First of all, how did I "pinch a nerve" when we said nearly the same thing. Second, if you've never instructed, then you don't know what you may have learned. Last, I never said I was "3 times smarter than a 400TT guy." If a 600TT instructor had done 250 dual given in IMC around thunderstorms at night, then his time would be much more valuable than an instructor who did 500 hours of pattern work with students. I'll say it again: There's more to look at than strictly hours. That being said, and not to talk out of both sides of my mouth..a 1200TT guy has more experience than a 400TT guy no matter how you slice it, and that has to count for something. Not necessarily "3 times more," but something.

You could also turn this around. You probably got some experiences flying your multi- turbine airplane that I didn't gain instructing. Many ways to look at this. The only reason I replied in the first place is because the guy was told he wasn't even qualified to instruct. That and the fact that he had to ask someone he'd never met if he was ready to fly for a 121 carrier...

bgmann, i think that the "walk in" wasn't for ACC, but probably for said major that you're interviewing with, congrats on that one. I'm sure there would/will be tons of people "jealous" of a guy with 500 TT and a hundred and change of multi getting an interview with ANY major airline, which would make them wonder why they have 1000 hrs of turbine PIC and still can't get a call back.

There are lots of ways to gain experience, instructing is brought up so often because it's the path that many individuals took. There is some valuable experience in flight instruction, even in the VFR pattern, as we all know, one of the areas that the majoirty of new hires struggle in are visual approaches, and many don't seem to have it all "worked" out even after IOE, so guess who'll be instructing these new hires on the visual that was awarded to them while at 10k feet going away from the airport....

As an airline captain you'll be doing some flight instructing again, and there's a good reason that having been a flight instructor does help one be a more competent airline captain.

swa1018,
I think with your times you could go to a regional, but I don’t know if you are ready to fly for a regional. Your times looked just like mine a year ago. Mine were 400 total with 23 multi last January. So I was in the same position that you were in. I wanted to get to the regional fast and fly an RJ. But trust me the regionals will still be hiring next year. As for me I got my CFI last September and now have 700 Total and building fast. I also started working on my CFII and did most of it in a multi flying instrument approaches with one engine out (simulated of course.) I’m not saying to get a CFII but I am saying don’t just go rent a C172 and go out flying in circles to build time. Get a CFI and learn something while you are building. Not to mention the regionals love a CFI. I interviewed with 2 regionals and got job offers with both having only 650 total and 40 Multi. I have also learned a lot about flying by being a CFI with students trying to kill me everyday. When you go to an interview the regionals will know really quickly if the time you spent in an airplane was used learning or just a number in the log book, especially if you are low time like I am. The regionals will take a low time guy that has spent his time learning over the 1000hr guy with 50 ME that has 750 of it as safety pilot and never touched the controls.

I've been hesitant to share with you who my interview is with because people have strong opinions about American Eagle and I got tired of hearing it. Also my dad was involved in 3 mergers/buy out from Airwest to Hughes Airwest to Republic to Northwest airlines. Buyout/spin offs aren't always bad, and I realize not always good, I am young and willing to take a chance, and I am number 2 from the bottom of the barrel, so whats the diff. Right now I work graveyard and being on duty for 60 hours a week is making me look at going anywhere but here!

I applied to AE at 0000 hours on Monday and got a message on my voicemail at 1000 hours. 10 hours later, desperate? Also have an interview with Spirit. I misinterpreted his "walk in" comment.

When is your Spirit interview? I'm sure many folks will be interested to hear how it goes.

LOL, that is why Uncle Brown hired you. Because all of us domestic knotheads sitting reserve for 10 years at 75 hours a year finally got seniority to hold ANC Capt. Teach them well. That is why you were picked up ;)
Hope you stay to teach me when I get displaced up North :D

A battle tested paycheck is nice but moving up a number because of it - priceless. The .3 extra - you can consider it a "BZ" for a job well done. The company is buying your next round.... ;)

re
 

I am an instrutor pilot for a regional airline. I tend to think 350TT is way too low. we hire about 40/month. The oral busts are way up for the low -timers compared to high timers. On avg. I'd say a low time guy has 50% higher chance of busting the oral. As for the sim check it's not that high but I'd say at least 35% bust it as low timers. As far as a complete wash-out leading to termination I'd say 15%. No you have a FAA bust on you licence and no job. If you wanna roll the dice with those numbers be prepared to explain a pt.121 bust FOREVER. Granted, as distance is put between you and the event it is easier to forget, but is still there.

The scariest thing for me is a new-hire with 300hrs. who has never seen an ILS to mins. coupled with a new CA who has 1300 and operating with an ICAO restriction and has never flown in the winter with ICE covering the A/C. The lack of experience is alarmingly gone to the dumps.

Let me guess, TSA?