It's all relative. My worst day at CAL is always better than the best day at XJT. I was at XJT nine years, so I know. Life is better and the pay is better. The position 737 CA in EWR went junior for many reasons. I'm looking forward to being a CA again. I can sit reserve at home.

 

To be completely honest I have already "applied" to CAL via Airline Apps. I meet the minimums, but like you, have no PIC in turbine A/C, but that is not going to stop me from meeting as many CAL pilots as I can, and handing my resume to anybody I can that may help me get a job. I am getting involved with the union, not only can I meet people there, but hey looks good on the resume. I do community service around my hometown, I know it doesn't make me a better pilot, but makes me more of a "well-rounded" individual. I plan on going to the all of the job fairs I can.
-------CAL recruiter, "hey Joe, nice to meet you, but there are far more qualified applicants etc.............
--------Me, "thanks for your time, and Ill keep trying till you guys call"

I have flown with a lot of CA's already that are going/went to CAL, that "say" they will be happy to write me a letter, but finding someone to actually walk my stuff in might be challenging, but if I can't I would be more than happy to head down to the EWR chief Pilots office and introduce myself. Sure its a long shot and I am sure he has more important things to do than listen to me tell him why I want to go CAL, but I have to do everything that is in my power to get an an interview there

rant over

 

Thank you for your interest in joining the Continental team. Continental anticipates continued growth and significant hiring through 2007 and beyond.

The following are the minimum qualifications to apply for a pilot position:

* 1,500 hours fixed-wing total flight time
* 1,000 hours fixed-wing PIC time, or 500 hours PIC time and 500 hours SIC time in a turbojet
* 1,000 hours fixed-wing turbine time
* 1,000 hours fixed-wing multi-engine time (civilian or military) or 1,000 hours single-engine military fighter jet time
* A current ATP written exam
* A current first class FAA medical
* A current passport
* A Bachelor's degree is highly desired

 

I know of at least three Xjet guys hired at CAL with zero Turbine PIC, and have heard of many Eagle FO's hired at CAL as well, presumably also lacking turbine PIC. The X-jet FOs I know who went over did have rock solid connections... which appears to be the sole criteria to moving your resume from the big pile to the short pile.

 

You are a shooin with that 0 PIC time. They love that when contract time comes around they have no choice but to vote yes.

 

hahaha thats funny............

 

Can they really predict to hire that many pilots, and all new hires have internal recs?

 

Life is what you make it........................ The worst day of flying at a mainline carrier beats unemployment by far. Sure, there's the perpetual complainers that think everyone owes them a living, but every company has them. I haven't flown with too many newhires that can't believe how good life has been for them at CAL. 2 weeks on reserve as a newhire isn't a bad way to start a career, and less than two years to captain is almost unheard of in this day and age. I'll take that QOL ANY day!

 

Yes, and yes all newhires have internal recs. They want to hire pilots who are "known" to the CAL employees. A few bad apples got in and so the hiring process continues to be refined. It is pretty classy though to call your friend and offer them a job. I think CAL is one of the only carriers doing that.

 

So I guess it wouldn't be a bad idea to work for XJet for the next 200 hours to meet and greet until I meet CAL mins?