So what are the regionals looking for?
 

It seems like lately a lot of 135/91 guys are getting turned down by the regionals "Hiring Board."

We all know it... the brief phone call about "Let me ask you some basic questions before we can push your application through."

So you get asked all the fun stuff; hmmm did you party too much in college to get that one?, or whats with the lead foot? However, the big ones they are looking for seem to be check ride failures and employment history.... ok violations as well.

So Ill be honest; I have dropped three checkrides... but I have had 25, still giving me a 88 percent pass rate. Better than some one who is green out of Jet U. , ATP, Riddle or whatever, who brags about only failing one.

So out of the airlines I have applied to, always get the phone call, but never make it past the hiring screen. Others with a lot of 135/91 time have similar stories, perhaps a violation or termination years ago, get the phone call, but same result.

My point is not to bring down the regionals, cfi's fresh out of school, or perhaps the long time 135 guy who miraculousy never had a hiccup. My point is after the Colgan crash, the pre-screening for the hiring boards is "out of control." Too many people with great experience are being omitted, some times by regionals who are desperate to bring on people.

When you do something long enough, you develop risk. You will fail something one day; your human. Some other things also happen beyond our control. Is that fair to be bypassed by an impersonal screening process?

The Colgan crash was a result about two morons who were in the wrong place at the wrong time. So if we are desperate to bring on people, lets stop this witch hunt hiring process, and bring that person in to give them a chance. There are a lot of reckless pilots out there, but there are a lot who had bad luck. Let one on one human interaction decide that.

Fly Safe

C'mon man...these were people with families that passed away and to call them morons is pretty rough. I know that operational they made mistakes, but still... You speak of having human interaction, how about first having human decency for those who are lost.

That aside...I do think some of the hiring practices are OK at best and they "generally" weed out the bad apples. Again "generally"...Have you tried to get internal rec's, letters of rec's, and outside volunteer work to show your character. Those are a few this that I can think of.

Good luck with your job hunt.

One failed 5, you say you failed 3. Not much difference there some might say, but you call one a moron and then bemoan the fact that you haven't been given the chance.

Long time P135 who has "miraculously never had a hiccup"? Is it your contention that most have failed checkrides?

USMCFLYR

Bad English and bad form...

You just failed the internet interview on APC.

Thanks for posting. Repost in one year.

FYI...23 passed of 26 is still 88%.

Goodbye and good luck.

+1, Boyd...that was completely inappropriate of Props to say that. :eek:

Ok, not long ago I posted that the Colgan crew was being overly crucified if you will, and got nasty grams in response. What's with the change of heart? Just a rhetorical question, wondering 'aloud'.

Now, the original post was not so eloquent, sure. I see what everyone is saying. However, I also would be frustrated, seeing bridge kids get shiny jets with NO interview and little experience. I know of a few guys who weaseled their way to airline jobs, who I thought for sure karma was going catch up to. But I was wrong. So yeah, props is peeved. I get it. Been there. With the ridiculous amount of venting on this board, I don't see why this draws so much ire, and others not. Again considering the nastiness flung at the Colgan crew not so long ago. There seems to be a mob mentality on boards.

As far as jobs, I know of folks with imperfect records get picked up in this wave of regional hiring. There was offsetting experience so to speak though. So don't give up. Do watch what and how you say things.

Props -

1) This comment is clearly inappropriate. Even if you get through the initial screen and get an interview, this type of attitude and choice of expression might end up sinking you. Something to think about.

2) Try thinking outside the box a little to improve your results. An aviation career (like many, many jobs out there) is not purely a matter of "he who accumulates the most time gets the job." Whether an airline hires for personality and attitude or simply puts heavy emphasis on referrals, having a good personality and networking effectively can be huge. There are many ways to go about this, but it might not be a bad idea to buy a book first on how to meet people and make friends. This may sound silly, but I'm being completely serious for Props or anyone else who may have had trouble in this area. Knowing the right person at that regional can get your application pushed past that initial screen you are struggling with so that you can explain your failures in person during an interview and give you the chance to try and sell yourself. Some think this is unfair, and I disagree. Hiring based on sex, race, ethnicity, religion is unfair. Getting a look (while competitive) because you have someone vouch for you is part of life and being successful. Also, being able to network and make friends easily is a component of being a good pilot at most airlines. It improves CRM and allows you to personally interact with your customers.

3) Barring some new disaster, regionals are going to be hiring anyone with a pulse in a year or two from now. Not an excuse to not work hard on getting in now, but maybe a little consolation if things don't work out in the short term.

I read your post a few months ago, you had over 3000 TT.
Every recuriter at a regional knows you COULD be Gone in 60 secs, 60 minutes, 60 days or 60 weeks... It's just a matter of time & I am sure you already know that.

Pls don't get offended & I am not saying or suggesting whether you go this route or not. But if you believe that 121 time is what you are really lacking & you have to have some 121 time, then, have you thought about or talked to GoJet.....

They are seriously looking hard for DEC's & FO's. I am mean they are doing more road shows & open houses than Emirates is.......

Props, you have demonstrated that the weeding out of pilots works. In your case, Im thankfull you havent been given a chance in 121 as your attitude and feelings of "not given a chance" clearly show your entitlement thought process. Youve failed rides, and you have a crappy thought process. And no, professional pilots shouldnt expect to fail a checkride. Ive been fortunate in my career, but thats not to say I expect to fail one. Work hard, be professional, and what happens will happen. Im glad you havent fooled anybody and slippped through the cracks at my carrier. Doing a trans-con with you would be a real blast......not.
good luck dude.

Which three check rides have you failed? It's one thing for a recent grad of a training program to say, "I failed my CFI initial". It's another thing for a pilot with 3000 hours to say " I did great in initial flight training, but I failed my first type ride and a recurrent and my captain's upgrade fed ride.

Failures after starting ones professional career are much more serious than those done during initial training.