[QUOTE=acl65pilot;983492]
Some do not have a degree at all, and even more have a degree that is not of the correct certification.QUOTE]

Not trying to sound like Joe Dumb***, but what type of 4 yr degree is not the correct certification?

Thanks!

 

Interesting read from the beginning. Getting ready to retire from 20 yrs in MIL fighters and can only speak for my buds in the same boat: All are applying to FDX and SWA. Nobody wants to touch the others right now due to climate, pay, and uncertainty. Suppose things will change if the first 2 say no but the AA, UAL's, etc are not getting their "pick of the litter". Interesting to see how this translates when the current pilot pool dries up...

 

What if FedEx and SWA don't offer you a job? Will you stay in until they do?

DAL had 5,500 applicants last year and hired 148 "off the street".

 

Delta has no say so and barely cares who the DCI operators hire as long as they put someone in the seat. Delta has turned down plenty of pilots that fly in the regionals for delta. They are not good enough pilots to fly at delta but still talented enough to still fly the delta passengers in delta colors.

 

I categorically disagree. I have known many to fail a few of the DCI interviews, and others that passed but were let to because they could not hack training. No I am not kidding. They were all told to go get some more experience.

 

What he said. I think too many of us are under the assumption that if they are not my friend, didn't go the same route as me (flight school / military) they are not good pilots and have no place in a Delta cockpit. I know many good pilots with Awesome attitudes/ personalities that have been ignored by Delta. Huge loss to my coworkers and our passengers as these great people move onto the competitors.
I also believe there are PLENTY of qualified pilots for the next decade at the Legacy level. Now the regional's are going to bleed later this decade....but I also know ATP schools will slap a bandaid all over that wound.

All said though those of us in the career already will see better days ahead so smile it doesn't hurt that bad!

 

If they do, best to know how to pronounce their name.

Carl

 

Why only jet operators?

 

Not trying to single you out, but I see and hear from a lot of military pilots who think they're the shiznit and assume they'll get hired where ever they want due to their background. I heard a pilot recently from my old unit say, "I'm going to go fly for UPS when I get out ... yada yada yada". It just doesn't work that way.

As a military guy, you should be applying EVERYWHERE. The last thing you need is your military pilot ego to be crushed when your top three picks don't hire you ... wait a second ... or even call you! A military friend of mine didn't get hired from his first pick and his dad is a senior check airman there.

There are plenty of former military pilots who have worked at other companies gaining lots of Part 121 experience that are applying to the same jobs you are. Equally so, there are lots of regional Captains who have thousands of PIC hours. Not putting you down, but your military only experience makes you a dime a dozen.

Use your contacts to the max extent possible, but don't set yourself up for failure. The best airline out there is the one that hires you. Apply everywhere.

 

FATboy is absolutely correct...don't get stuck on one carrier. If you get your first choice, great; if not, you'll have the others as backups. Don't assume they'll love you...they'll probably have more military applicants then positions available...plus there are plenty of highly qualified civilian applicants.