MIL to 121, Request Advice
 

Hello all,

I’m currently a mil instructor flying C-12 variant King Airs. I’ve been flying since 2007, started part 141, decided to finish college, airline crisis hit, took the scenic route etc... Seeing the market come full circle since 2007 in terms of hiring is surreal. In order to not miss out on the legacy spot that is waiting for me in the next 24 months, I’ve been trying to take the necessary steps now to prepare for when I submit my apps. My goal is basically to step from my flight suit to a legacy, bypassing regionals. I’m trying to prepare incase that doesn’t immediately happen, which will certainly be better than 2007 regional pay in any event. I hear Mesa has come a long way... I’m anticipating being somewhere on the better side of 3k TT, with at least half that turbine PIC, by the time I’m looking to interview. About 500 hours civilian time also, GA trainers. Hoping for a 30 year 121 career...

My unique question specifically in regards to becoming a better candidate is this; should I pay for ATP-CTP out of pocket now, likely using my GI Bill? If so, is there a benefit at doing it with one company versus another? Delta versus CAE, for example?

I’m digging through the forum taking notes on what else I can/should do. So I would like to hear any specific advice or general feedback as well.

A 121 legacy has been my ultimate goal since I was 20. Being 2 years out from applying, what can I do now to make it happen?

Thank you greatly for your responses.

What service and mission platform? That matters, 3K TT might be a bit low depending on your primary military platform. Is any of that TT helos? If so, assume that doesn't count as competitive for the legacies.

I'd apply all of the big six, big three + SWA + FDX/UPS... any one of those will set you up for life.

If you want a shot at any of the majors, you'll need to get the ATP on your own (regionals will provide that at no cost, other than your time).

If you're hell-bent on skipping regionals consider ULCCs too. They pay better, but you'll be stuck there longer... regionals offer fast upgrade and 121 TPIC is a big boost to a marginal mil resume.

I'd stay away from mesa, unless you have a really good and specific reason for going there.

Do a lot of reading here.

Pay one of the interview prep companies to get you ready and review your apps/resume, etc. Sounds like you need that, since you don't have much SA on airlines

Seems a bit presumptuous (cocky/entitled) to think there's a legacy spot "waiting" for you, but, whatever...

VVVVVVVVVV

We are in the best, BEST hiring climate we've seen in the last 20 years. And granted, the competitive mins for mil only candidates are coming down a bit, it's still not a gimme/"waiting" for you.

There's plenty of mil dudes on here with impressive resumes (IP/EP/StandEval/NATOPS/Safety/multiple platform IP's, etc) that didn't get picked up right away and sucked up a penalty lap at the regionals. And many BEFORE the most recent pay raises/bonus structures in place.

The next time you go to recurrent training ask your unit if they'll pop for the addition of an ATP check ride. It was common practice at my first FW unit (army).

Are you flying C-12's in the Army? If so, it's going to be more difficult, honestly.

The majors think very little of helicopter time, and the Army's training track doesn't do any favors there. I would expect to spend some time at a regional, get your ATP and 121 time. You might find yourself closer to the civilian hiring candidate stats than the Air Force ones, unfortunately.

With the addition of the RTP programs, and the vast numbers of army helo pilots at the regionals, it's going to be hard to differentiate your resume from them.

If you're not in the army, very little of this applies. Good luck.

There might be some truth to this, but in my limited experience army FW pilots do quite well transitioning to airlines, whether or not they started in helicopters. Almost all of my friends moved directly into legacies immediately after retiring, and they were all helo guys to start with. A couple had to start in the regionals, but they weren't there very long.

,

A C-12 is a King Air, not a helo.

I'm aware of that.

Air Force/Navy/USMC pilots flying the C-12 go through fixed wing UPT, a highly sought 'checkmark' to the airlines.

Army pilots do initial training in helicopters, which is not desirable to the airlines.

Not all of them. The Army’s new Initial Entry Fixed Wing Course (https://www.cae.com/news-events/pres...flight-traini/) is up and running.

Ignore this dude above. Army guy here. Fedex invite, hired UAL, AA, SWA invite.

Dont be such a cheap skate, get your ATP, geez, back in the day people paid for ALL of their ratings out of pocket. If being an airline pilot has been your dream for many years then stop messing around and get the ATP, get your apps all ready and start hitting job fairs OR just sit around like a lot of guys and then complain.