SkyknightJohn

Hello forum!

I've read around a lot and have gathered some opinions already, and then signed up to ask...

Background: My career has been one of interruption and tragedy; a real tale of woe and misery. Finished school/training weeks prior to 9/11; became a widower-single parent; instructed between deployments; left the last job near the end of the '08-'09 economic crud because "... that fuel pump is expensive... and the aux. worked fine!" was the last straw.

I'll give you a moment to dry your tears of sympathy.

OK, so I meet ATP minimums, including 250 ME, mostly C-421, but I haven't flown since Dec. 2009. At that time, of course, the outlook wasn't so hot. I took a ground service job to be stable and to stay in aviation while my son finished high-school, 'cause I'm a good dad and I had moved him around enough already.

So, the question is: Besides basic currency, where is training money best invested? Let's say I'm aiming for Republic or PSA because I'll be near enough to a base (once I can get it.)

Would putting hours in a real a/c be valuable, say 15-20 dual ME? or would the money be better spent at FSI or Simcomm or the like in Turbine Transition/CRM/RVSM kind of training? I've attended FSI twice for the C-421 and did well in that environment.

Another option, naturally, is returning to instructing for a time, but I was poor and did the dumb thing and let my CFII expire, so I would need to do a reinstatement, which doesn't sound like a lot of fun since it's the whole initial all over again. Or, the MEI, but all the initial stuff is still on the table for the checkride.

Thanks for your thoughts and sarcastic remarks.

IDIOTPILOT

If you already meet all the ATP minimums, I would just apply to PSA or Republic. Most regionals have guys in similar situations where they haven't flown in a long time. The first few sims are just getting back to basic instrument flying.

Pete389

Based on your post you sound like a guy who would be fun to fly, has a good head on your shoulders, and would do well in a crew environment. I'm in the same situation having not flown since 2012. With the market the way it is now I would suggest applying and/or contacting the companies you are interested in. I'm guessing you would get a job offer somewhere, even with your lack of currency.

I start class next week and with all the growth the company is experiencing I will upgrade and make a decent wage in just a few months based on my previous 121 experience.

I think you'll get on somewhere, I would say you probably won't even have to be current to get an offer with your previous experience and personable attitude.

Good luck!

SkyknightJohn

Thanks for the words of encouragement! Sounds like I need to get things polished and ready sooner rather than later.

I have some reading on the way to be as prepared as possible (The Turbine Pilot's Flight Manual (Brown & Holt) and Irv Jasinski's Airline Pilot Interviews)--both recommendations I found here. I like being prepared. Also armchair flying MS Flight Sim to keep my scan up--the price is right!

Other thoughts & opinions welcome.

JohnBurke

Get flight current again; doesn't need to be fancy or expensive. Get instrument current; can be a simulator. A Frasca will work fine.

Depending on your comfort level, you can apply and seek an interview, or find other kinds of work for a while. The instrument currency is primarily to be able to pass a sim check for an interview.

Get current on regulation, the AIM and procedures, etc.

RadialGal

Same boat, returned to flying after a long absence. Hop in a Frasca or something cheap to knock the rust off the scan or the Full Motion sim (if you go to one) will beat you up and take your lunch money.

One thing that surprised me was that my Radio Procedures went right down the sh!tter. I sat with Live ATC and got used to filing, reading back amended SID's/STARS, etc...... it is not quite like riding a bicycle and I am glad I did some dry runs instead of having to "knock off the rust" with a revenue flight behind me!

Also know that current and proficient are 2 different critters. You may get yourself "current" in the sim, but realize you may be a bit behind the power curve when you get into a real IFR environment. Be ready for that, it did come back, but don't beat yourself up too much if you feel a bit behind the curve to start. Folks understand, just put in the extra time, review a flight when you finish, realize what may have gone smoother, remember it for the next one. It will come back, but again, it's not quite like riding a bike!

Blue Skies!
RadialGal

SkyknightJohn

Thanks! That's all in the plan. Studying like it was college again!

SkyknightJohn

More good advice! I'm lucky in the comms department that I work at an FBO, so I hear the transmissions all day, at least ground & tower. Of course, I can't remember the last time I briefed an approach. The next time will be tonight! (in the desk chair sim )