I'm in kind of the same boat, just retired, 18 months out of the cockpit (except 15 hrs in a Piper Seminole to do my ATP). I put my Apps in (to basically everybody) on Monday and got calls from Compass and Republic Tues.

I've been staring at the computer all morning trying to figure my next move.

My internal rec guys at Delta are telling me to stand fast, that I will get a call.

My instinct is to get working, and figure out the training bond / 2 year contract stuff later.

My problem is dealing with the interview, I am not a very good BS'er, and the guys at the regionals have got to know I am doing it for currency, and have no real desire to stick around if the Majors pick up.

Any and all inputs are requested.

The regionals really don't care. They just need people and you need flight time. They're also not stupid (for the most part). They know why you're there. I've had a lot of friends who were current end up taking regional jobs to enhance their resumes (type ratings, 121 time, crew time, 121 training environment, etc) and most have finally started getting looks from the legacy companies.

As for the 2 year bond, I personally would be careful of that since there are plenty of carriers that will hire you without that requirement. I have heard they won't necessarily track you down for it, but who knows.

Hi all, joining the discussion...retired Sept '13, 4 yrs out of the cockpit myself. Took immediate employment with Air Wisconsin and just like the advice previous, got the ATP, type rating and PLENTY of currency now, and I didn't have to pay for it but rather got paid (though only in peanuts...literally). I'm at ~270 hrs since finishing OE late December. AWAC does not do training contracts and they fully endorse being used as a stepping stone into the majors. They actually don't want senior pilots (expensive) but would rather have a moderate turnover rate with a lot of FOs being paid 1st / 2nd yr pay. Just waiting on a call from the big boys, any second now , I'm holding my breath...
BTW, QOL is a definite improvement from DC staff officer life, especially cause I live in domicile. 4-5 trips into Reagan per month, absolutely no work or responsibilities outside of flying my line. Seeing a lot more of my family now. Food for thought.

The promissory note is now the norm. The courts see it as a loan; this avoids the legal wrangling and puts you on the hook. I was in same recency boat after teaching at a 142 school last six years. No military time but prior 121/135/91K, 3 types, no failures, and 9300 TT with 1400TPIC. Was told by the majors/LCCs to get current. Have been offered a job at all regionals I decided to interview with. Currently out of week one indoc and at home for CBT. At a place with no contract/promissory note/bond. Friends with several military guys that did the same thing and got picked up within a year.

Never been brought up in my case. Pilots in the seats, regardless of longevity. Some recruiters are getting very "car salesman like."

One competitor is hanging out at the indoc hotel of my new employer with a sign that says "free beer." And then they try and turn you like a Tom Clancy novel. They're all fighting over the fresh blood right now. Having an ATP at the regionals is very lucrative - like $19000 to $30,000 a year lucrative! And you even get to commute and do 10 hour overnights in exciting places like Kansas and Arkansas. It's a buyer's market!

Getting flying. It's that simple.

If you get hired one month earlier the extra month at the end of your career will put you ahead. And you'll be 50-100 numbers more senior every single month of your career.

And if DL doesn't come through what's Plan B? Go back in time 2-6 months and take the regional job that you passed on while waiting for 'the call'?

You're a better candidate at the table when they ask "so you retired X months ago. What have you done in the meantime?" You'll never have to apologize for saying "I took a regional job to learn a new a/c, cross over to passenger 121 flying, and to get back to my first love which is flying airplanes."

I talked to Colgan. They told me they were worried I would leave for bigger/better soon. I said yes, but I then asked it they needed pilots.They said yes and offered me an interview. I also suggest going to a regional without a training contract, now, and fly while u wait. I think it would improve your chances of UAL/DAL/AA/ALAir/HIAir, which are better than the LCCs. I think the better quality of life regionals are: SkyWest, Air Wisconsin, Horizon and Compass.

Long time listener, first time caller......

I'm wondering how many hours annually is competitive for the Legacy carriers? I'm in the same boat as most of you, been stuck on Staff duty the last 6 years of my career, but luckily I have been able to scam roughly 75 hours annually in tactical aircraft (F-18), and still current today (flew yesterday!!).

Here are my stats, most hours are F-18 and other tactical fighters
2400TT (all Turbine)
2000PIC
IP
NATOPS / INST Stan checker

My concern is the amount of hours annually in the last 6 years, I've heard rumors of 100 hours in the last 12 months being the threshold, but not sure. I have apps in but no bites (SEP 14 retire).

Similar hours/quals to what I had when hired by UAL 13 months ago. I'd try to get 100 in the past year.

In the same boat, retiring, haven't flown since '06. Here's what I've learned through the process (I was hired by SkyWest):

Get the ATP done NOW, before the August insanity. There are other threads talking about that.

You are VERY marketable at the regionals. You'll have to get current/qualified there, get about ~300 hours, and you should be marketable at the majors. I've been hearing the same things as you from my buds at the majors - just get current!

If you haven't done Emerald Coast Interview Prep, get it done ASAP! They know what they're doing, prep you well, and are also military guys (now flying for the majors), so they are the right guys to get you prepped.

Start studying now. FAR/AIM, Everything Explained for the Professional Pilot, The Turbine Pilot's Flight Manual, everything there is on Jeppesen charts/plates, Aerodynamics for Naval Aviators, ATP Oral Exam Guide, Mental Math for Pilots.

If you're applying through airlineapps.com, make sure to leave no date-gaps in assignment history, etc. The info you put on there has to be hyper-accurate. There are other threads (i.e. Delta hiring news) talking about some of the quirks of the airlineapps process.

Some of the regionals have simulators as part of their interview process. You need to go pay for sim time to figure out these wacky 1940's era civilian instruments/avionics. Seriously.

Get on airlineinterviews.com and start getting gouge on the companies that you will interview with.

Expect to be hired at one or more regionals pretty quickly - as best I can figure this gig out, take the one that you will know you can sit reserve in your hometown. Commuting to sit reserve for $1,000/month is no bueno.

Good luck, pm me if you want some other gouge!