I am having a problem. I understand that many of the regional airlines have pretty low minimums (600/100, 750/200, etc...). What I don't understand is just what are some of the things recruiters look for when choosing applicants. I have had only one interview since applying for first officer positions at various regionals. So far, I have only heard back from two other airlines: Expressjet and Eagle. Expressjet has denied me an interview for the second time, and I was just rejected by Eagle. I understand that I did not meet Eagle's competitive criteria, that's just the nature of my flight time. I don't understand why Express will not even grant me an interview even though I meet and exceed their minimum requirements. I have call the airline and I have never received an answer that makes sense.

My flight time: 1017 hrs TT; 360 hrs ME; 340 hrs Turbine; 340 hrs SIC Part - 121 commuter.

Are these numbers truly competitive for a regional FO position?

I have applied a few other airlines, including Mesa, Air Wisconsin, ASA, to name a few - but no replies so far. Is there usually a time from when recruiters receive applications to when they respond?

I have several associates now in the airlines, who entered with much lower time than what I have.

It has been over 2 months since my last flight, and I am pulling out what hair I have left on my head. If anybody out there has any suggestions, please drop a line; I would appreciate it. Right now, I am just an FO without a job.

With this kind of flight time, why did you leave your last job? Could this be part of the concern a prospective employer might have?

Contacts can make all the difference. You should insure that your friends are well liked where they work. If a friend is trying to recommend you and management is not to happy with that person then you might be doing yourself a disservice by asking for a referral.

SkyHigh

I flew for Gulfstream airlines under their first officer program which was 250 hrs. contracted - I actually got alot more time than I bargained for to the tune of 340 hrs. Once my time was completed (as per the contract) I began to seek employment with regional air carriers. This is where I run into this problem.

Some of those same people I knew at Gulfstream managed to get into other airlines with less time than what I have - I mean just right at the required minimums for ASA and Expressjet. As you read from my time, I actually have double the total time thay had when they left G-stream.

Are you working now as a CFI? If not, I'd do that, stay in the business.. Show the HR people you're comitted to the profession and don't have a problem doing the small jobs to continue to gain / improve yourself as a pilot / teacher...Why regionals? What about freight?

I'm not trying to ruffle feathers , if I did it was not my intention.

V/r,
LA

If your not dead set on flyying a jet, try Colgan. I start class on Monday and have almost the exact quals you do: time, GS, ect.

I sent my information to Colgan via airlineapps.com and I havn't heard back from them.

I work for ASA, and I know they want you to have 600TT/100ME, with at least 100 hrs in the past 6 months. Everywhere I've ever applied always wanted X amount of time in the past 6 months or something of that nature.

I have sent my resume to them on several occasions, and I still have not received a call from them. I definitely have that 100 hrs in six month, but no callbacks. I have tried emails multiple times. Is there a better way to get in touch with them?
Thanks

Hey Bud,

Try Colgan Air. I met a guy who flew BE1900's for Gulfstream and he is flying them for Colgan now. He was hired about 2 or 3 months ago. One of my best friends is in his SIM session for the Saab for them. He said it is an AWESOME company to fly for. He is trying to get my to go there after I graduate in the Spring of 06. - We will see...

Now about ExpressJet. I don't understand why they won't hire you with your qualifications? I have been told that they DO take low time pilots so that they will be able to hang on to them as long as they can. You are still relativiely low time too. I also know of a guy that was hired recently with a little bit more time then you, with BE1900 time...and he is flying for them now. I wish I had a clear-cut answer for you.

But DEF. try Colgan. They are hiring like CRAZY right now! Good luck, and keep the blue side up!

DW