of course take the interview...if for nothing else than practice.
I am detecting a disillusioned tone, perhaps from frustration, but it will come across as negative and smug if you're not careful.
Unfortunately you may have to take a step backward in order to move forward in your situation. Not knowing the "interaction" with the other airlines it looks as if they are concerned about your recency of flying experience. My conclusion is they may be concerned about whether or not you would pass their training.
I know you want to move forward with a regional job, thereby getting a "flying job" but you may need to take a position outside of the airlines in order to get there. Cargo, charter, banner towing, etc. Anything that is flight time.
I would highly recommend that you seek out job fairs where these airlines are in attendance and talk to the recruiters. Ask them what you need to do to be competitive. They will review your resume and give you feedback.
The other thing to consider is corporate flying. This would take the retirement age factor out of the picture, in case it is of concern. Use all your former contacts to network and meet people in this arena. Corporate is a different ball-game and relies heavily on who you know.
Let us know how your interview goes, will you?
Lori
Quote:
I'm kind of in the same boat as far as currency/proficiency go. I just retired from the FAA as an ATC. Worked part time for a flight training co. here the DFW area and was a sim instructor on a corp. jet. Flew contract on corp. jets until the FAA found out I was enjoying myself and put a stop to it. I was an FE in the Air Force. I was told I could not cross train to be an FE because I was in an avionics field and didn't have the necessary background. Finally got a waiver and was the only honor graduate out of both schools. I own a Bonanza that I fly to stay current. However I'm running into a problem where it seems that I need a current flying job to get a flying job (catch 22) which is what I'm trying to get. I have over 2000TT and 1300ME, a FE certificate and a type rating. I just turned 50. I have only flown about 70 hours in the last year all in my Bonanza (I am IFR current). Companies seem interested at first then I get the letter that there are more qualified applicants (I'm assuming the 600hr kids, no offense, I was one once too.) I have a clean background both flying and criminally. I have an interview with a regional on the 10th and trying to decide if I should even waste my time going. I did get hired by a regional in the DFW area only to be told the next day that they had stopped hiring. Oh so close!!! Do you have any advice for me?????
Originally Posted by squawkoff
Lori,I'm kind of in the same boat as far as currency/proficiency go. I just retired from the FAA as an ATC. Worked part time for a flight training co. here the DFW area and was a sim instructor on a corp. jet. Flew contract on corp. jets until the FAA found out I was enjoying myself and put a stop to it. I was an FE in the Air Force. I was told I could not cross train to be an FE because I was in an avionics field and didn't have the necessary background. Finally got a waiver and was the only honor graduate out of both schools. I own a Bonanza that I fly to stay current. However I'm running into a problem where it seems that I need a current flying job to get a flying job (catch 22) which is what I'm trying to get. I have over 2000TT and 1300ME, a FE certificate and a type rating. I just turned 50. I have only flown about 70 hours in the last year all in my Bonanza (I am IFR current). Companies seem interested at first then I get the letter that there are more qualified applicants (I'm assuming the 600hr kids, no offense, I was one once too.) I have a clean background both flying and criminally. I have an interview with a regional on the 10th and trying to decide if I should even waste my time going. I did get hired by a regional in the DFW area only to be told the next day that they had stopped hiring. Oh so close!!! Do you have any advice for me?????