SouthernFried,

Thanks for the words of encouragement! I am definitely looking at many options, and I hope that XJT is a viable one for me. But I did the online application and sent along a resume on April 1st, and I only got the page that said they'd be in contact with me. I have yet to hear anything from them, though. Could it be because I put an availability of July on my resume?

Also, what are the chances of getting IAH out of training? I currently live in Pensacola and my wife wants to stay here (she's local), so I figure that if I get IAH when I do get a day or two off, it's only about an 8 hour drive to get home to see my family.

Anyway, thanks again for the words of encouragement!

marinepilot

 

Marinepilot,

As far as the hiring process goes, I have no idea. I got hired in Jan of '01 and it has changed since then. I suspect you are correct though.

If you get hired and go to class in the next few months I think you have an excellent shot at IAH. Considering your age, you should be at or near the top of your class for seniority. Usually there are at least a few IAH slots in each class. Commuting from VPS shouldn't be a problem. Driving? That's pretty hard-core. Once you learn the commuting ropes I would be surprised to hear that you are driving back and forth. We (XJT) have at least three round-trips a day to IAH and you would have priority for the jumpseat over pilots from other airlines.

I used to fly a B model T-34 at the Navy Memphis flying club. Lots of fun but underpowered.

SF

 

Southern Fried,

Thanks for all the info in the last couple posts! Basically I'm only looking at airlines where I could be domiciled within driving distance from PNS, or if either they or a partner airline fly into PNS where it would be easy for me to jumpseat or non-rev home. (XJT flys from IAH right into PNS I believe, so that's one option. The other regional I'm looking at is ASA out of Atlanta. I know some guys who jump-seat or non-rev on their planes and also AirTran from PNS to ATL.) The drive to IAH might be hard core, but I do what I must to be with my family, and it would only be if I can't jump or non-rev home.

Being such a low time pilot, I know I am stuck headed to the regionals for a while if I want to fly. But I'm also looking at the fact that I have a young family (youngest just turned 1) and don't really want to sacrifice too much of that for a flying career. That's why the restriction on "close" airlines. If I can't get in with one of them then I'll probably choose a new career path, one with more stability and surety, and that keeps me closer to home more often.

Oh, and as for the "B" model T-34, I haven't ever had the pleasure. But the "C" model TurboMentor, that's quite the awesome little plane! Lot's 'o power, nimble, and good for aerobatics. I'll surely miss flying this little sportster!

Thanks again,

marinepilot

 

I put a resume in today. Here's what i have in time 2150 TT 695 multi and 250 instrument, 2000 PIC. How long did some of you have to wait before getting a phone call?

 

Marinepilot, I'm a Navy helopilot and finishing my 1st sea tour. I have some multi-time and wondered if I should request T-34 IP or C-12/C-22 for my shore tour? How many hours did you get on your IP tour? I know the "career implications" of C-12/C-22 in terms of leaving the helo community, but wonder if you think it's worth the sacrifice to get on with a regional and then hopefully, a major. Your thoughts are greatly appreciated.

 

Sierra60,

If you're thinking of leaving the Navy someday soon and would like to go for the regionals and/or the majors, definitely do what you can do get more multi time! As for getting the T-34 slot or the C-12 slot, I don't know what the Navy looks for in assigning those billets, but for the Corps, getting down to Corpus to be a multi IP means you had to have taken a crap tour first (FAC or joint staff or something like that) and paid your dues up front. I hadn't done that so T-34's were the only option for me, being a previous C-130 guy.

Also, I am not sure how the Navy gives out orders, but for the Corps, we're just sent to the Marine training group down here and then they decide whether you go T-34's or whatever else is there (helo's or multi's). What I mean by that is that even if we get sent to Corpus with multi time, there's still T-34's down there and we could possibly end up being an IP in those. So, I would definitely recommend the C-12/C-22 route for a future outside the Navy. If you're not looking at a Naval career, take the "impllications" with a grain of salt 'cause you'll be leaving when your time is up anyway.

As for how many hours I've gotten, I'm just an average guy here in Whiting, I've gotten about 1,000 hours in the last 2 yrs or so. There are guys who are getting above 600 hrs per year, but those are the guys that volunteer for weekend flying either in the local area or taking student's on cross countries.

 

Marinepilot,
Thank you for your experience and input. It gives me some things to think about. The Navy seems to make you pay your dues on the back end (i.e. boat tour as air dept., handler, etc) in order to be competitive if one wants to screen for DH or actually stay career or have that potential. At least, that's what I'm hearing. It's a tough choice because it seems like if one makes the wrong choice (i.e. go fixed wing for a tour), they stick it to you and you may not even screen, (i.e.- terminal 0-4 or maybe not even that) should you choose try to stay. I'll definitely be keeping my options open to get the fixed-wing time and take my chances as you say. Do you have any other recommendations? Thank you again.

 

Is it true u can go to CO mainline from EJ

 

Yep. But only if you fill out the app, like everybody else. Get alot ot PIC time, like everybody else. Wait to get called, like everybody else. Interview, like everybody else. Or, just intern or have a parent/family friend/neighbor/golf buddy, ect work there.

The short answer, NO. The flow through agreement is done, has been for a while.

 

Marine, I just finished my first year at XJT. My class, they dumped everyone into CLE and we all recieved our first choice of base after about the second month being there. EWR has had a lot of lines and movement (its the junior captain base) and you will sit reserve the shortest there. Everyone seems to want IAH, so it may take an extra month or two to get down there, and then another extra month or two to get a line. CLE... well... they are shrinking CLE lines (which is where I was based) and basically whatever movement up you make, is about the same numebr of lines that get dropped.

As far as the 69 a/c, we told CAL that we were going to be keeping them, but no announcement has been made as to where we are going to be flying them. Its been interesting around here to say the least. Best of luck to you with getting hired.

Oh yeah, as a commuter, it starts to wear on you fast!