Old dog, new tricks?
 

Hi All,

First time posting here, so I hope you'll go easy on me. I'm a Navy captain and former FA-18 pilot looking forward to retiring this summer after 26 years of service. I actually had planned to do the airline thing at 20, but then 9/11 hit and we all got a little busy. Not to mention the furloughs. One thing led to another and here I am five years later ready to hang up my spurs finally.

Since the airlines are all about seniority, I used to think that going commercial after a 26-year retirement didn't make a lot of sense - not enough time to get off the reserve/right seat/Christmas Eve flight schedule to make it work. But with the age limit going up to 65, it occurs to me that I might just have gotten five years back and frankly the beltway bandit/consultant alternative doesn't look all that appealing. That's work and flying is, well: Fun.

I've been out of the military cockpit since 2001, but have recently started flying Vargas part time (weekends) for a local tour outfit here in San Diego. Basically, I've been bit by the flying bug in a big way.

I've got ~4400 hours TT, most of it in FA-18s with a sprinkling of other jets (A-4's, T-2's, F-16N, F-5E) and a very little turboprop time. I've got an ATP MEL and SEL.

So having just come to the conclusion that there might be more flying for me in the future, and digging on the NetJets business model, compensation and basing options, the questions are basically these: Does any of this even make sense? And, how "current" is current?

Because the last time I looked it took ~100 hours in the last year to be considered current. Between my part-time gig and paying for some bug smasher time I could probably make that happen at a stretch. But if it's a dumb idea, the money would be better spent in my girls' college funds.

Thoughts?

I would just apply. You may not be that current, but you have more than enough experience. I would be surprised if you weren't called for an interview. Just polish up your FAR knowledge. Also, the sim ride at NJ is very basic and easy. There are also a few retired O-6's flying here as well. Some from 121 carriers. They like it here way better.

With that experience they're probably gonna call you. If you could get a King Air gig at the local airport while you wait for the NJ interview, that wouldn't hurt either.

Sir:
Flexjet interview is just HR and a sim ride. If you are instrument current (and maybe have a little time with glass) you can get through it. A G1000 Cessna 172 would probably do the trick. Just say "correcting" whenever you stray from heading/altitude/airspeed. Awareness is more important than perfection. Tune in tomorrow for word on expanded bases for them - right now with only 4 open bases it is rather limiting.

Congratulations on a great career. Did you started out USNA?

V/R
LCDR, CHC, USNR
(and a pilot on the side!)

Hey, thanks Navajo (and others). I'll certainly give it a shot. Probably need to get some approaches, etc. under my belt.

I did start at USNA, after all the price was right.

Proud dad of alum (6th Co, '03) who flies C130J for the Corps. Still a BGO myself. Still the same great price.

What is USNA?

Is that where they teach belly dancing?

USAFA - now that is a real skool.

Flame on.

NepLex - in all seriousness, I have several friends at NetJets. They all love it. With their new contract, it is a great place to work, IMO.

With that smoov-dancing USAFA gheydet on YouTube, you've got a lot of brass messing with the Trade School on the Severn. Or maybe it's just that standard USAF 'best defense is a good strategic bombing campaign" thing.

And thanks - I've been hearing good things too.

Just so long as your landings on a 10000 foot runway aren't 3rd wire traps.....

hey Neplex, and to all others, I am sorry for posting this here and being way off subject and self wanting, but I can not seem to to find any USN guys to help me out, I am a student with 2 years left and want to go Navy and seeking some details, i am fairly knowledgeable about the process for OTS/UPT and the sacrifices that will be made, so if you can give me a hand and shoot me a email [email protected], I would appreciate anything, I just a couple of questions, (if not I understand), thanks and sorry for turning this topic a complete 180.