As a low time civilian applicant (1100hrs) at a regional, my interviewer was VERY interested in my military background, even though it was not aviation oriented. He was sharp enough to know that it demonstrated the ability to assimilate large amounts of technical info in a compressed, stressful period of time, which is exactly what 121 training is. I am convinced that it was a major factor in me getting the job, since my flying experience (CFI) was unremarkable.

 

Once you meet the minimums, you will be given appropriate consideration at your interview for your life experience and long-term involvement in aviation. Personally, I would hire you over a puppy-mill grad who just had to show up and do what he was told.

 

Experience and maturtiy have a lot to do with all the factors. Recency of experience really can make a difference. I was in the Military for 20 years in a non flying position and I think this helped me get a job. I did however have a lot of time and was a flight instructor. I flew some charter but mostly instruction. I will tell everyone that airline training is no joke and it was a transition for me but the experience I received over the years was invaluable.

 

Hours = Expierence
Recency of hours + type of flying = Proficiency

Expierence + Proficiency = a qualified applicant

Someone who is proficient is much more likely to have no problems getting through training, and someone with good expierence makes a good Captain and decision-maker. Its a proven equation and won't change any time soon for the better jobs.

 

Here's an old saying worth repeating...

"You start with a bag full of luck and an empty bag of experience. The trick is to fill the bag of experience before you empty the bag of luck."

Winglet

 

Airlines set their minimum hours for applicants to apply. That is not to say that when you interview you will get the job. Part of an airline interview is with a pilot at that airline. The interviewer will look at your log book and evaluate not only total time, but multi time, night time, IFR time, etc.. If you flew 900 hours with only the minimum IFR for the rating, they will see that. Most airlines usually like to see that you are currently flying, and better yet, flying as a commercial pilot (not only flying your own plane around).
When I was interviewed, the interviewer noticed the Part 135 cargo flying (lots of IFR at night) and many hours as PIC in single engine (flying traffic reporting in all sorts of weather) and PIC multi-engine flying cargo. It was not the total time that they looked at, but it is the total time that gets you invited for an interview.

 

High time is impressive if 1. Your skills and judgment correlate with your time, and 2. You've demonstrated your ability to keep your record clean.

 

I didn't want to start a new thread so I'll post this here.

Captain Sullenberger was testifying to the board on the accident and during the testimony he explained his 40% pay cut, his loss of a pension, and the second job he has to make ends meet. He also explained that if the trend continues more experienced pilots will leave and much, much less experienced pilots will take over creating a safety of flight issue. Here is a video clip of it from Yahoo: Yahoo!
hxxp://www.yahoo.com/s/1034991

He's a hell of guy!

 

Quality > Quantity

Personality/Attitude > everything else

 

HAHA!!!

This story made national news tonight on NBC with Brian Williams. This was a great opportunity for an industry hero to open the eyes of the world and congress as to what is happening to our industry. Will anything come out of this? I hope! Anything positive would be better than nothing!

Any thoughts from the rest of the peanut gallery?