Retired military - when to apply
 

I know there are some changes by the legacy airlines that allow AD/full-time military pilots to apply sooner than maybe 6 months. I recently heard United was an airline implementing this. What airlines have changed their hiring process for retiring military, and how soon can I apply?

If you know your retirement date, apply now. Heck, even if you don't, you have a ballpark idea. Set that as your availability date. Get all set, prepped, and be ready for the call. The sooner you get your interview and hopefully CJO the better. Perfect world, you're sitting at indoc at your airline of choice on terminal leave. Good luck. PM me if you want. I didn't retire, I Palace Fronted, but I'll try to help ya with transition questions as best I can. Good luck.

Check each airline's website for pilot hiring info, they may specify that.

Otherwise in this climate, I'd be comfortable applying up to one year out, especially if you could make yourself available for an interview before terminal leave.

As mentioned, you might be able to be in class on terminal leave (airlines are good with that, they accept the very slight risk of recall).

I heard DL was offering retired military pilots a CJO up to 24 months prior to their retirement date, and separating pilots a CJO up to 12 months prior. Pursue this aggressively.

AA, DAL and UAL have changed or are in the process of changing military hiring. SWA seems to be making changes as well.

Once all have changed, you can probably expect the new norm to be to apply upto 24 months out if retiring, upto 12 months out separating.

I would argue six months out from your availability date is basically late. Even back when I did this in 2017, airlines were interviewing guys well before (6 months) they hit terminal. The easiest way to ease the financial transition is to spend day one of terminal in day one of indoc. This also gives you more time to get interview prep done, polish your applications, and deal with the queep of your final year or so in uniform. Remember the best retirement gift is a great job. Good luck!

^^^ this

id do 6-9 months out from start if your planned terminal leave start date.

I agree. I applied 6 months out and that was perfect.

I believe a 90-day window for TSA or PRIA or similar exists regarding class date. In other words, if they "assign you" a class date, then you later say, hey I need to attend a later class, something came up, that causes a lot of issues.

Probably saying what previous posters said, but whatever your availability date, make that for sure 100% that you can comply with that date.

I would be at every job fair that exists 12 months or sooner, prior to your retirement. With "apps submitted" also by then.

Good Luck

Delta-apply 24 months from your planned terminal date if you’re retiring, or 12 months from when you’re getting out. Find a buddy who paid money years ago for a Delta App Review. Look at how he worded stuff, and just “do that.” No need to spend the money. Or search the forums, or post the question, I’ll answer it.

United-I think they’re still at 12 months across the board. So I would apply around 14 months out and expect a call around the 12 month mark or closer to retiring/EASing. While you’ve still got a jet or the equivalent and the ability to XC, get one of your buddies who flies for UA to arrange a Chief Pilot sit-down. Fly out and do it; they’ll know how to schedule it.

American-I think they’re still 12 months so copy United’s recommendation.

SWA-contrary to what I’ve heard about military guys getting interviews at 14-16 months from getting out, I literally spoke, on the phone, to the head of HR. Long story as to why but when you have an interview, you HAVE to be 12 months or less from terminal or EASing or the CJO expires and they won’t be thrilled. But keep in mind, unlike Delta who gives you 7 days after emailing you to take the online assessment, and if you pass, they then send you a link with available classes for your application month. The furthest interview date from that is about 7-8 weeks, so you could do the math somewhat and back-up your timeline. SWA gives you 60 days from the day they offer you an interview to SCHEDULE the interview, and every week you wait those interview dates available can be further and further out. SO, you could apply at about 14 and easily have one within 12 months of retiring.

UPS-know someone, not hiring. FedEx-know someone, not hiring.

As for attending conventions, paying money for people to see you, if you have “substantial” military time and you have internal LORs from your 20+ of aviating, save your money. You’ve paid your dues, and if you’re organized and can apply in the above timelines, you’ll have a job. I just don’t think you need to waste money to be recognized; if you’re low time low quals maybe, but if you’re retiring after 20, skip it skip it. Your resume likely speaks volumes and, while I can only my speak from personal experience, you’ll have no problem getting an interview. Invest in yourself with some interview prep, ANY prep, and you’ll be right where you need to be.