bigD

A lot of airlines requirements look for turbine and multi time. Is it then a disadvantage to fly a singe turbine, like the f-16, versus lets say a twin engine like the f-15?

Herc130AV8R

From what I have been reading most airlines have an exception for military fighter jet time. I believe F-16 and F-15 time would be looked at equally since they both are fighters but I'm not an airline guy so I can't answer for sure. The emphasis of having twin time is for the experience of flying engine out with asymetric power. This can be challenging in aircraft with engines mounted on the wing. I would imagine the F-15 performs very similar to an inline fighter (F-16) with one engine out. The fighter guys around here may be able to give a better answer.

tomgoodman

You used to be able to get a commercial license based on military flight time.
The T-38 or F-15 would be "airplane multiengine land (limited to centerline thrust)". F-16 would be "airplane single engine land". No type rating unless there were a civilian equivalent to the military airplane. C-130 time equated to "airplane multiengine land" with an L-100 type rating. C/KC/EC-135 got a B707/B720 type rating, etc.
Don't know if the FAA still does it this way.

rickair7777

Most airlines give full credit for F-16 time, they will specify on their web site that single-engine fighter is acceptable in lieu of turbine-multi.

For FAA purposes, you will need to upgrade your Commercial Single to a Multi at a civilian flight school. Shouldn't take more than a week.

But pay attention to the ME theory, cuz the airline interview will probably cover that hard for an F-16 guy...

Tanker-driver

As far as the FAA rating goes, you basically pay some cash (I think it was something like $100 bucks when I did it in '02) and take an FAA equivilency test right after completion of UPT. After taking the test you end up with your Instrument/Commercial Multi Engine Land rating. It's limited to centerline thrust if you flew T-38s. There was a company right outside Laughlin that did a test prep and I'd be willing to bet that its the same at any UPT base. Basically they showed you every question along with the correct answer. Never met anyone that failed after the prep. Overall a pretty good deal.

RedeyeAV8r

BigD

I can't speak for all airlines, but I have worked for 3 PAX carriers and 1 Freight outfit.

I interviewed and was hired by The original Pan-AM in the 80's. I was a military fighter guy,,,,,,,had 1400 hours Mil time in fighters some single and some multi plus 200 civilian hours in C-172's Pa-28s etc.......

I was interviewing with other military C-5, C-141. C-130 types with 2500-4000 hours, and some Brand-x Airline guys with 727, 737 and DC-9 type ratings.

I felt a little humble being the lowest time Guy there.............................
When I did my 2 on 1 interview with the line Capts after they were finished with me they asked if I had any questions. I asked them them how I stacked up with the other applicants.......

One of them smiled and said "you are worried about your low time compared to the others?" I said yes...............He said your a fighter guy, we take your flight time and multiply it by a factor of three..............
All your flight time in Fighters is PIC
You don't spend much time on Autopilot
You have 3 time the number of take offs and landing as most of the other guys do..........
You are also in charge of multi plane formations of 4 or more aircraft..........

Sorry for the long diatribe.......................................... .......
You are more than qualified for any airline including FedEx (assuming you have 1500 hours Total time and 1000 hours PIC.

Take the other guys previous advice and get your ATP and MEL get the centerline thrust limitation removed.........this can be done at your local ATP mill flying a Piper Seminole or Seneca for a couple hours and $800-1200.

Good luck

FR8Hauler

FedEx is probably close to 70% former military fixed wing pilots and would love you. You need recommendations from a few FedEx pilots and to meet all the hour requirements. RedEye's advice is good gouge too. Get all your ratings now. Good luck.

crewdawg52

Forgot the E-3 AWACS.....You get a B-707/720 typoe with that

tomgoodman

And the VC-135/137 too. We had a few guys transfer from our very nice Systems Command unit to the AWACS and VIP jobs, but most of us shook our heads---WAY too much visibility.