Lots of good responses here. I'd consider where you want to end up. Any major? Some place in particular?
It seems as though they all have different "preferences". Some want jet time, others look for PIC time. Some want heavy jet time or international experience. Some look at what else you've done besides show up and fly the plane. Have you been an instructor or check airman?
I've been trying to get to FedEx, but I've heard that turbo-prop time isn't good enough anymore. I've got 9000 hours of it.
If you've got a particular major in mind, I'd go for the job that's going to get you the experience they want...and hope they're still in business when you get it.
Good luck!

 

Thanks for the responses everyone, I hope this thread is helping more members and lurkers out there than just me. I am always looking to meet new people in the industry...there is definitely no such thing as too much networking.

I used to really want heavy international, but have since learned that on my deathbed I really won't give a ******* if I have 8000 hours 747 or 757 or G4 or whatever in my logbook. I want to fly equipment that maximizes my quality of life and time I can spend w/ family and friends (which is apparently impossible in the aviation industry cue flaming from the likes of SkyHigh).

I have heard similar stories about FedEx specifying "turbojet PIC" time. Which would not be AMF since they stopped flying their Lears.

I instructed for a while, never have been a check airman. I will look into contacting my local guard/reserve unit. What is the military's take on vision these days?

 

20/70 correctable to 20/20. I'm pretty sure that lasik/prk is approved now, but I would check that if its a factor.

 

Many roads with the same destination. Best of luck to you man. I think regardless you're in a good spot with age 65 looming. Just keep in mind that 5 years of doing something you really don't like to get to a major is a soul sucking endeavor. Most of us have done exactly that to get where we are. My best suggestion is finding somewhere palatable that will lead you to your goal instead of hating life to get there faster.

 

Try the military way. It works well because its versatile. It can certainly be a career of its own. Its often sought after by major airline employers (your goal). It keeps you well rounded for other professional opportunities. Drawbacks: You may not fly what you want, you certainly can fail, and most importantly, you may perish or be maimed in our nation's defense. I flew what I wanted. I did not fail. However, I could have lost my life or been wounded on multiple occasions in ground combat in the last decade--nothing to do with airplanes. Ironically, those moments made all the difference.

Sure, I do have a fine job at a major, but I often think about what might have sorely been...It helps me to keep perspective now with such diminished career opportunity throughout our country (not just our industry). My military service is the shining star of my professional career in aviation. While what I do now is fun, it won't exceed the pride I took from those difficult times. Life determines when you get a chance to make a difference. You determine how you'll handle that chance. Always protect who you are in your search for what you are. Good luck.

 

I agree. Pilot B.

It's not always a bad thing. If you've ever hired someone you know the desperation to find someone you can trust because you'll be stuck with them financially and in many way legally or contractually unless they're an outright failure. Trust that they can pass and perform comes from experience with that person and when hiring hundreds you're desperate for that insight.

Pilot A will still probably get their chance though. If there are enough slots to go around. Fair? Maybe not, but I their resume is clean and professional, they update their app and they dont have an email that says thenextmaverick@hotmail then they've risen above a lot of people.

 

Could accumulating hours and experience at a corporate flight department be a good way to get to the majors? Or are you kinda stuck in the "corporate rut"

 

My two cents -

It took me three years from signing on the dotted line until I was done with my military reserve training. Three years from now will be 2.5 yrs after the hiring spree started.

IMO I'd do AMF and get the PIC time. Track down the major airline you ultimately want. Get hired at your second or third choice? Keep applying to your higher choices.

Once you get with the airline that you want to stick with I'd see if the USAF Reserve/ANG options are still available. Excellent training, flying, and wearing the U.S. flag on your shoulder can never be taken away from you.

And best of all you avoid a couple of years of reserve at the airline.

 

I'm not saying its such a bad thing, although I wish the ones without contacts were given a more equal shake than those with the contacts. I am just another mid-30'd white guy flying an RJ with a few thousand hours trying to further my career. Finding a way to stand out amongst the crowd is difficult. The OP asked about "Getting to a major" and asked about where to go for flight time and such, when no one pointed out to him that with the right contacts he can get on the short list when a hiring round comes up.

Currently I well exceed the basic hiring minimums - and I'd put myself in the lower end of the competitive minimums. If you asked me would I rather magically have another 3,000 TPIC in my logbook OR the FedEx Chief Pilot's contact info and be on a first name basis with him.......I'll take the contact info.

 

It happens my friend, I was 27 and the typical RJ CA when hired at NWA with -0- recommendations and no connections. Getting the initial call is the hard part, the rest is all about separating yourself from those that get called and do whatever you can to better the odds of getting called (network, career fairs etc). Good luck