Currency and Hiring
06-01-2014, 04:31 AM
#1
Gets Weekends Off
Thread Starter
Joined APC: May 2013
Posts: 287
Currency and Hiring
Hello,
I am researching the message boards about currency and 121 applications. I am a former 121 pilot, been out 7 years, but remain current flying various GA aircraft. Not a great deal of time but multiple IPCs etc without issues.
My time is a tad above 2700TT and 1300 SIC turbine. I know that the regionals are hiring but would they often get the CFI types with more active flying creds.
In your opinion would I be competitive for an AWAC, RH etc...?
And before anyone brings it up, yes I am willing to leave my desk job!
~Thank you!
I am researching the message boards about currency and 121 applications. I am a former 121 pilot, been out 7 years, but remain current flying various GA aircraft. Not a great deal of time but multiple IPCs etc without issues.
My time is a tad above 2700TT and 1300 SIC turbine. I know that the regionals are hiring but would they often get the CFI types with more active flying creds.
In your opinion would I be competitive for an AWAC, RH etc...?
And before anyone brings it up, yes I am willing to leave my desk job!
~Thank you!
06-01-2014, 04:55 AM
#3
Line Holder
Joined APC: Jan 2011
Posts: 48
As long as you keep instrument current (IPC every 6 months), Landing currency (3 T/O & landing every 90 days), and bi-annual flight review within last 24 months, the regionals will at least offer you an interview. Then I would recommend you get a fresh IPC (in a multi-engine airplane) right before the interview. I personally know of several that where in your exact same situation and got hired by doing the above.
06-01-2014, 04:58 AM
#4
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Apr 2013
Posts: 3,443
Do some searching around, but I think in today's environment, you would be fine at most regionals. They are facing a real crisis with getting guys in the door who have the hours they need. Initial training will get you the time you need to get back in the game. Lots of guys are stepping in the door with zero hours in the last few years. If you have been flying GA, even better. Apply...if they want you they will call.
06-01-2014, 05:30 AM
#5
Gets Weekends Off
Thread Starter
Joined APC: May 2013
Posts: 287
Great responses thank you! Good idea about the multi-IPC too!
I know many of you reading this are probably saying "why the heck would you leave your current job...."
But please let me tell you something that I did not understand in my prior 121years. I had it good. Really good. Maybe not money wise, but crew wise, environment and flying wise. I lived at my base and had great friends at the airport and local community. Things that would annoy me I actually miss!
A job becomes a job that is why we get paid. But in that pay comes a sense of self-worth and enjoyment, pride etc... I had that in the 121 world. Now flying a desk, I have the money but can't get out of bed in the morning with a smile. I loth it at times. We all work for the man but please if you are not happy in your current role as a pilot think for a second about what you have. If you can't see the value in your current role and can't get out of bed with the excitement you thought you would have while on IOE then think hard about what it would be like to sit in a windowless cube changing "this" to "that". My green grass syndrome (GGS) turned brown quickly and 4 sure was never as green as I thought it would be.
I know this has nothing to do with my initial question but it is free 20-20 hindsight!
Fly safe and hope to see you in the terminals.
I know many of you reading this are probably saying "why the heck would you leave your current job...."
But please let me tell you something that I did not understand in my prior 121years. I had it good. Really good. Maybe not money wise, but crew wise, environment and flying wise. I lived at my base and had great friends at the airport and local community. Things that would annoy me I actually miss!
A job becomes a job that is why we get paid. But in that pay comes a sense of self-worth and enjoyment, pride etc... I had that in the 121 world. Now flying a desk, I have the money but can't get out of bed in the morning with a smile. I loth it at times. We all work for the man but please if you are not happy in your current role as a pilot think for a second about what you have. If you can't see the value in your current role and can't get out of bed with the excitement you thought you would have while on IOE then think hard about what it would be like to sit in a windowless cube changing "this" to "that". My green grass syndrome (GGS) turned brown quickly and 4 sure was never as green as I thought it would be.
I know this has nothing to do with my initial question but it is free 20-20 hindsight!
Fly safe and hope to see you in the terminals.
06-01-2014, 06:05 AM
#6
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2007
Position: Cessna 150 Left seat
Posts: 430
Originally Posted by PilotGuy77
Great responses thank you! Good idea about the multi-IPC too!
I know many of you reading this are probably saying "why the heck would you leave your current job...."
But please let me tell you something that I did not understand in my prior 121years. I had it good. Really good. Maybe not money wise, but crew wise, environment and flying wise. I lived at my base and had great friends at the airport and local community. Things that would annoy me I actually miss!
A job becomes a job that is why we get paid. But in that pay comes a sense of self-worth and enjoyment, pride etc... I had that in the 121 world. Now flying a desk, I have the money but can't get out of bed in the morning with a smile. I loth it at times. We all work for the man but please if you are not happy in your current role as a pilot think for a second about what you have. If you can't see the value in your current role and can't get out of bed with the excitement you thought you would have while on IOE then think hard about what it would be like to sit in a windowless cube changing "this" to "that". My green grass syndrome (GGS) turned brown quickly and 4 sure was never as green as I thought it would be.
I know this has nothing to do with my initial question but it is free 20-20 hindsight!
Fly safe and hope to see you in the terminals.
I know many of you reading this are probably saying "why the heck would you leave your current job...."
But please let me tell you something that I did not understand in my prior 121years. I had it good. Really good. Maybe not money wise, but crew wise, environment and flying wise. I lived at my base and had great friends at the airport and local community. Things that would annoy me I actually miss!
A job becomes a job that is why we get paid. But in that pay comes a sense of self-worth and enjoyment, pride etc... I had that in the 121 world. Now flying a desk, I have the money but can't get out of bed in the morning with a smile. I loth it at times. We all work for the man but please if you are not happy in your current role as a pilot think for a second about what you have. If you can't see the value in your current role and can't get out of bed with the excitement you thought you would have while on IOE then think hard about what it would be like to sit in a windowless cube changing "this" to "that". My green grass syndrome (GGS) turned brown quickly and 4 sure was never as green as I thought it would be.
I know this has nothing to do with my initial question but it is free 20-20 hindsight!
Fly safe and hope to see you in the terminals.
I appreciate that you are sharing your experience. I too am in situation where I make the decision of aviation or not. With that said, how many pilots get up each morning with excitement of going to work? Doesn't every career just become a job after several years. I have never worked at 121 so I don't know...perhaps pilots do actually do get up each morning with excitement.
Cheers!
06-01-2014, 06:21 AM
#7
Gets Weekends Off
Thread Starter
Joined APC: May 2013
Posts: 287
Be careful what you ask for on here! Many pilots have been in for a long time and been through a great deal of turmoil. I feel for them. I thought I had it bad until I realized what life was like outside the cockpit.
It is all a matter of perspective and what you want. I know I want to go back and fly, I know the ups and downs and BS you have to put up with to fly. It is not all sunshine and VFR! However, like I said I have experienced both sides and can make an informed decision. Did I wake up all the time smiling. No. But I did start to smile when I met up with my crew, punched the clouds and drank my coffee to see the sun come up. Now, that is a good morning. Beats the paper jam, boss riding my a**, etc.... Yes a job is a job is a job....but if you know what you like a job can be more self rewarding and make the ups and downs more palatable.
In your shoes I could only recommend doing it and if you don't like it then you have a choice to make! It is after all voluntary.
If you look at the pay, aviationinterviews.com lists a fair amount of these details, then it can be upsetting for the first year or two. However it catches up in the long run. I would not expect to join a single airline and be done with it. I would anticipate moving around the system and having to join a new airline to upgrade or get to the majors if that is on your radar. Or you could remain at a regional and make the best of what you have. Either appear to be very doable in the foreseeable future.
Sounds cheesy but making the decision is not the hard part. Sticking with it is.
Good luck!
It is all a matter of perspective and what you want. I know I want to go back and fly, I know the ups and downs and BS you have to put up with to fly. It is not all sunshine and VFR! However, like I said I have experienced both sides and can make an informed decision. Did I wake up all the time smiling. No. But I did start to smile when I met up with my crew, punched the clouds and drank my coffee to see the sun come up. Now, that is a good morning. Beats the paper jam, boss riding my a**, etc.... Yes a job is a job is a job....but if you know what you like a job can be more self rewarding and make the ups and downs more palatable.
In your shoes I could only recommend doing it and if you don't like it then you have a choice to make! It is after all voluntary.
If you look at the pay, aviationinterviews.com lists a fair amount of these details, then it can be upsetting for the first year or two. However it catches up in the long run. I would not expect to join a single airline and be done with it. I would anticipate moving around the system and having to join a new airline to upgrade or get to the majors if that is on your radar. Or you could remain at a regional and make the best of what you have. Either appear to be very doable in the foreseeable future.
Sounds cheesy but making the decision is not the hard part. Sticking with it is.
Good luck!
06-01-2014, 07:48 AM
#10
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Feb 2006
Position: 767A (Ret)
Posts: 6,248
Originally Posted by SongMan
I have never worked at 121 so I don't know...perhaps pilots do actually do get up each morning with excitement.
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