Back in the 70's I would agree with you. However, since the regional boom and the two catastrophic events, 911 and the age 65 rule, there are extremely qualified applicants who fly in the airline system and has proven to be worthy to sit in a main line aircraft. Just because one is a pilot in the military does not make him more qualified then a regional pilot. It's just a different type of flying. I bet you could take the majority of regional pilots and train them in a f16 or whatever aircraft just as easy as a military pilot is trained in a 121 style flying. In fact most military pilots come out of service with less hours than a regional pilot flying for the same amount of years. When it comes down to it the regional pilot is more experienced than the military when it comes to 121. If you were going in the military type flying then the military pilot is more qualified. I will agree that management, non pilots, are conditioned to think the same as you when it comes to military but the fact is the regional pilot is more qualified.

Sounds like you have the "right stuff" to be a DFW AA pilot. Attitude box checked off.

On AA's application site, there's the Attatchment tab. I've uploaded my CV and resume, but noticed it has a selection for "certificate". Anyone upload their actual ATP ticket or any other document? I haven't noticed anywhere asking for copies of any specific docs other than a résumé or recs, but has anyone uploaded anything else?

I don't think he is stating that rj pilots are inferior, that is why they are not being picked first. For the airlines it is probably easiest with their big pool of applicants to apply a filter and that first one,which is highly respected, is military pilots. The pool of rj pilots is huge and most of them will look very similar on paper. It will be the hardest for them to differentiate, and therefore be the later of the hires after the pool of highly qualified mil pilots are taken. It is petty for one to compare oneself against someone who put their country before them and their career. Everyone is going to have a shot. It just may take more time for others to be eligible for the interview. Don't forget that the eagle flows will comprise a certain portion of each new hire class and therefore yield a decent ratio of mil to civilian break-up in the classes. I am anxious as well having been in the business for over a decade and awaiting my opportunity. Don't let certain attitudes get to you. You are better off preparing for your chance and getting the job when your number is pulled.

No one is saying the mil pilot is a better pilot than a civil pilot. I think a lot of major airlines like to look at the entire package when they hire someone. For example, leadership experience. I know for a fact flying is only a fraction of what mil pilots do. Many take on other roles as natops evaluators, aviation safety officers who manage squadron aviation safety programs, operations officers, plus many have masters degrees as well. Now compare that to thousands of regional pilots who aren't check airman who have only flown a plane and you can see why many mil pilots are very competitive candidates.

these guys will get more points. The point is you will get points for; Veteran, IP, EP, TRI, TRE, LCA, Minority, PIC ETC. It is just the nature of the beast. A friend is doing the on line interview and is NOT an IP, EP, TRI, or TRE, but is a vet, but not a minority, has flown the bus and 73 part 121 and has a lot of PIC. Everyone will have their day in the sun, be ready.

Easiest way to get picked up? Run into a base chief pilot sitting at the bar in a restaurant. Have a bite to eat, a few drinks, talk to him and two other captains (LKA) all in the top 5 in base. He picks up the tab for everyone then tells you if you ever want a job at AA, just let him know. 6 months ago.

If I were just 10 years younger...

Haha. Sorry, not intending to upset anyone. Everyone I know who got the call so far fits into that category. Im being realistic and optimistic at the same time, im hoping to get a call after all the IP's and check airmen

Additional information is needed in order for evaluation of your application to continue further. A new tab called 'Additional Info' has been activated in your profile. Please enter all of the requested data as soon as is convenient. Once complete, we will continue to evaluate your application. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
Xxxx Xxxx
Director - Flight Administration


Above is the email that follows the video interview. The new tab doesn't initially display upon logging into your app. First, select a different tab on the left (i.e. Pilot Info, or Flight Hours, etc.). Then the tab titled 'Additional Info' will display below the 'References' tab. The extra info they wanted was SSN and DOB...that's it.

Not really. Our tax dollars paid for military flight training. And you can make comparisons. You put them on a higher pedestal of qualifications but IMO they still have 0 Part 121 time. As someone else already wrote above, AA is hiring pilots for 737/M80/A319/767, not F16s.