Thanks for all the good info. Much appreciated.

The plan all along has been airlines. But I've had all my apps in since Nov, I'm less than 30 days out from my availability date, and I haven't heard anything from anyone. So I'm putting an app in with the sims in case I don't get a call for a few months (or at all) from the airlines.

I was thinking CFI or Civil Air Patrol on the side to stay flying if I end up doing the sim gig for an extended period of time. And I assumed that the longer I did the sim job, the longer I'd have to fly regionals on the back side before a major would call me.

I have been expecting to commute for the first few years, so we are prepared for that. Just waiting for the call...

Cheers,

Last time I read one of your posts you didn’t seem very heartset on being an airline guy, but that was back in January.


If you’ve put more effort into things than publishing your apps in November and calling it good then you should be getting a call within the next 90 days... if not get to a regional ASAP and start working the network and hit the job fairs.

Yeah, I'm tracking:cool:. I agree not commuting is better too, just from reading his other posts, he seems set on living in OK for awhile and a bit hesitant to jump in the game. Just letting him know it's very doable. I even know one reservist at his AF base doing it right now. The guy seems very happy.

Whoa! You're less than 30 days out?! And no job lined up? Apply to the regional airlines TODAY. That's the smart move to increase your odds of getting a major 121 job. CFI'ing or CAP isn't the answer. Go get 121 stink on you. Don't wait.

I agree with Slice back, good advice. But the 30-days out with nothing also compels me to ask the dumb questions. Does everything you’ve submitted reflect that availability date? Have you invested in a prep course like those offered by Emerald Coast? Anyone QCed your apps, times, etc? Are your quals very competitive or just making the min? Do you have LORs? Is it possible there is an unknown issue with what you’ve submitted? Do you have any insiders who can inquire about your application status at a particular airline.

I looked at AA's 2014/2016/2018 hiring. Took guys hired in April of those years who are retiring in the summer of 2037. So the 2014 guy was 43 yrs old when he got hired, the 2016 guy was 45 yrs old, and the 2018 was 47 yrs old. Actually everyone was approx. 3 months short of the listed ages.

DOH/current seniority number/final seniority number -
2014 - 12900 - 835 (best estimate, manual counting)
2016 - 13800 - 1305
2018 - 15000 - 2100

A 43 yr old hired today would retire at 1300(?). A 45 yr old would retire at 1660(?). And a 47 yr old would retire at 2100. Based roughly on April hiring months for 2014/2016/2018.

What about the 43 yr old that waits until he's 45 to get hired? His 1300(?) retirement number becomes 2150(?) if he waits 2 years (hired at 45) and becomes 3300 if he waits four years(hired at 47). At AA delaying for four years would cost him exactly four years of G4 CA job at the junior base using today's numbers.

All public math, and finger counting, so I'd welcome any corrections. Unfortunately the union's automated projection site isn't working.

Another vote for the regionals.


Just do it.


Lots to be gained and very little to be lost. You will be a better aviator and have a more attractive application for the experience.

I've been doing the UPT Sim IP thing for about a year and a half and can honestly say I love my job insofar as working with the SPs and imparting what little knowledge I have. We are being forced to turn out an inferior product though. I've held on to the hope for a pay increase (DLF got one!!), or civilian flying IPs (it's in the works!). Mother Blue wants more pilots, cheaper and faster, without acknowledging how low their standards have sunk.

I have a class date with an LCC, and I'm really wrestling with what to do. I have a cushy life now, home every night and loving going to work. I only make GS-12 pay, but taking the airline job will be a big pay cut year 1. I've never been eager to go 121, but I'm also tired of looking the other way as the AF lowers standards by the day.

Due to lack of recency, I realize the LCC job offer is the only shot I'll have at an airline career, I'm just not sure that is the career I want. It's nothing compared to the big 6 jobs, so is it worth giving up a comfortable life at home? I've never done the 121 thing and don't know anything about the affect it would have on my 4yo daughter, wife, etc.

Am I dumb for wanting to walk away from a 121 career in favor of a job I'm good at and like, even if the AF thinks is unimportant?

I think it depends on the long-term prospects for your current job.

Also a big factor would be where are the LCC domiciles amd can you move there. 121 is a pretty good life, living in base makes a good job a great job. Even most of the LCC's have pretty good CA pay, compared to normal white-collar job, especially considering how little you work, and then the nature of the work (ie park the plane, grab your gear and go home without a worry in the world). LCC FO's should mostly get paid better than GS-12 as well (first year pay is a kick in the junk at many airlines though).

Ideally talk to someone at the airline in question but today, with typical work rules a line holder will make about 1200x hourly rate annually + 401k (employer DC is typically better than most white-collar jobs, 15%+ at many majors).

The next 24 months may well be one of the biggest periods of airline hiring ever seen. The loss of seniority will be huge. Get your apps QA’d by one of the services and make sure they are perfect. You should get a call.