If you busted the same recurrent training event twice, got through on the third try, and have a totally clean record otherwise, would you have no hope for getting to a major airline?

I think this would require some explaining for sure...might help if you had extenuating circumstances, like family problems or other distractions. Hopefully your record is clean otherwise.

It was definitely a situation where I should of called in sick and came back when I was more prepared. I had a lot going on and should of waited. Now I fear I may have severely impacted my career. I had no problems in training, never failed anything until this point, and haven't failed anything since. I've been in the 121 world for 6 years and this is the only hiccup I've ever had. I hope I haven't ruined my chances at mainline, I really feel I could be an asset. I've never had any problems with anyone I've flown with. Its a shame that one bad week could impact an entire career that I've worked so hard for.

I would tell them that you should have called in sick, and assure them that you most certainly WOULD have called in sick if it was line flying vice sim. Hopefully they will consider that a lesson learned.

Everybody else pay attention...in our lawyer and media driven world, a history of training failures may scare employers. Treat each training event as though your career depends on it (at least until you get hired by your career-destination airline). Prepare thoroughly and show up well rested, well fed, and alert. Call in sick if you have stuff on your mind.

I would think employers would see this as a good learning experience for a pilot. If this was multiple failures over several years that is a red flag. Yes he failed twice, but it was the same event and he hasn't had anything else happen since. Thats just my take though, I'm not sure how majors would look at it.

I'm not worried about how I would explain this in an interview, I'm more worried about getting an interview in general. I hope this would not scare everyone away. This happened several years ago and it all happened within a week or so. It would be a shame if going through one bad time in my life had a major impact on the career I've worked so hard for. I find it hard to believe that there are guys flying for mainline that don't have a failure or two in there tenure of flying. This was a huge wake up call for me and had a huge impact on the pilot I am today. Like I said, I had no problems before and have had none since. I guess time will tell.

Probably won't hurt you in the long run. Keep in mind there are thousands of pilots still out of work. Many with flawless records. Keep trying and network. It's all about timing. I know guys that have done some pretty stupid stuff and still gotten on at a mainline.

Few majors actually ask about training failures on their apps, however explaining the circumstances as you have above shows an honest and standup individual.

I know dozens of pilots at majors with busts early on, most were hired pre 9-11 and 3407, things have certainly changed. Most noteworthy was a kid who crashed a rented Baron 58 in the Bahamas. His girlfriend was killed, his buddy is a quad in a wheelchair, and he was severely burned. He's a Capt. at AA since his Dad flew there.

Emphasis added for clarity.

yes, I agree, use the experience as an example of "lesson learned" and how it has made you a better pilot today. Focus on the positive outcomes.