I need some help. I haven't flown in over three years,(desk job in the military) but I have done some sim work here and there. My question is what is the first step in getting my self current? I have asked numerous guys and I can't get a straight answer as to what constitutes "being current". Is a few hours of stick time with a CFI sufficent? Is it mainly dependent on me shooting approaches and doing touch and go's? Of course this is all geared toward a pursit of a regional airline. So what would they need to see in order for me to get a shot? (my info....1200TT, 1000ME, 500PIC) I'll consider any advice; even ones with little to no pay.

 

For starters, you will need this minimum legal currency:

Flight Review, Instrument Proficiency Check, and Night Landing currency in a AMEL. A rented light twin would suffice, and you could get all this done in one day if you come prepared.

Second, you REALLY want to have instrument proficiency (in addition to currency) before new-hire training, or before the interview if a sim check is involved. A cheap sim at a local flight school or FBO will suffice. Actually I (and others) use MS Flight sim for this purpose...if you chose the right aircraft it can be useful for developing your scan and procedures (but not much else). If there is an interview sim check, there are usually people who provide airline-specific sim preparation using the exact sim, profiles, and approaches the airline will use. Do that within one week of the interview date.

Also, depending on the airline, you may need to have 100 or 200 hours in the previous 6 months or year. You would have to check airline web sites for this requirement. Your first bet would be to avoid these airlines. However... if a decent airline has a junior domicile in your hometown, the long-term QOL benefits might make it worth renting a 152 for a couple weeks...