I am 42, typed with line Captain and Check Airman experience in the B757, B767, DC10 and CE500. I have 8000+ accident/incident free hours, of which 5300 is heavy jet, international experience (2300 PIC in the DC10 & 757).

I walked away from aviation in 2016 and have been a full time police officer ever since. I have been teaching flying on the side with my own Part 61 business.

My question is this: given the two year hiatus from jets, would I be DEC material at one of the reputable regionals?

Thanks,
LH

As long as you’re instrument current and 1000hrs of that time was part 121 (or FAA approved equivalent) you should be fine.

Why shoot that low?

If you breathe on a mirror and it fogs up you're qualified for a regional. With the kind of time you have I would suggest trying somewhere more in line with your experience.

If he has only piston GA time since 2016, the OP is marginal on recency for the bigs, but yes in this climate he should absolutely apply to any major he'd be willing to work at, take a regional job, and keep the apps updated. I would guess he'd get a call within a year or less (assuming he knows some folks to give him LORs).