisdom from those that are in aviation, and those that left the business.

Do you think I have a shot at a regional without recent flying?
How about Corporate?
Any other careers in aviation that I should consider?

Thanks for the help!

 

that should get you hired at a regional once you get recurrent.

Not actually necessary in order to get hired at a regional, unless you plan to instruct for a while to get current. Probably simpler and faster just to do a FR/IPC, rent an airplane and fly around a little to get your comfort level back.

I would strongly suggest some FTD time with a CFII to get solid on instruments.

You'll need to study the ATP material for interviews. But you will not actually have to retake the written since an expired written is always good at a 121 operation. This assumes you plan on doing your ATP during new-hire training at a regional.

If you wanted to get your ATP part 91 before you apply to regionals then you'd have to take the written again. This would give you a very slight advantage during your new-hire checkride since the evaluator has less flexibility on an ATP ride. I'm not sure it would be worth thousands of dollars, but only you can decide that.

Did you log that time? If so, you will be at risk of having to explain C-130 systems at a regional interview since that is the most complex and recent airplane you've flown. Every regional will have a few ex C-130 types, and some will make sure that guy is at your interview.

Hopefully the wife's job is portable and enough to make up for low regional FO pay.

Yes, just get current. You may or may not need to log a few hundred hours to be competitive at the "better" regionals.

No, you'd need to rack up some recent flight time and network to make some connections.

 

Cessna-310 I believe he said ----- not C-130 Hercules

 

Haha, so he did!

 

Where do you live? If you're near an existing regional domicile that would be the first route I'd go.

 

rickair7777, TallFlyer,

Thank you for taking the time to help me out. Very encouraging. Once current, I will definitely get some FTD time.


I am in Atlanta. ExpressJet would be the best for me in regards to domiciles. I hope they would consider someone in my situation?

 

I'd imagine they'd absolutely love to have somebody like you... They cannot afford to be picky, and you have all the requirements as well as previous 121 experience. You should be able to get an interview pretty much anywhere right now.

 

Go for it. And good luck.

 

There are lots of threads about XJT on here, do your research and ask around, but it's going to depend on if they're hiring on the CRJ or ERJ side if ATL would be available, and how senior that base is at the time.

Also, it's been rumored that there's lots of changes coming to that company as the regional industry gradually moves from 50 seat to 70 seat aircraft. Something to keep in mind and pay attention to.

 

Wrxpilot, Spin, and TallFlyer,

I really appreciate all the feedback and well wishes. Interesting times in the industry. Very different climate than when I was flying.

The information posted on XJT is overwhelming and I am working to put the pieces together. Lots of homework to do.
Thanks again, for taking the time to help point me in the right direction.