Lack of currency
 

I may have an interview coming up.

My biggest problem is that I havent touched a plane in 8 months. Since I was laid off.
1. How should I explain this?
2. How many hours would it take to become "current" (maybe ill just go rent a cessna?)
3.Is this usually an insurance thing or can employers just take their pick right now?

Although im not current I still think about flying all the time and feel confident.

any thoughts at all...

For what it's worth, I've logged all of 1 hour since December (though it was an IPC just to maintain some sort of currency), and I recently successfully interviewed for a new flying job. I think maybe some people are just understanding of the fact that furloughs are widespread at the moment. Just getting an interview also at the moment is a big step, so they must see something in you. Good luck.

If it's an SIC position it doesn't matter. But I hope you're not going to an interview without being current at all... did you at least get a few take off and landings in so that you can officially say you're current??

No, like I said since feb.

What's the job?

Its classified.
I could tell you, but then I would have to kill you.

The best thing you could do is get some sim time (or PCATD). Go get brushed up on IFR procedures, full procedure approaches,and unpublished holds. If you are up to speed on those items it will not matter how long it has been since you have been in the air. Good Luck, let us know how it goes.

Don't stress. Getting current in a Cessna is not going to make a difference. I was completely out of currency (post 9-11 furlough) and got hired. You cant be expected to maintain currency out of your own pocket. And 'currency' is worthless unless its in type and your going to some contract outfit that wants to throw you on the line right away with minimal training

Thanks for the post, like I said I feel confident about the actual flying. My main concern is "convincing" the interviewer.

Why don't you tell them that you are not current because you were LAID OFF!!!

I don't know what kind of flying job you will be doing but prepare yourself by reviewing old notes, review charts, regulations, and do some research on the company that is interviewing you...

LOL you make a good point sir.

Perhaps I am just looking for reassurance.

Slipped,

A buddy of mine hadn't touched a plane almost a year. Got a job interview at a freight company, interview had a sim ride. I flew with him, he's a sharp pilot, but was worried about it. I would have been in his shoes also.

He went and rented a sim at an FBO to get his scan back. He got the job.

When you filled out the app, did it ask any questions regarding currency? If so, and you answered them honestly, and they still called you for interview, I'd have to guess that are not too worried about it.

Good luck.

Yes, if you actually have an interview no need to worry about it. But actually currency is a big deal for some places, that's why I'm still furloughed. Some HR departments only look at the numbers and forget that there are many of us that are qualified but LAID OFF unable to get much currency!

Know the systems of the most complex aircraft you have flown cold, if its 135 or 121 know the applicable regs cold, Study some instrument flying basics like weather requirements and alternates.... and most importantly BE CONFIDENT! Always think that it is your job to lose and you wouldnt be there if they didnt want you. Good luck!

If its is a glass cockpit aircraft then a regular six pack PCATD is about as useful as microsoft flight sim. If your book knowledge is up to snuff then the flight currency is a moot point in my point.

tell them it's for lack of "currency" that you lack currency and the reason you are applying is to overcome that lack of "currency" which will in due time remedy your lack of currency. Thus killing two birds with one stone.

While some folks may be offended at the thought of having to pay to regain currency, it is the generally accepted industry practice that you show up to an interview current. This means FR, IFR, and landing currency.

Type currency would help if you are already typed in the airplane you are interviewing for, but I wouldn't go out and pay for that unless it was a hard requirement.

Will some employers cut you a break in the current climate? I imagine so. But I personally would not take the chance, unless I already knew that currency was not an issue for the interview in question. I suspect that you could get away with ASEL currency and claim that you simply could not afford AMEL.

Ask yourself these questions: Do you really want this job? Are you the only applicant? Are the other applicants going to show up current?

Also if a sim check is involved, DEFINITELY get some sim time. Preferably in the same type of sim the interviewer uses.