Age
 

Hello,
I'm ATP LR 60 Type with 4000 hours + and 2000 PIC Turbine.
Its been 5 years since I've flown but still in Aviation though, FAA Accident Investigation
I'm 55 and Hold first Class Med etc.
What are the chances for Southwest, American or United.

Regionals would not be very good 10 year plan, so that's the question.

Thanks in advance for any input.

Oldest guy in my new hire class was 54, and looking at the latest seniority roster there was a guy with a birthday in 1962. I don't think age would be an issue for you. However, last flight being 5 yrs ago could be an issue. Drop and app and keep it updated, might get a call. Good luck!

Your currency will play a much larger factor on getting the call.

Don't worry about the age. DO worry about the lack of currency. You HAVE to get current to have a chance at a legacy. That might mean getting on at a regional or ULCC to get back up to speed. Regionals would definitely take you now but not sure about Spirit, Allegiant, etc.

There are two elements to currency. One is to get current in the simulator/ other aircraft with a PC or an Instrument Competency Check. The other part is the requirement to have 100-200 hours of actual flying in the past year. Even FAA jobs are requiring recent flying and not just the simulator.

I think regionals and LCC should be considered first and keep updating your app as you meet the hours which may trigger a "look."

Thanks
 

Thanks
Great input
E

Currency means FAR legally current on AMEL instruments. Of course you need that.

Recency means hours in the last 24, 12, or 6 months. Exactly how much over what time period depends on the airline in question.

100 hours in two years might work if it's in a fighter. Otherwise they'd probably like at least 100-200 in the last year, with plenty in the last six months. More is better much though.

They're looking for two things, depending on the airline. One is train-ability, rusty pilots don't do as well in training statistically.

The other consideration for some airlines apparently, is do you like to fly airplanes (or at least make money)? The recent trend is to look for pilots who are productive, ie fly a lot, fly weekends, and holidays, etc. as opposed to drop a lot of mil leave, hide out on reserve, bid down, call in sick, etc.

No that last isn't really "fair" because you could be on reserve through no fault of your own, and sit reserve on weekends, holidays far from home. Or you might be senior enough to bid weekends and holidays off. But if you fly weekends and holidays, they will assume you don't call in sick much.

No job satisfaction at WP37?