Hi all:

Long time lurker but first time poster.

Question: I'm getting ready to retire (30 years), but my last 8 years have been in non-flying staff jobs in DC. Stayed in for the family stability in DC. Anyway, I know airlines like to see recent flight currency, so, my question is should I get a 737 type rating to both get my flight currency and use as an ATP refresher course?

Or should I go the regional route first for 121 experience and currency?

My creds: Military, 3600 TT, 3400 PIC ME Jet, ex-squadron CO, safety officer, ATP AMEL.

Thanks.

 

Hate to say it, but I don't think just getting a 73-type will be seen as having current experience. Speaking from rumors only, I've heard Delta wants like 300-400 hours flight time in the previous year. I have a buddy who started in nearly the same position as you and he got a job with a regional a little over a year ago to get 121 experience, and, more importantly, recency. Still no call from the majors but I expect he'll get a call soon.

Good luck and good hunting!

 

The type rating won't help with currency, but it is another box to check. I've seen the merits debated both ways.

From the WAI conference this last March, 100 hrs in the last 12 is pretty much the benchmark for the big 5. With the exception of AAL, the others all had their hiring manager there to brief and answer questions. Some even mentioned giving staff guys a break (JB and SWA), but then said they will look at the last 5 years and like to see flying for 3 of them. UAL and DAL didn't say they wouldn't hire someone with less than 100 hrs, but said something along the lines of "we like to see 100 hrs in the last 12."

I've seen and heard some folks getting hired with zero hours in the last 12 (don't know their previous totals) and some with less than 100 in the last 12 (friend of mine). Bottom line is that they look at the "whole person" I think. Score really well, but have low/zero currency - you may get the call.

When are you separating, roughly?

 

Thanks for the input. What counts towards currency? Light civil Cessna 172s and piper Seminoles?

I guess spend money on this and sim and interview prep?

Shooting to retire on 1 Feb 16 with availability of 1 Nov 15 (terminal leave and permissive TDY).

 

From UAL at WAI, they specifically stated "as long as you are getting paid" counts toward currency when referencing piston time. I am not certain what weight they will put against it for rented piston time. I didn't hear specific comments from AAL/DAL/SWA/JB, but they all said they would accept piston CFI time towards currency. I asked them all that question.

I asked your timeline as CFI'ing might be an option. Fairly tight, but might be doable. Do you have any of your CFI quals? If not and you are a fighter guy, the best you can get is CFII through MilComp. If you were heavies, you can probably end up with MEI/CFII. If you taught SE in flight school, you can also get the ASEL CFI.

I only had CFI piston time for currency and ultimately ended up with a CJO.

As far as interview prep, do it and get it done early. It's worth every penny. I used ECIC and was extremely pleased. I heard great things about the others. As far as I know, they are all pay once and use as required. I did an in-person seminar 6 months out. When I got an invite, I did an online session for a refresher and a week later did a "one-on-one" session.

Two links I found helpful regarding prep and saved:
http://www.airlinepilotforums.com/hi...e-corners.html

http://www.airlinepilotforums.com/mi...11-update.html

Good luck!

 

I'd say skip the type rating as it won't help and will burn your leave buildup somewhat. Apply everywhere, but really plan on getting a job at a regional starting on day one of your terminal leave. Hopefully, you'll be called by a major by February. The fact that you're getting paid by the AF while working for pennies at a regional will help mitigate the crappiness of the job. It will suck, but you'll hopefully have a light at the end of the tunnel.

And I'll piggy back on getting the interview prep done now. I did it 18 months out and again 6 months out (free second time).

 

^^^^^^^This........

 

I missed the Nov 16 date. Concur with the above and WARich. That gives you multiple months with the 121 and currency won't be an issue. The big 3 all said they look highly on the 121 experience and military background.

Nice job banking the leave!

 

Actually its Nov 2015 (5 months from now). I also have about 25 days of leave to burn by 30 Sep 2015 or I lose it!

What's the best way to build up any kind of currency between now and then? Should I just focus on an IFR refresher course and lots of sim prep? I just renewed my FAA class 1 today, already have my ATP AMEL, and just got my FCC RR.

 

I would say anyway you can get your hands airborne. The regionals seem to be having a tough time finding quality applicants. So with your previous experience I think even though you don't have too much currency you should be able to get on with one of them. Apply to all of them and know it's only until you get the currency and one of the big guys should call. I'm sorta guessing after 30 yrs in and time in Washington, you've added some metal to your shoulder since your Sq Cmdr. days. Sir, just get the currency and I'll be surprised if someone doesn't pick you up. Good luck.