565--See about going through an All-ATPs type program and it will do a few things for you--I was in a similar boat--I had 1200 hrs FW (T-37) but 2000 or so RW when I got my ATP--They gave me enough hours that I felt comfortable going into the checkride--even with the majority of RW time, and they removed my CL restriction that the Tweet has during the checkride--which was nice...The actual FAR requirements aren't terribly egregious as Grumble pointed out.. Another thing to consider (I am looking at this route to get my SE ratings)--Look at getting an ATP for Rotary wing--then you may be able to add on a ME and SE rating, by training to proficiency, rather than meeting a bunch of legal hourly requirements--I am not terribly familiar with this route--but a full-time DE, or IP should be able to get you a real answer on this...

 

So I'm trying to figure out if I have enough time for the majors or if I'll need to head to the regionals for a few years.

C-130J IP
Chief of Safety
1700 Total (2K by separation)
700 TPIC (1K by separation)
Masters
ATP
3 Types (737)

Making the decision for VSP or not this week, thanks for the advice.

 

LIG --

You do meet the mins for several of the legacy airlines at 1700, but you definitely on the lower end of the spectrum. I won't regurgitate those mins here because they are posted elsewhere, especially on the company's hiring pages. Nonetheless, keep in mind that you can't use "projections" on your hours.

If I were back in your shoes, I'd take VSP in a heartbeat and Palace Chase even quicker.

 

I honestly think it is going to depend on how deep into the pool they are by then. There are a lot of super experienced guys out there right now waiting for a call. I think once those guys get settled somewhere, we may see guys with two flying tours getting picked up like they were in previous waves. I know in the '08 Delta and SWA hiring sprees, there were lots of 2,000 hour guys getting hired. I am banking on the same thing (although for retirement) so here's hoping for the best.

 

If you take VSP then Palace Chase, don't you have to pay it back? Was wondering what the reg says. I dropped my papers in late Sept, but I don't actually separate until April. I'm assuming I wouldn't be approved for VSP, since I'm already approved for separation anyway...

 

Only if/when you draw your reserve retirement.

 

Thanks T6/E6; I know the mins, just wasn't sure what the odds were out there for a 2000/1000 hour kinda of guy, like you alluded to from what I've seen more like 3-4k guys right now.

 

The odds are low... for now. The hiring wave is just beginning, and there are a lot of well-qualified people, both mil and civilian, that have more competitive resumes. For now.

In a couple more years, you'd be very very competitive with those times. If you'd rather avoid the regionals, can stomach the stupidity of AD, can stay flying, and can avoid a worthless 365, you'll be sitting in a very good position in a few years. By then, your commitment will be up or you'll be able to Palace Chase. Or just VSP in FY 15/16/17/whenever... the FY14 programs are just the beginning.

 

Question from the Navy Reservist:

Is "Palace Chase" some USAF/ANG slang for Reserve Bum?

 

From Wikipedia -- so you know it's correct:

The Palace Chase program allows active duty officers and airmen to voluntarily transfer from active duty in the United States Air Force (USAF) to the United States Air Force Reserve (USAFR) or the Air National Guard (ANG). The member's remaining active duty service commitment (ADSC) or term of enlistment may be waived, for approved applicants, in exchange for the member's agreement to participate in a Selected Reserve ("Traditional Reserve / Traditional Guard") program in the Air Reserve Component (ARC), the ARC consisting of both the Air Force Reserve and the Air National Guard.

Personnel transitioning to an ARC billet also remain eligible for acceptance into the full-time Active Guard and Reserve (AGR) and Air Reserve Technician (ART) programs.

Personnel separating from active military service under the Palace Chase program are required to report to the gaining unit and participate satisfactorily in all Reserve/Guard-training activities for the duration of the Palace Chase contract. Failure to fulfill the contract could result in administrative action and recall to active duty in the Regular Air Force.