I posted this a few days ago in the 'Ask the pilot recruiter' thread and didn't get any responses so I thought I'd move it here. I'm looking see if people that had previous 121 initial issues are getting looked at by airlines in this latest hiring ripple.

In previous hiring wave 2007 I got hired with low time (300TT) and just quite couldn't keep up with a transport category aircraft. I resigned from training (rather than having it terminated) and never took the 121 checkride, but I have to list them as a previous employer. I went back to my flight school and instructed for 6 months and racked up another 300 hours and was able to get hired at another regional in June 2008 (pre Colgan accident).

I was successful at my second carrier's training but was subsequently furloughed two weeks into sitting reserve in Oct 2008. Since furlough I've been instructing full time for two and half years putting another 1700TT into the log book. I've since been promoted to a Chief Instructor Position at a 141 school. And passed a 135 PIC check for our charter certificate which flys very little.

Rapidly realizing I don't want to be a career instructor, although I certainly have enjoyed instructing thus far, I want to return to the regionals. My furloughed carrier still has 150ish on the furlough list with additional pending future furloughs and I'm pretty close to the bottom. So I'm looking at some of the other regionals that are hiring right now.

It hasn't been going well. I've networked and have a lot of internal recommendations at Eagle, Colgan, & Air Whiskey and I'm getting you're not qualified responses from HR. At 2300TT and 133ME with 121 completion experience, I feel I am qualified. I'm not surprised with their apprehension because how the media has attacked Colgan for the Captain's history, but I wish they would give me a shot. I know I wouldn't take anything for granted and move heaven and earth to make sure I was successful at training because if I don't my career is over.

Is anyone else in a similar scenario? I'm running out of ideas to prove to these guys I am capable. I plan on going to the next Job Fair to meet face to face with some of these guys and plead my case.

I'm also looking at Part 135 freight options because they're less Public Relations influenced when it comes to hiring to get some multi PIC because my school doesn't have any twins.

Anybody got any advice?

This turned into a much longer post than anticipated, anyone still reading thank you

Mod Note:

I am going to move your thread around for maximum exposure. I believe that this is not uncommon and I hope the collective wisdom will come up with a viable and helpful response.

I admire your honesty not only with yourself, but with the rest of us. Unfortunately, during lulls in hiring, the airlines can be picky. You very well may be qualified in your eyes, and you may be qualified to do the job, but you are judged by your history and a piece of paper. I hope your persistence pays off and you are able to clear your name of any misinterpretation caused by your history.

If it makes you feel any better, I've been in the business for 11 years, and I was just told I was not qualified to fly an airplane I've flown before.

You're probably getting told that you're not qualified do to lack of multi time. Did you ever get on the line at your second regional? Try to build up more multi time. I'm not sure where you live but Piedmont just started to interview. Send your resume to everyone. Build some time and then go where ever you want.

Good luck

kEEP TRYING. I know a few guys that went to Eagle and had MAJOR sim instructor issues. They resigned because Eagle took the instructors' side. Hey, they all made it and you will too. Keep applying and all the best to you.

There's a difference between failing 121 training with 300 hours versus 2000 hours.

A few airlines might casually dismiss your app in the current environment, but I suspect that some others would give you the opportunity to interview.

That a 300 hour pilot did not complete 121 training is not really surprising to anyone who knows anything about this industry. There were a few programs which routinely sent 300 hour wonders to 121 training (ie MAPD) but they included RJ-specific training. The average 300 hour CFI or wet commercial would be hard-pressed to keep up

Back in 97 i dropped out of 121 training after passing my sim checkride and oral but prior to an actual aircraft checkride. I had about 1200 total 250 multi. The reason I left is because I would have been making 13K and having to move/commute when I was offered a 135/91 turbine job where I lived making 2 1/2 times a much. I was never asked by an interviewer about that first 121 job nor why I left it.

just be honest why you left if they ask, they can sense BS. Personally I think you showed good judgement by realizing you were in over your head with low time, especially since you were able to complete your next 121 and 135 training when you gained that extra experience. If you had failed your next 121 attempt that might have set off some red flags though.

Keep trying and pay the 60 bucks to have your app posted to everyone at Airline apps. With Your time you should'nt have any problem getting anyone to bite in the next 4-6 months. Just be patient. The pool of qualified applicants will be running low soon. I would guess the only reason you aren't getting any hits is because of your multi time.
Good Luck

If I'm understanding your post correctly you aren't getting an invite to interview? If you're getting a 'not qualified' response even before interview then it tells me there is something not meeting their parameters. It may be that your resume, or application, isn't even reaching a live person for review. With so many applications residing online the company will have a software system for filtering those they want to review. They simply type in their parameters. It may be the ME issue as porqueno pointed out... or it may not. Sadly, we will never know for sure.

If they are reviewing your resume and/or application and then rejecting it we need to take a closer look at how you are listing things. For example, at first blush they may see you were with two 121 carriers for less than four months which will lead them to assume you failed training....twice. Two things come to mind here. 1. Make sure the dates of employment stand out so they can see that it was some time ago (if it's your resume.) 2. Include the word "furloughed" under your date for 2nd carrier.

You may or may not be as competitive as you think. There are still many people on the street which drives competitive times up. That said, there may be other things holding you up. Some airlines have gone to the policy of not hiring someone on furlough, for example. Know your audience - if a particular airline has that policy then make absolutely sure they understand that you do not wish to return to your previous employer.
There may be other things that are dragging you down competitive-wise - hard to tell from what you've said here.

Do you have an ATP? If not, I highly recommend you get it. With 2300 hours they will wonder why you haven't obtained it.

Hang in there and keep applying. It's frustrating for sure, but sooner or later you will get the invite.

I hope this helps...
Lori

Thanks to all that posted, its been a rough few weeks seeing guys that were your students getting hired instead of you.

I have a feeling the multi thing maybe the main issue. I know its the weakest portion of my resume. The school I teach at has no multi opportunities and I don't have the cash to fork out for a timebuilding program. Most of the carriers I've applied with list 100ME as their mins. I did make it out onto the line and spent two weeks on reserve prior to furlough.

Yea I've forked over the $$$ for AirlineApps. I'm hoping they're drawing down the pile.


The responses I'm receiving are rejections without getting to the Interview. I feel confident that given the chance to interview I would be able to get hired.

On my resume I don't even list the first carrier as the space is better utilized for items that beneficial to selling myself to a recruiter. It comes up with AirlineApps when they ask for the 10 year employer background check. I do currently include that I was involuntarily furloughed from my second carrier on my resume.

The main reason I don't have the ATP is that I didn't meet the ATP x-c requirement until about two months ago and my written expired six months ago. The written was completed as a requirement as a new hire for my second company.

Lori, if you feel there may be other factors that you think you might need more info about let me know.