Advice From those that have gone before..
 

I have a unique situation that I would like some advice on. I am retiring from the AF Jun 1 of next year-I have had an interesting career that has left with with strange flight experience. 0 Hrs of Single Engine time, 2000+ hrs of Multi-Engine Time, almost all of which is PIC (T-37's, 1250 hrs, and MC-12W, 750 hrs), but none of which is within the last 6 months, and 2000 hrs of Helicopter time, about 1/2 PIC (MH-53, and UH-1's) that is recent. I have been to some regional job fairs, and just with my fixed wing time have received solid looks from multiple companies, so I feel fairly confident that if they are hiring, and I interview well, I can go directly to that level. My question is; In my situation, where would you look to try and get hired? Is my experience competitive at Fedex, American, or Delta? Should I try at one of the other Majors (JetBlue or Frontier)? Is there a corporate opportunity out there that fits my skills better that anyone knows of? My ultimate goal will be to fly a large aircraft over the ocean and even get paid for doing it..any advice would be greatly appreciated..

There is a great deal of info on this forum about the whole military transition. I'd do a search and start getting an idea of the timeline and milestones you need to meets before you retire. Hopefully you already have an ATP, FE written (maybe) and FCC restricted radiotelephone license. Also, if you haven't already, re-connect with your buds at airlines that are hiring. They'll be great sources of info on that company's specific hiring requirements and be able to provide you with the all-important recommendation. If you're just now starting to consider applying you're rapidly falling behind with only 8 months to go.

I would apply to any company that is accepting applications where you would be willing to work. If you have recommendations at major airlines, it's possible you could be hired with your quals. Some are more hard core about recent experience and they also have varying views on rotary wing time. You'll never know if you don't apply.

If you get hired at a regional, you can get the recent FW square checked as well as some 121 experience. Keep your apps with the majors updated and see what happens.

Corporate is much more of a crap shoot. For starters, usually you have to know someone who can pull you in. Many require time in type due to insurance requirements. So, a corporate department operating King Airs might be interested based on your quals. Again, you'll never know unless you throw your name in the ring. Good luck.

What He Said
 

In addition to the above good info....Apply EVERYWHERE that you meet the minimum requirements and keep the apps updated. Today's dog may be tomorrows top choice. The only constant is change. Once you get your foot in the door, it is always easier to leave and go to where you really want to be should the opportunity arise. Get a job then continue shopping. There is no penalty for applying.

Network, network, network...
 

A little over 22 years ago, while in the first stages of transitioning from my ten year stint in the USAF, I heard about this "new" operation doing interviews from another pilot buddy, so I fired off (did we even have fax machines back then??) my resume to UPS. Of the ten airlines I applied to (no regionals), I interviewed at three, and got two job offers. I chose UPS, and the rest is history…:)

If I hadn't run into this old flying buddy, I never would've heard of UPS.:eek:

Network, network, network!

I'd say that if you want to go to south Louisiana, you could prob'ly grab a good-paying rotor job immediately.

Edit: Sorry, I didn't read your final sentence...

That's all great info from the guys doing the job now. From the vantage point of someone who is in a similar position as you, I would just offer one big thing. Patience. Hopefully you will apply and immediately get an offer from your airline of choosing. If not, don't get too caught up in the timing issues or waiting for the exact airline you want to work for. Example: One of my best friends who is in my squadron I currently fly with had identical resumes(yes we compared them, no black marks, busts, etc). Experience, references, and time were the same and he was offered an interview by Delta and I wasn't (Yes, he got hired; great dude). Who knows why I didn't get an interview. Luck I guess. Just try not to get too wrapped up in the little stuff. This has and still remains to be an extremely competitive time to get hired at any major airline. Stay positive, don't take things personally, and hammer away at it. Things will eventually work out. Best of luck.

Everywhere. As has been said "network, network, network" and remember you miss one hundred percent of the shots you don't take. A few years ago, a kid who was stashed in one of my squadrons in the early 90s called me looking for a rec. I took him flying in a two seater once or twice, but he had been a Naval Flight Officer, not an Aviator, and had no turbine PIC when he called me. I told him I'd write him a rec saying he was a good guy, but that I couldn't address his flying skills and frankly, I thought he'd need some turbine PIC to be competitive. Well, what do you know, he called me a few months later saying he had an interview and told me he'd been hired soon after that. Turns out he had a bunch of recs and did well in the interview, so you don't know until you try.

The other thing is, as has been said, be patient. You may be a good or bad interview, might have interviewers you mesh or clash with, and get hired ahead of or behind better or lesser qualified candidates. This industry is largely a crap shoot. Keep plugging away and, barring industry melt down (always a possibility), you'll get hired.

WOW! Thanks for all the great answers and advice!! I am in the process of putting applications in about everywhere, and pulling out the contacts list to try and build my networks-as well as becoming a regular at the Flight Ops.com job fairs (and any others I can find to go to). I have done my best to convert my hours so civilian guys can read them--but that is quite the pain in the ARSE...And I am going to start interviewing as soon as I get the opportunity, If for no other reason, than to get practice at it! I think I am starting early enough that I should be able to find something before I get too deep into my retirement! Again, thanks for all of the help guys!

Cbp
 

I know you have your end goal of flying large aircraft, but with your background, you may want to look into flying for Customs/Border Patrol. I have heard of them looking for those who can be dual rated in fixed and rotor. Your King Air AND rotor time would be a good match. Plus you would get veterans preferance.

http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/...am_recruit.pdf