Off the bench
 

Back in 2004, I was a new Comair FO when I found out my father was terminally ill. I left the company (on good terms) to be home and help out. Since then, I've been doing non-flying jobs - but really missing flying. I've recently decided to try and restart my flying career - it seems like the regionals can't get enough pilots these days. My resume was pretty good after 12 years in the Air Force (2200 fighter hours, 1750 PIC). I started flying again and am IFR current.

I'm looking for some opinions - am I still competative? Will they consider me after leaving and not flying for the last few years? I'm hoping they are so short that they will give me a chance to come back.

With that background, give Republic a call...shoot for the 170. When you get to STL, we can trade lies!

you cant go to a major with those numbers as a fighter guy?

Yeah, send your stuff out... I'd be really surprised if some of the better companies didn't at least call you.

You'll get work.

And make sure that you don't let them choose you. In today's market you can choose them. You surely won't have SJS (shiny jet syndrome) so you will be more selective. There is a need for experienced pilots and you will find a job.

yeah, forget the regionals,, go for the top guys, you will get a call

talk to your old fighter buddies who are now at Southwest. They'll get you an interview guaranteed. If that doesnt tickle your fancy, youll definitly get hired at Continental, or Delta if you have a connection there. I know you got connections, time to start looking up your old squadron mates.

No offense guys, but military isn't a guaranteed route to the majors anymore. I've flown with several guys who just simply could not find work above the regional level...and I'm sure it wasn't from a lack of trying.

i find that hard to believe

Unless they are guard/reserve, while most tend to have some time before they go some don't. For a fighter guy, counting your 1 year seasoning at your base you will most likely only have around 700 hours (~500 TPIC). Maybe even less since they have cut some of our seasoning days.

But the guys coming off active duty should have no problem. There are lots of guys getting out at my current base and almost all of them are going to Southwest/UPS/FedEx/Fractionals/ACMI Carriers....etc. I would think most of them wouldn't want to leave to go to first year regional pay considering most are pulling in ~80k/year (Capt at 10 years).