Like many people on here, I’m a transitioning military pilot looking to separate and get hired by the majors as this hiring spree begins to pick up steam. I’m approaching a fork in the road in how to build experience/time and become more competitive. Any advice would be welcome. Obviously, there is no single method for success in getting hired and this topic can be highly subjective, but I feel like I’m taking more of a WAG rather than at least an educated guess.

The question is really this: With little to no MEL experience, is a regional airline the quickest option for getting hired by the majors? How are other alternatives, such as corporate/cargo, seen by the LCCs/Majors?

Here’s my background:

2200 TT
1400 FW
1000 FW TPIC
800 Helicopter (400 PIC)
Navy Helicopter Pilot
VT IP (T-34C)
UND graduate (Comm/Inst/Multi)
ATP written complete
Out of cockpit for the last year
Intend to fly reserves (more likely T-6 than any ME aircraft, currently)
Need to live in either Texas or SOCAL for the next couple years, willing to commute (family needs)

I’ve talked with a few pilots in the 121 world, and while all of it has been great advice, I’ve noticed that some of it conflicts with others. Some have suggested joining the regionals to acquire valuable 121 experience, while others have suggested to stay away from it for the reason that it may prolong the time it takes to finally get hired by a major. An Alaska Pilot/Reservist told me that it may take 5 years or more at a regional to be competitive enough for hiring at a major, his reasoning being that it may take several thousands of hours of 121 ME time to become competitive, despite my military background. A United Pilot told me it would take far less time. The regional guys I talk to are naturally more speculative but optimistic. I have had not had the chance to talk to corporate or cargo pilots, but their opinions would be invaluable to hear, most obviously because of this topic.

I know the importance of networking that plays into this process and I appreciate any other advice people have. Thanks to any who reply, hopefully this helps other helicopter guys as well!

A friend of mine just got hired at Delta. Navy Helo pilot, turned T-6 instructor. Less than a year at Skywest and now he's flying a 767.

Go to a regional and live near your base, it will be a quick wait after that...


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What he said.

I know the guy you're talking about too.

Small world...


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The United guy was right, the AS guy, not so much.

Two biggest things for you would be to 1) Get current, being discussed in another thread and 2)

Back when I was young they had C-12s and DC-9s out of Carswell JRB.

Might be 737s now.

SH-60B guy. 2000TT or so with some C-12 / T-34 time. Wasn't difficult getting hired for the Regionals but on the same plan. Currency, 121 time, and hopefully a major in the not too distant future.

I was a west coast (spoiled) SH-60B guy also, were you lucky enough to get your ATP?

I did Eagle out of LAX, had a blast.

Was getting LAX something you had to fight for, or had fall in your lap due to timing? I wonder how unreasonable/unrealistic it would be to expect some level of control over your location when applying to the regionals.

Last I heard (a few months ago), new hires at Compass were holding LAX. And if it DOES come down to you upgrading before getting hired elsewhere, it was the junior CA base as well.