Opteryx

Actually, I have a great, well-paying job now. I'm just hankering to fly for a living again. I expect to take a pay cut, but don't want to take an 85% cut - I still have two kids to put through college.

Opteryx

Corporate is probably a good idea, although when I left college before I joined the AF, I looked into that and remember at the time it didn't pay that well, the schedules were terrible and pilots were not treated that well (generalizing of course). Has that changed?
Actually I've been actively searching civil pilot jobs - makes sense since I just continue in the same system. There was one that seemed tailor-made for me, a job as a GS in charge of safety and training for the department of the interior. Sounded very interesting too. But turns out there is a LAW that says a GS pilot hire must have 100 hours in the last year. They won't even look at a resume without that. That's why, as I said, I've been madly flying with the aeroclub trying to get the time. If I was in the states, I'd just buy a plane and fly around all day for a week and viola', I'd be qualified. It's a little tougher to do that here.

Freddriver5

I know for a fact Avenge is advertising on indeed.com. I almost took a job with them, but another opportunity that didn't require being a rotational pilot came along. I think that's your real pivot point....how willing are you to kiss the wife and kids goodbye for varying periods of time just to get your flying fix. If your not willing to take a big pay hit and not willing to fly in the armpit of the world for extended periods, then I'd suggest staying in the well paying job and flying for fun on the weekend...

Opteryx

I see indeed.com is a great resource.

gr8vu

I know someone doing C-12s for L-3, another looking at contracts in Africa (Pilatus?), and there are also the Iraqi Cessna's and T-1s. I was just in Tikrit and can't say I would recommend that one. Networking is critical. They pay on average $750 a day plus per diem (100 per day in some locations). Works out to about 140K a year plus per diem and 6 months off. Not bad if you can handle the 2-3 months of being gone.

PittsDriver

Dynamic and Avenge just told me they are on a hiring freeze, but would re-evaluate their needs at the end of this month. They are tough to crack without an internal rec. I have been bugging them for 2.5 years with no luck since I don't know anyone there. Not a peep from L-3 either. Might have to start greasing the pockets of some folks who work there lol.

Opteryx

I did find Dynamic on Indeed and got a good feeling about their company (you know how you get a feeling of a company by how well their website works and what they say on it). Haven't heard back from them - I was wondering if these contract flyers were going to feel the budget pinch....although, I don't think anyone going down range is very much affected at this point.

ForeverFO

I was a fighter guy but did have currency when I was hired.

I understand completely what you say about the CRM aspect. To be honest, they're not all that similar, BUT (big but) the skills it takes to lead a four ship indicate that you could easily make the transition, and most employers understand that. Also, they understand that 1,500 fighter hours = 1,000 cycles typically; there's little drone time.

The turbine currency issue is going to be a huge hurdle, IMO. There have been some good suggestions. I'd pass on the regional job, and look instead to the more obscure work opportunities available to your unique skill set. Defense contractors, R&D, corporate, even foreign jobs that might be defense related.

Prowler

On the same topic of recency. I may have an option of getting out in 1 year. Have been out of the cockpit for 2 years, but just getting back in. I'll likely have 50-70 TPIC in 12 mons when time to apply late fall. Should I go get some 172 time to top it off? Otherwise sitting at 2500 TT, 2200 PIC, 1600 ME (EA-6B).

Sputnik

"Turbine" currency? I've never heard of that as a requirement. I know many (all?) Airlines want currency, never heard turbine specifically. Not that there is much/anything I'm going to do about it. I'm rocking the single piston though.

To the OP, try and track down guys you IPed with, a lot of folks I knew from FAIP days ended up in some interesting places--besides airlines. I'm terrible at networking, but getting better.