Interviews vs Deployment
 

Hello all,

First post here on the site, but a long-time peruser.

I'm a Navy Super Hornet pilot who is just under two years from the end of my obligation, and am leaning heavily towards making the leap to the airlines after this tour.

I've seen in a few threads that the application and interview process will likely happen in the year to six months leading up to separation (based on the availability date I'd provide on an application). Curious how this timeline would be affected by my deployment cycle; I'll likely be on deployment in the six months leading up to separation. I may even separate or go on terminal leave from overseas, depending on the wishes of my squadron. I don't forsee an issue with getting my Apps in-line, but the actual interview is the concern...

Anybody have experience with this timeline, or know how the airlines would deal with somebody on this timeline, from an interview standpoint?

Thanks, and Happy Holidays to all.

Well you're in a tough spot. You're going to need to be available to attend an interview. As you look around you'll see some of the majors have tests or video invites that you might be able to get done, but I'm sure the ship's going to strangle that with river city. Best I'd recommend is get your apps squared away, reviewed and submitted. Work out interview dates as you get them. Don't fudge your availability dates. Start saving as much leave as you can now and extra cash. Good luck. Sitting on terminal leave right now waiting on interviews. Get your log books done now, recommend anytime log books. Best money spent.

Thanks for the reply. I agree; definitely going to be saving up leave and hoping for some time on terminal. Do you know how long before a class date the interviews would generally happen?

Every carrier will be different. What'd I recommend is getting your apps, resume, logbook straight. Gather every address you've lived, order transcripts, every address of every school, (api, primary, adv, etc) points of contacts at all. Based upon your timeline I'd look to attend OBAP and WAI in the year prior. Two years out I'd build apps and info. I wouldn't expect an interview more than 4 maybe 6 months out. Try to publish by 10-12 months out. Keep updating hours. Also, not sure your hours and ATP situation. Fly your butt off, make every 100lbs of gas count, you need hours. Also fly more instrument approaches to build stats, more night time as well. If your an instructor, begin to annotate the flights you are an IP on your SHARP so you can better gather instructor time. Send me a PM is if you want some more gouge.

Most importantly, enjoy your time in the fleet, don'w wish away the time flying fighters, enjoy the company of the ready room. It will end soon enough. You never know what lays ahead cherish your relationships in your squadron. You may end up staying!

Good luck -

A couple basic thoughts from someone current in the sandbox.

-Currently personal email is turned off in C5F, so don't expect to be able to even see your G-Mail on the boat. Obviously may change
-Separating from OCONUS sucks. I'd socialize it early with your chain of command as they may not like their TrainO leaving during deployment. Distinct from that, figure out what it looks like coming back. I've got to roll through TPU Norfolk to get my DD214, but air wing might be different. A VP friend of mine got orders (no PCS costs to Uncle Sam since he was unaccompanied here) to the FRS and fly while he figured out interviews. They were happy to have an extra body and flexible with interviewing
-Regular officer resignations are done through NSIPS now, and when the orders come, they written for a final month. Technically, all your command has to do is get you to a separation activity (like TPU Norfolk/San Diego) the month of those orders for 10 business days of processing and maybe a week of terminal. I don't think a squadron would do you like that, but do your homework. 60+ days of terminal isn't an entitlement as the losing command usually holds you on their books.
-Have not heard of people getting major interviews >1yr and them holding a spot, but who knows in the upcoming hiring environment
-Skywest will interview you >1yr out for the cadet program and offer a CJO and, closer in, a class date. You're 100% competitive for a major, but if you can't make interviews, it's a class date and paycheck while you figure out what's up with a major.

Under the circumstances, better plan for some period of unemployment.

Alternatively you get spend that time at a regional for the pay and benefits.

Upside to the regional route: Additional boxes to check on major app, enhancing your odds of getting called sooner by the legacy of your choice(s). Also *most* regional training programs are more accommodating than *many* majors these days, so it might provide an easier transition into 121. If it takes too long to get a major call you might need the recency, would suck to end up with no calls six months down the road and THEN realize you'll need a regional for the currency.

Downside: Pay during training won't be that much. In the unlikely event that you bust a key training event at a regional, that will set you back on your major app scoring and you'll have some 'splainin to do at a major interview. Also the geography of training and junior domiciles will not likely be convenient for your family (if any), and you'll have to do it all over again at the major.

Sent you a PM


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Can’t you just apply, hopefully interview, if things progress let them know when available?

I’d try to get the ball rolling BEFORE you deploy. Yes, allowances may vary with airlines.

If you time it right we’re talking a 6 month period of unavailability.

Can a guy with his quals enter the cadet program ?

I’d love for this scenario to work out, but I’ve heard through the grapevine that most major airlines won’t interview you until you're within a few months of your availability date; 2-3 mos prior seems like the average lead time, which puts me smack dab on USS Boat unless I can save a ton of terminal leave...