FlyBoyd

Bad gouge...do a search for other's results.

RareBlueAir

Hey guys did HPA back in Nov 11 just got my paperwork from back from the VA. They took 9 months from your benefits and currently the VA is so far behind paying HPA they make you pay the full price up front until they are paid back. Questions let me know I'll be happy to answer!!!

ATCsaidDoWhat

Then if that's the case, find a program that can provide an ATP and some hours flying in a turboprop that will solve the ATP and "current and qualified" issues. I guarantee that there are plenty of reputable Part 142 schools out there than would love to do it.

And my point about a 737 type is simply this. Unless you have a 100% ironclad guarantee of a job...anyone know of them in this business??...than the rating without experience is just a line on the ticket. We all know that there is one carrier that requires it. Given the other options out there these days, and with all respect to my friends and others there...how long do you want to sit in the right seat yanking gear? It's one thing if you're a 20 something...lots different if you are not. Upgrade time may never come.

Now thats fine if you don't mind. Most folks want the left seat at some point. And while they have an excellent track record, nothing lasts forever. I think I'd be wanting to look at other options as well, including some of the international operators, cargo or cargo/pax operators that have better upgrade times, strong contracts and solid growth as well. If you have the experience, a type in a 747, 767 or 777 may well open up even more lucrative opportunities with offshore operators, especially in Asia where you end up with your days off in the US on a "layover" making more money.

In the end, the decision process has to include an honest assessment about whether or not having the type and no experience will hinder your opportunities with other carriers. Having dealt with some HR folks over the years, I can tell you that with come carriers it does. They see it as a risk because if you get their training and experience, and then get offered the other job, you will bolt and they're out the training costs and a warm body. So they just pick the other guy. YMMV

Marvin

Once again ... the OP is in a deployed location. No Part 142 schools there.

Even if there were, are you really going to buy recency of experience (100 hours) in a turboprop? I haven't priced what that costs per hour these days (around $1000 per hour?), but it is likely cost prohibitive.

I concur regarding the 737 type. SWA requires it; some other airlines think SWA is your primary target if you have it.

Tenacvols

Nice!!!!!!!

ATCsaidDoWhat

I understand that he is in a location with few, if zero options. Given his military experience in heavy aircraft, when he gets back and gets the ATP; which will make him a current and qualified pilot, I doubt if any airline worth a damn will dismiss him over the issue based upon his experince and deployment. He's not the first who goes non current and won't be the last.

He'd be very qualified IMO at places like Atlas for a 747 or 767 slot. And while some folks still look down their nose and consider operators like that to be second rate, they are not only well run consistently profitable, they have a lot of good cargo and AMC flying that you won't get elsewhere.

Marvin

I concur, except .... the only way to get to the application for most airlines is to first answer 5-10 questions including "Have you flown at least 100 hours in the past 12 months or 200 hours in the past 24 months?". If you answer "no", then you cannot even get to the link to apply. If you answer "yes", then you will have to explain why you did not answer truthfully. Kinda screwed either way.

I think a flying career is still do-able if the OP wants it. It will just take some creativity and perhaps a willingness to accept some short term pain to get where he wants to go.

ATCsaidDoWhat

Agreed. And with no disrespect whatsoever to what he's already done, it's called "paying your dues."

Many will no doubt disagree, however from what I and others have observed over the years, the folks that do so undergo a fundamental mind shift that serves them very well in a civilian career.

Adlerdriver

I'm thinkin' the guy at the deployed location, far away from family and friends doesn't need your little lecture on paying dues and your "fundamental mind shift" agenda.

HuggyU2

Valid.....