Volunteerism a "requirement" for the majors?
 

While not a posted requirement, it seems that from the feedback from the major airline recruiters, volunteer time is now an untold "requirement" in order for you to get the call for an interview.

Since when does wether one is or is not a volunteer have anything to do with being a safe/competent pilot and a good employee? I'm don't want to try and save the world. I just want to go to work, do my job in a safe and efficient manner and go home and not be bothered until it's time to go to work again. Why should I have to volunteer for organizations that I wouldn't volunteer for unless it would help me look good to a major?

That's what happens when you put HR flunkies in charge of interviewing and hiring professionals.

The same way about a degree. If you want that job bad enough, you just have to do some of those things. Volunteering is not a bad thing and can actually be rewarding. Find something you enjoy doing and just do it. Elementary schools and special needs for adults are a couple of places I've volunteered at. They love to see us come out to talk to them about flying. Wear your monkey costume and just take some time to tell them what it is you do. You will be surprised some of the questions they ask. Some are downright hilarious, but some will blow you away and make you actually think about it before you answer!!!

I enjoy shooting my guns and sitting on my couch drinking beer on my days off. I don't want to volunteer for some left wing organization.

Like paying money to network or accepting a job for food stamp wages. At some point somebody accepted it and it became the customary norm. Not saying volunteering is on the same page as food stamp wages but people have many different reasons as why they don't have time to volunteer and are held at fault on their resumes for it.

Exactly! But it's PC to volunteer and the airlines want to be seen and being PC friendly.

So then don't.

You realize you could volunteer for the NRA, right? Or are you really just that dumb that you think "volunteer" equals "left wing extremism?"

Delta takes an active roll in many of the communities it serves. It has many charitable foundations. It wants its employees to share that. They choose to hire pilots that do more than show up and leave.
What's wrong with that?

Withdraw your app if it's a problem.

I'm not. And because I don't it shouldn't be held against me if I choose to apply to a major.

All the recruiters at NGPA said that since there's so many qualified pilots applying, they need SOMETHING to differentiate between them. College degree, GPA, chief pilot/check airmen positions, volunteer experience, etc. They know all the applicants can fly an airplane, but what what separates you from the 10,000 others who want the same position?

Don't think of it as trying to check another box (although maybe that's why you'll initially sign up for it) but rather a way to enrich your life by giving back to those less fortunate. You just might surprise yourself!