I was looking to get some feedback from the group; I'm looking at possibly getting back into professional aviation after a fairly long period of time off. I previously flew Part 121 for PSA Airlines, with my last flight being August of 2002 (about 14 years ago). Family requirements at the time just didn't make continuing at that point a possibly, so I reluctantly went back to my prior job in Engineering. Now fast forward 14 years and my situation has changed, and I'm exploring my options. In those 14 years I have stayed basically current, kept my CFI renewals up to date, and have done some instructing part time just to keep my hand in it. In addition, I'm fortunate because I do really enjoy flight instructing. At this time I'm 53 years old, have my ATP, about 3500 hours total, about 2700 multi flying for PSA and 135 freight, about 150 turbine PIC flying 135 freight, and I do still meet the requirements for a class 1 medical. I guess my questions are;

• Is it too late to make a run at it?
• What are some ways to get back in?
• What are the thoughts as to going regional, fractional, or corporate?
• My recent experience is lacking - about how much time should I plan on logging before I might attract any interest?

I appreciate any feedback anyone might have. This is the first post I've made, and I'm really trying to figure out how to get my ducks in a row.

 

Got any recent experience at all, start applying to the regionals. I came in at 56 as a second career. PM if you want any specifics.

 

Thanks; I will definitely PM you. Yeah, I've been flying a couple hours every couple weeks, so I'm VFR current. My instrument currency is lapsed, but I was going to do an IPC next week.

 

Regionals would probably take you in a heartbeat.
In four years you'd have the average TT of the median civilian new hire but would be below the average PIC time. So there's a chance you might get on with a major or LCC for several years before Age 65.

Women in aviation conference is in March. Every regional, major and LCC will be there.

 

Estimated flow to AA is 7 yrs from Envoy and Piedmont. If you get hired you could spend about four years at AA or stay at the regional.

 

1. Not too late at all. Many folks your age and above applying and getting hired.
2. Update your resume, review ATP study guide and FAR/AIM etc.
3. Apply to the regionals. If you don't have a 4 year degree consider the AA wholly owned ones for the flow. You could potentially flow in 6-7 years if you wanted and have 5 years at AA mainline.
4. Get your IFR currency and you should get on with someone fairly quickly.
5. Good Luck!

 

Wow. Very close to my situation.

The difference is I haven't flown an aircraft since I left ACA in 2003 and I let my CFIs lapse.

I have no turbine PIC but around 1000 hours SIC in 727s and CRJs, and I'm in the process of getting my 1st class medical which is more of a hassle than normal because of a minor EKG issue.

Think Piedmont would be interested?

 

Thanks everyone; I appreciate all the valuable input. I'm starting to do some research on the regionals, and getting some recent flight hours. I have been getting some hours instructing, plus I have my IPC scheduled. I'm sure I will have additional questions, but for now I appreciate the feedback.