Herkyjerky

Hello, Just wanted to run my latest scheme past you guys for a reality check.

I'm a freshly coined ANG C-130 pilot, I realize that building time via straight mil will take a long time. Obviously going to a regional in parallel is the best option, but is there any real value in being a CFI/II to build time while guard bumming to meet the mins for a ULCC like Frontier?

I know that 1,000+ TPIC is the ticket, but looking at frontiers mins, I think I could reach the mins in a couple years if I kicked ass.

PROS:
Build time quickly while being close to my unit (co-located actually) for maximum bumability
Pay, in conjunction with the guard days, should be decent
Low commitment, if the majors don't bite I'll have everything I need to go to a regional if thats required

CONS:
Not turbine
Not part 121
Cost of training, probably 20K
Potential for check-ride failure, something in my control so maybe this isn't a con, but you know, risk management, amiright?

Frontier preferred mins (for anyone interested)
2500 TT
750 multi
500 PIC
500 turbine

No need to pull punches, is this a good plan?

Thanks

155mm

First of all, Congratulations! Secondly, the Regionals give time off for drills/mil leave... no problem! I think you qualify for an RATP at 750 hours. Regionals provide good training in glass jet, civilian experience, jumpseating, travel privileges, flexibility with mil leave, CTP training, etc. Get the CFI to reach 750 ASAP!

Grumble

Just to be clear, no airline "gives" you time off. You take what you need within the bounds of USERRA. Good advice.

155mm

Good point! USERRA was signed into law in 1994, after my time (1980s). In any case, the regional I flew for, bent over backwards to accommodate my reserve schedule. Of course, pilots were a dime a dozen.

Klondike Bear

I actually think your best bet would be to fly at your unit as much as possible. Deploy with other units if you can and upgrade to AC as fast as possible. If you go to a regional even though you legally can take as much mil leave as possible you will have to give them some time. You will be taking a pay cut to go to the regional. If will look bad at your mainline interview if you barely flew at the regional who hired you. Most of the guys in my guard unit who went to the regionals got hired at mainline after the guys who just flew as much as possible as bums. This only applies to guys at a heavy unit. As a 130 guy I think you should be able to get plenty of flight time. Good luck!

John Carr

Correct.

But some do make it easier than others in that regard.

The reserve/guard guys I flew with at my former regional has ZERO complaints of the ease of process. Whereas as others seem to make it harder than it has to be.