UAV pilot considering move to airlines
12-19-2017 | 09:01 PM
#21
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
I VSP'd in 2014 after 4 years in the UAV (and 5 years in the C-17 prior to that). Went to Skywest. Was there a whole 6 months on the line before I had a class date at Delta.
Do not shy away from the regionals. The formula works!
Do not shy away from the regionals. The formula works!
12-19-2017 | 09:45 PM
#22
Permanent Reserve
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,721
Likes: 12
Someone who has been out of the cockpit for many years is going to be paddling really hard at any major airline training. UAVs will help just a tiny bit. Pilot skills are very perishable, to say nothing of having to learn all the 121 stuff on top of learning a new jet, while learning how to fly again. I took a year off once, that was eye opening.
Not saying it can't be done, but there's a reason the majors like turbine recency.
Not saying it can't be done, but there's a reason the majors like turbine recency.
I was out of the cockpit for 6 years and had no problems going thru training at a major. For me, the hand-eye stuff came back almost immediately.
The mental part (keeping up with the "jet") took a few sims but came back quickly as well.
12-20-2017 | 05:07 AM
#23
Prime Minister/Moderator
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 44,905
Likes: 691
From: Engines Turn or People Swim
Sounds like you're a cut above average. I've seen folks struggle (including me after 18 months, but maybe I just suck). Well in the end I was fine, just didn't feel that way at the time.
01-02-2018 | 06:50 AM
#25
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 2,159
Likes: 1
A few recommendations:
1. Go get a biannual flight review with a local CFI. Get current on the profession. So many changes.
2. Get an instrument proficiency check with a local CFI. Before doing this, do a few instrument refresher.
3. If you don't have an ATP, get one. The BFR and the Instrument work is a good lead in into doing this. Make sure do it a multi engine AC.
After the 3 steps above are done get on with a regional airline. That will get your proficiency up to date and get you squared away with 121 from a knowledge perspective and application perspective. It will check the box for 121 experience for the majors.
Time to majors from doing the above is likely 1 to 1.5 years.
1. Go get a biannual flight review with a local CFI. Get current on the profession. So many changes.
2. Get an instrument proficiency check with a local CFI. Before doing this, do a few instrument refresher.
3. If you don't have an ATP, get one. The BFR and the Instrument work is a good lead in into doing this. Make sure do it a multi engine AC.
After the 3 steps above are done get on with a regional airline. That will get your proficiency up to date and get you squared away with 121 from a knowledge perspective and application perspective. It will check the box for 121 experience for the majors.
Time to majors from doing the above is likely 1 to 1.5 years.
01-02-2018 | 09:45 PM
#26
Expert Jumpseater
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
From: KC-135
Many of the regionals will give you the ATP as part of your type rating ride. If you have the mins, apply and ask the question at the interview.
01-03-2018 | 04:08 AM
#27
On Reserve
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: 73N F/O
This gentleman flew C-5's not C-150's. I don't think he'll have a problem getting through training, the challenge as for everyone is getting interviews! Apparently, the Regionals are looking more for "qualified" applicants and not necessarily recency of experience. Whereas the majors are looking for the whole package but that will probably change soon as well. I sat as a flight engineer for many years and it all came back quick. It's not rocket science!
01-03-2018 | 04:45 PM
#28
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 454
Likes: 0
In addition, I'm pretty sure Appendix E and H (ass on fire) training programs had higher failure rates compared to this (LOFT type) AQP paradigm. From my experience, AQP is a much easier program not only for initial but re-currency training as well. AQP is certainly more realistic versus a multiple system failures approach to training until you are so overloaded you either swim or drown. So yes, I disagree, I believe a "rusty, non current pilot" can get through an AQP program especially if they have the experience this OP has but I don't believe a Major will hire him or her at this point, only a Regional.
Last edited by 155mm; 01-03-2018 at 05:07 PM.
01-03-2018 | 04:47 PM
#29
On Reserve
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: 73N F/O
01-04-2018 | 06:57 AM
#30
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 454
Likes: 0
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