Getting back into the Game

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02-16-2018, 09:13 PM

#11

Flymeaway

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Joined APC: Dec 2016

Posts: 180

Barring some kind of national catastrophe, the hiring at the regional level isn't slowing down anytime soon. I wouldn't worry too much about that part. There is a pretty big gap in regional airlines' QoL and pay right now though. Do your homework on the airlines you apply/interview with, and understand that the interviewers/recruiters themselves usually aren't a great source of unbiased information.

02-16-2018, 10:23 PM

#12

MidnightHauler

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Joined APC: Apr 2014

Posts: 311

Quote:

Originally Posted by awise16

I’ve been out of the flying game for 4 years and am wanting to get back into it. I have been working as a documentation and training manager and operations supervisor in the oil and gas industry and have recently started picking up flight instructing to get some currency back. I have around 1400 hours and almost qualify for a restricted ATP (obtainaining my multi time now/MEI) I have a CFI/II and multi commercial.

One of my question for you all is how much weight, if any, does non flying experience hold on a regional airline application. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

How important is recency to the regionals? Should I wait to apply until I have the restricted ATP mins met (my remaining multi time) or should I apply right away? Should I instruct for more time to build more recency or does it matter.

I know this is a lot of questions and appreciate any help.

Believe it or not, with 1400 hours and a few hours to get recurrent, you'll be more than qualified to get on with just about any regional. Don't waste hundreds of thousands of dollars flying tons of hours before applying. Get your logbooks ready, study up, fly a few hours to get up to speed, then apply. You'll get an offer pretty quick.
Best wishes on getting back in the saddle.

02-17-2018, 04:54 AM

#13

UNDGUY

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Joined APC: Apr 2006

Position: A220 First Officer

Posts: 569

My experience

I got on with Endeavor after being on the sidelines driving a semi for almost five years. I went to the local airport and flew around in a 172 for 6 hours, got a BFR/IPC signoff from an instructor and interviewed in December. I have 4000 hours total time, 3 Jet type ratings, and 5 years of 121 flying before my flying break though, so that may have made a difference. 24 days till I start class!!

02-17-2018, 05:39 AM

#14

JasonR

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Joined APC: Mar 2017

Posts: 59

Passing the MEI add on will probably help offset the lack of hours in the last 6/12 months.

02-17-2018, 06:00 AM

#15

bigtime209

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Joined APC: Jun 2006

Posts: 1,523

Quote:

Originally Posted by awise16

Although unlikely, endeavor and envoy up top. After that I’d was thinking skywest, expressjet, republic, compass. The possible Houston base with Mesa is attractive (I live 20 mins from IAH), but apparently their rep isn’t great.

Whatever you do, stay away from Mesa. EDV and Envoy are good choices if you can get in the door. I know EDV is being the most picky right now since they've gotten slammed with apps. Envoy is also being picky right now and putting a cap on new hires that aren't at least close to being CA qualified. But as one guy said, apply early and often to both and don't be afraid to reach out to a recruiter at both places. There are a lot of rumors flying around at the moment that Republic may open an IAH base in the future, but at this point those are just rumors. If it ends up happening, they would be an extremely viable option. Good news is that wherever you end up, you should have options for commuting out of IAH. Good luck.

02-17-2018, 09:20 AM

#16

awise16

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Joined APC: Feb 2018

Posts: 8

Quote:

Originally Posted by UNDGUY

Congratulations on getting on with EDV! Since my flying break was almost as long as yours and I have far fewer hours and no 121 exp, I’m sure it limits me a little more than yourself. My plan is to get my MEI and start taking students to knock some of the rust off so I don’t make a fool of myself come interview and training time.

02-17-2018, 09:25 AM

#17

awise16

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Thread Starter

Joined APC: Feb 2018

Posts: 8

Thank you all for your input. It has been very helpful and I hope to join you all soon.

02-17-2018, 10:48 AM

#18

UNDGUY

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Joined APC: Apr 2006

Position: A220 First Officer

Posts: 569

Quote:

Originally Posted by awise16

It will come back quick. Good luck to you. In the current enviroment I dont think you can go wrong no matter where you end up. I will parrot what many others say frequently on this forum. Stay away from Mesa. They pretty much screwed my career and made me hate flying. That place was miserable to work for. Took me five years to realize I should give it another shot with a better airline.

02-17-2018, 12:10 PM

#19

Knobcrk1

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Joined APC: Jul 2017

Posts: 1,030

Quote:

Originally Posted by awise16

I don’t think you need to spend any kind of time getting ratings to get current, plus I would imagine the students would prefer someone with more experience! Just go to a local flight sim and do a couple of approaches to get your scan back, that’s all you need for airline training. There’s very little stick and rudder flying involved with pt121 training, you just need to be able to fly the panel. When you get in the sim all you’ll do is IFR approaches over and over with very little head outside stuff. Of course once you get out on the line it will be a steep learning curve but your focus should be on passing class.