Taking the wind out of my sails
#51
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Nov 2009
Posts: 5,193
Rostam, I am in a similar situation, not as much time and not retiring, but have been out of the CP for 1 year (thanks navy disassociated tour). I have my CFI/II and planning on going to higher power at some point to get the ATP/737 rating and build some currency in addition to other small quals and hopefully fly some students. Making the best of a rough spot. Lots of encouragement out there from several people, on the forums and off, that may need to only suffer the regionals for a year or skip altogether.
b. Do your ATP, right meow. The rules change next year and it will get significantly harder.
iv. You can skip the regionals if you plan and execute strategery early. What SWO hell are you in right now? Lots of locations have great GA opportunity. Jax, Norfolk, San Dog, come to mind.
#52
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Apr 2013
Posts: 3,443
The 8 year commitment is a game changer for Navy guys. Unless you have a significant delay somewhere after winging, you are fodder for 2 years of non-flying (YMMV for jet guys). JOPA, plan accordingly. Getting that CFI and moonlighting during your disassociated may be the answer. Otherwise, lobby hard for flying orders. As said above, have a plan!
#53
On Reserve
Joined APC: Sep 2013
Posts: 12
Agree with Grumble. Save the money. Maybe there is an opportunity to split rental costs with a buddy down at the flying club to build some time for recency.
I believe the hiring is going to takeoff and there will be good opportunities for you out there without a 737 type rating, unless SWA is where your focus is. Bank the money you'll save, you will want a nest egg during that first year.
I believe the hiring is going to takeoff and there will be good opportunities for you out there without a 737 type rating, unless SWA is where your focus is. Bank the money you'll save, you will want a nest egg during that first year.
#54
Had a buddy that got his ATP, interviewed with UAL on Monday and bought 2hrs of sim time the day before the interview. Every other fighter/attack pilot I've talked to about this says you need sim time because you have no idea how to fly a 737. My point is, after spending $3000 on an ATP then another $1100 on sim prep for an interview he could have spent a little more and got an 737 type. Necessary? No but may have helped instead of cramming the day prior. Just something to consider about getting a type rather than an ATP in light twin
#55
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Nov 2009
Posts: 5,193
Had a buddy that got his ATP, interviewed with UAL on Monday and bought 2hrs of sim time the day before the interview. Every other fighter/attack pilot I've talked to about this says you need sim time because you have no idea how to fly a 737. My point is, after spending $3000 on an ATP then another $1100 on sim prep for an interview he could have spent a little more and got an 737 type. Necessary? No but may have helped instead of cramming the day prior. Just something to consider about getting a type rather than an ATP in light twin
#56
On Reserve
Joined APC: Jan 2007
Position: UAL 737 FO
Posts: 22
My point is, after spending $3000 on an ATP then another $1100 on sim prep for an interview he could have spent a little more and got an 737 type. Necessary? No but may have helped instead of cramming the day prior. Just something to consider about getting a type rather than an ATP in light twin
#57
While you guys go in this luffberry, I'll point out that the right answer is the one that works for you.
I had guys do 2 hour sim preps for Fedex and get hired. I had one guy buy 10 2 hour sessions. He had been flying UAVs a while. When I saw his order I went "OMG, he must have hit the transaction button multiple times...." and called him. Nope....he just wanted to be ready. After he was hired he told me is was worth it to him, and he was very happy he did it.
Some guys will want to know they can "nail it" 2-3 times before they have to execute. Other guys can bumble through the session but say "I will fix that tomorrow, and I'll be fine..." and then they do. So--it all comes down to stress management, your learning style and comfort level, and financial tradeoffs. We are all very different. I usually recommend at least one solo 2 hour block, then you can make your own assessment as to what you need beyond that.
But again--we are all different. I don't think there is a silver bullet....
I had guys do 2 hour sim preps for Fedex and get hired. I had one guy buy 10 2 hour sessions. He had been flying UAVs a while. When I saw his order I went "OMG, he must have hit the transaction button multiple times...." and called him. Nope....he just wanted to be ready. After he was hired he told me is was worth it to him, and he was very happy he did it.
Some guys will want to know they can "nail it" 2-3 times before they have to execute. Other guys can bumble through the session but say "I will fix that tomorrow, and I'll be fine..." and then they do. So--it all comes down to stress management, your learning style and comfort level, and financial tradeoffs. We are all very different. I usually recommend at least one solo 2 hour block, then you can make your own assessment as to what you need beyond that.
But again--we are all different. I don't think there is a silver bullet....
#59
I retired back on 1 April, Navy pilot (most of my flight time in the C-2A/T-45C), just over 3000 hours total. I thought the best way might be the Regional route to keep my hours up, applied to a few companies, hired by a few and settled for AWAC. Good company, great people but the money was atrocious IMO. So I applied to L3 Vertex, hired and going through the final phase of their training. I have my ATP, Commercial, BE300 type, etc. I like the company, like the people and the money is good. Will fly the MC-12 btw.
#60
On Reserve
Joined APC: Oct 2013
Posts: 14
I was hired at American years ago with 1400 fighter hours which converted to over 1500 for an ATP. So I had 1500 hours, ATP, FE written.
This industry is cyclical, and despite some occasional bitter ramblings from civilians, military time (and training) is prized by the airlines, more so than hundreds of hours of banner towing, for example.
This industry is cyclical, and despite some occasional bitter ramblings from civilians, military time (and training) is prized by the airlines, more so than hundreds of hours of banner towing, for example.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post