I just found out my VSP was approved and I could not be more excited! As much as the paycheck and security of Active Duty was nice I was definitely ready for a change and ready to move on.

With that said I am looking for some advice on what to do over the next few months to get ready for my transition to the airlines.

I currently have apps in at a few Guard/Reserve units, have interviewed with one, and just waiting to hear back from them. I also recently got my 737-type with my ATP and have finished squaring away my civilian logbook/logbook summary. When I get out at the end of December I should have about 1900 Total Time and close to 1500 Turbine PIC. I know I am a little short on the total time for the Majors/Legacies and I am definitely ok spending some time at a Regional, but I do have a few questions...

1. Besides getting in touch with my contacts at the Majors and flying as much as I can before I get out what else can I be doing to be more marketable?

2. When choosing a Regional should I focus more on growth/upgrade potential, pay, or location? I know I have a decent amount of Turbine PIC so I feel I may have the freedom to pick a Regional based on location to just spend some time building my total time in the right seat and gaining 121 experience until a Major/Legacy calls.

3. How important is it to stay in a jet? The reason I ask is that the Regional of my choice based on location only flies SAAB's and as much as I'd like to live in my hometown and be near my Guard/Reserve unit I also don't want to make it any slower at getting to the Majors.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated! I have read plenty of threads about "getting out" and what "Regional to pick", but I just had a few specific questions I wanted to ask. Thanks guys.

 

Welcome to the club. I haven't gotten hired yet (doing ATP right now). From what I've read on this forum, staying current is important...I.e. 100hrs in the last year as a MINIMUM. Also, look at some example resumes of guys who got hired to get a good idea on style/specifics.

 

The recency of experience won't be an issue as I have been deployed the majority of this last year, but where do you find examples of resumes?

 

Do't know if you are a member of "The Pilot Network" on Facebook, but some guys who have recently been hired have posted their resume's.

Start there...

 

Great! I'll look into that.

Do you know if the T-6 guys at Randolph are hiring? I'm a former T-6 FAIP...

 

No direct off the street regardless of prior AETC background to RND.

If they do it again, there are about 10 people suffering the monthly trip on The Trail of Tears (a.k.a U.S. 90) who would quit/retire.

You have to do time at one of the 340th FTG out stations before going to AETC Mecca.

 

i was in your boat with the FY14 VSP. I got a reserve job and going to a regional to build some TT and wait for a major to call. 2100 TT, 860 TPIC, Mil IP...everything i was told was don't chase an upgrade...pick a regional based on QOL. Your reasons of going to a regional are a lot different than the typical CFI that goes to a regional.

 

Now that's funny right there

 

Start hitting the job fairs now. It is not too early and is actually just right. Recommend Emerald Coast Interview Prep. Do it now so the time until you get out is focused accurately. Get your recommendations lined up for all the carriers too...now.

Do not sell yourself short. Sure some people have more hours but if you meet the minimum show up at the job fair dressed right and have a good attitude. Let the personnel people decide how to rank you.

Just my 2 cents.

 

What he said.