It was no big deal. Just let them know I was employed and by whom.

Why wouldn't you be able to go back to the C-17?

There is always a chance, but it doesn't look good for the foreseeable future. Why retrain someone back when you'll just have to kick another guy out for his "alpha" tour. Mobility is over manned, RPA is undermanned, especially in new mexico. Exactly why 18X and 11U are blacked out for VSP, RIF and every other program. At least big blue is keeping their promise to the UPT directs. Not so for the rest of us. The black hole is hard to overcome just like everyone said when they started pulling from other 11X. 11Fs have a chance, as they are predicted to be short soon.

Interesting. I was thinking they are fairly picky right now from what everyone else was saying, but perhaps that's just the majors.[/QUOTE]

Horizon is still picky because of their niche. SkyWest would hire you tomorrow. If you wanted northwest basing you could fly the Brasilia (EMB-120) which is a rather short commute from SEA, I think maybe to Portland or somewhere in Norcal. Literally every other regional is to the point of hiring over the phone. Places like Republic have less than 50 percent of the people they hire show up to class. One of their classes a few months ago, only like 1 or 2 people showed to class, even with the $5k signing bonus. Haha.

As for the ATP thing, since mil gets the restricted ATP under 1500 hrs, I guess it wouldn't matter whether you were able to count OTHER or not. My understanding is your restricted ATP automatically becomes unrestricted once you reach 1500 hours anyway? Can someone confirm?

From reading 61.160, you are basically correct

(g) An airline transport pilot certificate obtained under this section is subject to the pilot in command limitations set forth in §61.167(b) and must contain the following limitation, “Restricted in accordance with 14 CFR 61.167.” The pilot is entitled to an airline transport pilot certificate without the limitation specified in this paragraph when the applicant presents satisfactory evidence of having met the aeronautical experience requirements of §61.159 and the age requirement of §61.153(a)(1).

I think you will just have to fill out and submit another 8710 and the restriction will be lifted.

Fly and LossofClock,

I'm right there with both of you in thinking that the opportunities outside of the AD AF are growing while opportunities for those who stay in will diminish. Leadership has made it plainly obvious they value new weapons systems over people, and as these new programs (F-35, KC-46, New Long Range Bomber) get further along with inevitable cost overruns, I think you will see more cuts in the future. For me the clock is ticking as far as opportunity to build flying time and experience, and I'm gaining neither sitting in a GCS all day.

Since the fear my current leadership has about the possible departure of 11M crossflows has been quite evident the past few weeks, I have seriously been examining my options outside of the AD AF. All of my contacts at airlines and guard units seem to have nothing but good news to tell me, so I take that as a sign I should at least apply for the VSP and see what happens. If Big Blue wants to pay me to leave, and I'll still have opportunities to serve in my hometown while flying for an airline (even a regional) I think I'll take that over my current situation.

I only have 1180 TT, 879 C-17 hours, 150 PIC in the 17 and I was told that by current employees that I would be hired by a regional very quickly. I'll keep you guys posted on what's happening with my VSP.

And I'll take any reserve/guard hook ups you have for elmo/mcchord. FYI WVANG is transitioning from C5 to C17 at the end of this year but not exactly where my family wants to end up long term.

Slight thread jack, but what are some of you AD AF guys thoughts/experiences with AD Navy guys getting picked up for ANG? 2300+ TT, 1300 H-60, 900 C-12, ATP in both. Thanks!

As long as it's not my slot. Honestly don't know.

Finally got the response from SWA support. Their reply says AF student time can be counted as SIC, Turbine and Total time.