Continental Wait Time
 

I am currently an FO for a regional carrier who would like to make one would like to finish up his career with CAL. I am going to apply in January 2007 with the following forcasted times:

2500 TT
1000 Turbine
2300 Multi-Engine
1280 PIC (non turbine)
1000 PIC Multi-Engine Piston

I know what the competitve minimums are. I have flown with Captains who have had their paperwok into CAL for over a year and have not had a reply. They did not have any type of connection. I have a friend who is a junior FO on the 737 and another who is retired after 30 years with the company.

Do you think having the assistance of the aforementioned is any help at all?

What is a good wait time? (6 months, a year?)

Is it tacky to approach a CAL pilot you do not know and ask for help? Does this hold any water; I don't even know this person?

I have heard that CAL is going to continue hiring through next year. I am hoping just like the rest to get a shot. I started late and now am in my mid 30's and honestly do not want to hang out where I am for years to come.

how long have you been with your current airline?

I have been there about 15 months.

I think you should apply sooner than Jan 07. From what I have seen, the more folks you know at CAL, the better off you will be. I am new to this, and only speak from my experience in trying to get hired with CAL. I have been waiting almost 5 months, and still don't really know when to expect a call for an interview. Your two friends should be able to help, but more would most likely improve you opportunity to get an interview. Apply soon and good luck.

Since we are on the whole hiring/wait time subject, I have a question. According to the mins, the website states 500PIC and 500SIC in a turbojet. I think I have read somewhere that someone was hired with 500PIC turboprop. So is it really turbojet or just turbine aircraft???

Thanks.

I believe it's just turbine aircraft because I do know a guy personally with barley 500 PIC in a C-130 and he just started class today. (Big inside connection though).

As far as the other question I too would get you app in asap. I've been in for 5 months and just recieved word myself. You don't want to miss this big hiring push.

I dont have the min's yet; 300 hours shy. Predicting I will have that in January!

Honestly the wait time is indefinate unless some one hleps push or app along the way or your qualifications are obvious. (ie big jet time (not regional jet) or a lot of turbojet pic)

Even if you are 300 hours shy of the mins, I would go ahead and submit your app online, and update it every month. As Flatspin7 states, your two friends should be actively pushing your name/app at CAL. Hopefully your friend that retired from CAL knows other folks that can help your cause.

Just like anywhere else - it's all about the internal recommendations. I've had my app in with CAL since January of this year ( I hit 1000 pic turbine in March) but I have no internal recs. You'll get an interview before I will! - BCD