The old FAPA/Jet Jobs rule was "apply one year out from availability date" for major airline jobs.

Aka, you are retiring from military 06-2020, so you would apply 06-2019.

Is this still the recommended timeframe or is it less/more now ?

Thanks

 

I would say that's still a valid timeline, but don't expect much until you closer to availability (at least within six months).

 

It would be interesting to get some feedback from the folks running the interview prep services about current trends they see with respect to interview invites relative to availability dates.

 

To go right from AD to airline new hire class you need to lead turn the rejoin. Minimum time from initial contact to a class date is two months. It's been 6-8 at times. If you're not applying and hitting the job fairs six months out you're probably behind the power curve. Just be honest about your availability. They'll sort that out.

 

To above the comments, I would add that you should start preparing at least 18 months out.

By that I mean getting your logbook and flight hours squared away, reviewing your driving record (if necessary), tracking down POC's for your employment history, ordering college transcripts, downsizing your budget, squirreling away extra cash, getting a couple of suits, interview prep if that's in your plan, getting smart on the process, networking, filling out apps and polishing them, etc.

Once you are inside 12 months, stuff starts to happen pretty quick with your normal job duties, TAP/transition courses, VA/medical appointments, etc.

Having a polished app published 12 months out is a good goal. It takes a lot of time to reach that point. More than I thought.

A link to a great post I read that I had wished I read much earlier: http://www.airlinepilotforums.com/mi...11-update.html

 

I got a call at jetBlue abut 5 weeks after applying for the first time.

Took me around 8-9 months to get a call at US Airways.

 

How long ago was the jetBlue application?