I can understand that perspective; in that case go somewhere with the quick upgrade, fly as an FO until you are comfortable again and then upgrade. Wouldn't that resolve half of the 1st year FO pay situation?

I haven't applied to the regionals, yet, because of the pay. I have looked at the DEC programs (CQFO at TSA and PSA's DEC), but those would involve commuting from where I live. And from what everyone is saying on these forums is these aren't even guaranteed.

Currently, I'm locked in where I live. There are regionals with bases in my area and/or a short commute, but I don't want to get caught up in chasing the golden upgrade carrot. One regional may be 1 or 2 years upgarde today, but a year from now, it could be a completely different picture. Been there, done that. I'm currently in the interview mix for a large 135 operator (with an internal rec).

Other than that, I haven't received much interest in other applications. I'm assuming due to lack of recency. I was offered a job with a FedEx feeder (C208- SE turbine PIC!), but declined. In the meantime, I am flying to stay current and IFR proficient. There are a lot of jobs out there, just not in my immediate area. I'm also looking at additional homebasing options, but there are not many.

I came back in April of 2014 after nearly 7 years of not flying. Similar stats 9K hours, a bunch of types but I have a lot of PIC time. Was at a major for 1 year 2000-2001. Got a medical and filled out airline apps. Had 4 regional interviews scheduled within a week. Was at CPZ for 9 months and got on with a LCC. Most likely where I will stay due to my age and growth there.
The training was fine and I did very well even without touching a plane for that long.


In other words - If you are thinking about coming back - And can afford it - NOW IS THE TIME !!!! I was paying attention to these web boards and the "shortage" and it is true. When I was hired by CPZ you had to find your own place for training and sign a contract. In only a little over a year - No training contract, 10K bonus, and they put you up in training. If you don't have an ATP they pay for that ATP CPT course.

The only thing that sucks is the pay. If you can afford to do it, then go for it but don't keep waiting!!!

Fill out the apps and get interviews - then make the decision when you have offers.

Good luck with your decision - keep the board posted.

So Madmax, did you go out and get your flight review and ICC done first and then apply or did you get a job with out even getting current and just "wing" it in the simulator for initial training?

Hey Greenleaf,

No I asked at the interview at CPZ when they hired me if they recommend getting current in a single engine etc. The interviewer said they had a couple pilots in my situation and they did fine.

I was pretty excited to come back and took the training very seriously. I did a lot better than current pilots coming from flight instructing / piston - my sim partner did fly the 175 at Republic so that helped. You fly the plane 95% on the autopilot.

If you have a couple thousand hours in a jet transport, you'll be fine.

Good luck!

I second this - if you spend your ground school studying and not expecting to just "waltz" through it you'll be absolutely fine.

I had been out for six years when I hopped back into a jet in August. Kept my head down and studied, read every night, got familiar with the cockpit layout (as best I could) and chair flew approaches. Was thanked by my ground school instructor for putting in the effort (he was worried since I'd been out for six years) and my sim partner (flight safety FO) thought I handled the plane remarkably well.

I will say, I found the Lear to be significantly easier to handle than the Embraer 145. Plenty of power to climb, and the delta fins really assist during V1 cuts.

I was nervous going through training, but learned from experience that it was completely unwarranted.

Thanks for the tip,
I do have a couple thousand PIC in the saab but i'm sure i'll get my ICC done at least I can advertise that i'm current and serious.

Madmax and flynavyj, in the interview did they express concern for your lack of flying in recent years?

They did in mine, but they hired me so...

Nope, none of the regionals expressed any concern for lack of flying. However SkyWest sent me an email but said I needed 50 hours within the last 12 months. But that was 1.5 years ago now. It was like getting back on a bike. Try to go with a company that has AQP program. Keep the board informed if you get interviews.

Max

it wasn't brought up in the interview by the company, but I obviously explained it when discussing my employment. Apparently it wasn't
a major concern. Apparently they're struggling to find pilots right no, go figure.