I'm new to the forum and haven't seen much info on age. Let me give you a quick background.

49 YOA. 2500TT Over a 1000 multi. ATP, typed, FE ticket. Air traffic controller for the last 24 years (retire next May! yee freaking hah!!!!!) Took a short vacation from the FAA several years ago and flew for Transtates out of STL (SW4 that’s how long ago it was) Flew contract on demand 135 until the FAA said it was a conflict of interest. Didn't care too much for the corporate route because of lack of a schedule. Thought I would go ahead and apply with Eagle since we live in the DFW area and get the ball rolling. Told them I wasn't available until April of 08. Got a rejection letter a week later saying I wasn't as competitive as other candidates. Now the question. Is it because I don't have a current flying job? Is my availability date too far away? Or is it because of my age? I have been offered a part time gig as a sim instructor for a major training co. here in the DFW metroplex (I worked as an instructor there several years ago) which will get me current. Will AE see this as a flying job? Even though I'm not flying being a controller I'm still in the industry and at least speaking the lingo.

I am planning on going to ORD the 16th to an AE job fair and ask some questions. Am I wasting my time and the recruiters?

I'm also hearing a lot of QOL issues with AE because they don't have enough pilots. i.e. three day trip turn into a four day trip.

I know they don't pay well and don't care because I will have a great pension. I know that upgrade time is slow and that's OK with me. I want a schedule. I also realize that I may not initially get DFW. Wife works for AA so we have flight benefits.

You may ask why I want to do this? Mostly because I can and I love the industry. Money is not the issue and that will take a lot of pressure off and let me enjoy the job. Who knows where it could lead?

Constructive criticism welcome.

 

no way never too old, just think when you turn 60 your still have another 5 years.......

Too old for a regional. no, for a major maybe????????


PS lease dont post that you dont care about the money..............this is not a hobby for me or a lot of other people we have to support ourselves.............

 

Understand about the money and you are right. Some may say that my attitude is part of the problem with low pay amongst the regionals. Just wanted to head off any questions about why I would want to fly for a regional. No disrespect intended. If not for you I wouldn't be employed now and I hope that by me wanting to join you is a compliment.

 

More controllers need this attitude! A lot of the guys that I know that have gotten hired for ATC out of here like to think they are the greatest thing to walk the earth and that pilots are scum. Thank you. Welcome back to the life of a pilot!

 

Should I go to the job fair??? Why did they reject me??

 

April 08? As in almost a year away? If you typed that correct, then I would guess that is the reason you got rejected. Regional airlines generally hire no more than 1-2 months out from class date. Heck, I had trouble getting calls b/c I told them I could start to after my kid is born in July(this was the end of May). Get current and start looking again in Jan/Feb 08. They'll be more attentive then.

 

Yes. Job fairs are a great way to learn about the airlines you are targeting and most importantly you will get face to face time with the recruiters. They often interview on the spot and with your experience, you would have your pick of regionals.

The only kicker is your availability date.

Most airlines are trying to fill the next few classes, not hiring for a 2008 date. You might want to go to job fairs and allow the airlines to get to know you and when the time is closer to your availability date, you can interview. Good luck to you and you are not too old, you have at least 10 years to go (which is a long time). If you can get on with a cargo airline, you may be able to work past age 60 as an S/O. If not there is always corporate flying.

EDIT: Saabarooski: Did they change age 60 to 65 already? I must be out of the loop...

 

Yea, April 08 is correct. Kind of thought I would plan ahead and find out what I might need to do. I'll put things on hold (including the job fair) and wait until April of next year. Thanks for the input.

Coldpilot.... I always looked at you all as customers. You own the skies and you pay me to manage it. Sometimes as a manager I make decisions that aren't popular.

 

If you're available in April, I wouldn't wait until April. Air Inc., has a fair every few months. There's one in DCA in Sept. Probably another one somewhere in Jan. I would hit one of those two. If you can accept employment within 6 months, it's a good time to start gearing up for the job. PS- If you get a regional job and get current, why not consider FlexJet since you live in Dallas?

 

not yet but I fear soon..........................