Failed FAA checkrides
#21
On Reserve
Joined APC: Feb 2020
Posts: 10
When I spoke to some interview prep services about a similar situation they told me that as long as it’s been several years and have a clean military record you don’t have anything to worry about. I can’t remember the number they said but it was definitely less than 10. I ended up staying active duty so I don’t know for sure if it’s true.
#22
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Nov 2019
Posts: 1,256
I've got the reverse of this situation. Flew for most of my 20 years and never busted a checkride until my ATP check 2 months prior to retirement. Bust was clean and entirely my fault, and not something likely to happen again. That said, what kind of penalty lap am I looking at? Friend told me to anticipate 3 to 7 years before a major will bite, if at all. Swinging gear at regional now, and curious how to manage expectations going forward.
#23
I've got the reverse of this situation. Flew for most of my 20 years and never busted a checkride until my ATP check 2 months prior to retirement. Bust was clean and entirely my fault, and not something likely to happen again. That said, what kind of penalty lap am I looking at? Friend told me to anticipate 3 to 7 years before a major will bite, if at all. Swinging gear at regional now, and curious how to manage expectations going forward.
So your ATP was done GA in a light twin? Not at a regional?
If that's your only bust I'd think you'd be fine in 2-3 years. Clean mil before, clean regional after, they're not going to fixate on that IMO.
#24
Depends on your total time, etc. But if I were you I’d be putting out apps as soon as you have 500 hrs of 121 time.
#25
On Reserve
Joined APC: Feb 2020
Posts: 10
I hadn't known anyone who went from fixed wing military to a regional, except those coming off a non flying tour to retirement. A majority of military fixed wing pay for their own ATP and head to a major at the 11 year mark. The pay cut from from an 11 year mil pilot to regional FO is too drastic. Those without a strong enough record to get hired stay in or leave aviation altogether.
#26
I hadn't known anyone who went from fixed wing military to a regional, except those coming off a non flying tour to retirement. A majority of military fixed wing pay for their own ATP and head to a major at the 11 year mark. The pay cut from from an 11 year mil pilot to regional FO is too drastic. Those without a strong enough record to get hired stay in or leave aviation altogether.
uhhh....
They must be paying majors a whole lot more now than when I was in...
SO what did your ATP attempt set you back? Dollar wise I mean, the career wise is obvious...
#27
Banned
Joined APC: Jun 2019
Posts: 442
I hadn't known anyone who went from fixed wing military to a regional, except those coming off a non flying tour to retirement. A majority of military fixed wing pay for their own ATP and head to a major at the 11 year mark. The pay cut from from an 11 year mil pilot to regional FO is too drastic. Those without a strong enough record to get hired stay in or leave aviation altogether.
#28
If for no other reason than it's a predictable paycheck and bennies without much uncertainty about when you'll get called, swimming in the pool, etc.
#29
Occasional box hauler
Joined APC: Jan 2018
Posts: 1,636
There is nothing wrong with the regionals, except it means you aren’t on the seniority list that you want to be on when the industry hits a bump. It’s possible guys at the regional level are facing a significant delay getting on at a major due to Covid19 economic effects. I would be unhappy if I had jumped to a regional to get “unnecessary” experience only to face what is going on today. Hopefully, this blows over quickly and the regional to major pipeline starts chugging rapidly along again.
#30
Going to the regionals out of the military is usually only done if you can’t get a call from one of the majors and you don’t want to pursue a non-flying career as plan b. Sure it’s nice to get some 121 stink in a relatively low threat environment and even a free ATP. However, the advantages of jumping directly are huge. I sank around ten grand into 73 type/ATP check (I was on a tight timeline) and it paid off in spades for me. I will never actually fly a 73, but feel like the “gamble” paid off. Also, training at a major is hardly high threat. They aren’t looking to spoon feed you, but they also aren’t looking to hook you.
There is nothing wrong with the regionals, except it means you aren’t on the seniority list that you want to be on when the industry hits a bump. It’s possible guys at the regional level are facing a significant delay getting on at a major due to Covid19 economic effects. I would be unhappy if I had jumped to a regional to get “unnecessary” experience only to face what is going on today. Hopefully, this blows over quickly and the regional to major pipeline starts chugging rapidly along again.
There is nothing wrong with the regionals, except it means you aren’t on the seniority list that you want to be on when the industry hits a bump. It’s possible guys at the regional level are facing a significant delay getting on at a major due to Covid19 economic effects. I would be unhappy if I had jumped to a regional to get “unnecessary” experience only to face what is going on today. Hopefully, this blows over quickly and the regional to major pipeline starts chugging rapidly along again.
If you're clearly competitive, get your ATP before you leave AD.
If you're clearly not competitive for the tier you want to be at, plan on regionals and let them pay for the ATP.
The grey area is how long do you wait for a call before heading off to regional class? Probably safer to go sooner if in doubt.
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