Accepting offer but delaying class?
 

How common is it for regional pilot applicants to accept an offer of employment but ask that their class date be deferred for a few months? Certain life events will probably prevent me from accepting a class until late September (assuming OO is still running new-hire classes by then.) Is that something that employers are usually willing to work with you on?

Someone mentioned that after 6 months goes by, you have to re-interview (which would not bother me in the slightest.) Can anyone speak to this?

Many thanks,

- A Noob

I think a lot of people do this. I wouldn't be concerned with letting them know you want to accept the job, but won't be available until September.

Not sure what kind of policy Skywest would have on this but I would assume you would be ok. With as much trouble as the regionals are having finding pilots I'm sure they could set you up with a later class date.

I highly suggest taking the first class offered. Seniority is everything. If there is any way that you can juggle your life events with this new job, then do it.

In this career, many life events will be conflicted with from here on out. Best get used to it right away. :)

Good luck.

Yup. Except the 'life event' is an employment contract (non-aviation) that I most likely cannot get out of. And, it is one that will allow me to pay my mortgage during that first year living on FO pay ;)

Thanks to everyone for your answers, much appreciated.

Just my view from the cheap seats...

What did you put as your availability date? If this contract was in place and you chose to put a date prior to its expiration, you might have some explaining to do.

I was never asked for an availability date. The contract also wasn't finalized until the day of my interview, actually. Got the word while sitting at the gate for my flight home.

Short answer is yes! Some places let you defer a few class dates, I'm not sure about pushing it out 6 months. However, regionals need pilots pretty bad, so they would rather wait for a qualified applicant over not having one at all. Do what works for you, this crazy industry will still be here when you decide when you to take the leap. Good luck.

Good for you for respecting the terms of the contract you signed.

There is a limit to how long any company will hold a spot for you. Six months is kinda long considering we are skilled labor (we don't bring intellectual skills to the game. In other words, a company might wait a lifetime for Einstein, but a back hoe operator, not so long)

That said, consider this: if the company won't respect you for fulfilling your obligation, do you think they are a company you want to work for?

Thanks for all the good points. Yup, 6 months is definitely a long time (don't think it'll be that long, we'll have to see.) We'll see how the conversation goes.