rickair7777

I wouldn't change your plans either way. But if it's convenient to be in the IRR when you interview for majors that might enhance your odds. But it's hard to predict when you'll get called.

FlyGuy17

With regard to the RPA time, should I not even list anything about it on the resume and application other than the employment history? During the interviews I can mention it as the "thing" I was doing during my 5 year stint away from flying and just leave it at that. Are they going to want to see the RPA Form 8s along with all the other flying Form 8s, or should I just leave those out in order to waste less of their time during their app review?

atpcliff

When I applied at regionals, they didn't care about my military records. I'm assuming it is still the same today.

rickair7777

Do not mix RPA and manned numbers in any way. You could list RPA hours in the resume billet covering that duty assignment. Or not. They don't count for anything with airlines.

I doubt they would care about RPA docs from the mil, but if you have it might as well bring it to the interview. But don't take it out unless asked. That last applies for all records of any sort, except for LOR's or awards. Don't risk them finding something weird in a document they didn't ask for. Possible exception for mitigating docs which support your explanation of an adverse event (ex, expungement record for a DUI).

FlyGuy17

Another quick question. Based on my experience, how long of a stint can I expect to do at the regionals? I know my military flying experience is far less than most when they get out, so I’d like to keep my expectations in check. Also, this is assuming no recession or other things that would hamper the hiring.

I’m sort of battling with the idea of a wholly owned vs a non-WO regional like Skywest or Republic. Any input on this would also be appreciated!

Phoenix21

3 years? 5 years? Less? Who knows.

Even if it’s 5 years, all the WO flows are well above that. Go to the highest paying regional that you can drive to work at in case you have to spend a decent stint of time there so you won’t be miserable.

rickair7777

I would guess 3, maybe even a little less. The hiring will be at peak right about then. I see (Navy) helo guys getting called after 18 months. They had some FW IP time, maybe 1000.

Lemrand4535

I am currently a MWS IP on Active Duty stationed OCONUS planning to separate in 11 months. I have 2600 hrs total time and ~1400 PIC, but I do NOT have my ATP quite yet due to bad timing and other things that have come up recently.

Given how things have improved recently at the regionals, would it be worth straight up applying to the regionals, having the regional pay and take care of my ATP, and continue to keep flying eventually working my way towards a mainline carrier? Or based on how many hours I have and my recency in the aircraft right now, should I pay for my ATP course out of pocket, complete it ASAP, and start applying to mainline carriers? My main concern is that I don't want to sit idle for 6+ months waiting for a job offer and continue to do nothing for a long period after I separate.

I know a part-time guard/reserve flying gig could also be an option while waiting for the call, but to me it seems like going to a regional would also fill this void now.

ChrisInWI

FWIW
I was a non-current military pilot (1.5 yrs non flying prior to retirement) with a busted FAA check ride in my past. No surprise but not a single nibble from the Majors. I went to a regional (with an HQ in Wisconsin) and spent 6 months flying the line. Great company with great people and solid training to make me comfortable flying 121 ops in and out of the busiest airports to uncontrolled airports. I'm very happy with my time at the regionals and can say without a doubt that it was why I got a quick job offer at a Major airline.

Regional schedules and first-year life are traumatic to say the least. The QAL in the military at the end of your career will probably be higher than first year airline life. A retirement check can make it sustainable. If you can go thru an AF re-qual back into a manned platform you might avoid the regionals all together and be able to cut your 121 teeth on heavy iron with a good paycheck. If that doesn't work then regionals are still a great option to learn the airline world from the trenches...but again having that retirement income will significantly help.

Hedging with a Guard/Reserve job has it's benefits as outlined in other posts but may make an active duty retirement/check-of-the-month a much longer prospect. Sounds like you have great options and the industry will probably pull you in no matter which road you choose. The majors seemed to like hearing underdog stories with examples of leadership in tough times, I bet your RPA experience will probably render some great examples even if the log book doesn't benefit from it.

The regionals will scoop you up and get you flying right away. They offer a lot of bonus money in hopes of retaining you longer. Your past blemishes don't make you unique...makes you a normal pilot. Sounds like your resume (barring any skeletons) should produce upward mobility pretty quick.

Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

FlyGuy17

Chris, I appreciate the helpful info. What are your thoughts on a wholly owned as a primary option for their flow as a backup? Is it even worth my time to consider the flow, or should I just go for decent QOL such as Republic or Skywest? That being said, Republic would have to improve their class wait times before I’d try going there. I’m flexible with location, but I need to upgrade to captain ASAP to minimize time at the regionals.