Not to start a mutual admiration 69, but Hubble is worth mentioning....

Dude was a fast track, high ranking AF officer. Has some GA credibility (will not elaborate to avoid blowing his cover.) Never been average in his whole life.

He showed up > 1 year out to start getting ready. IMHO, that approach sort of reflected what I've seen from a LOT of very credible military guys....weapons officers, TPS grads, weapon school grads, and senior officers. Even though they could buy and sell me multiple times if we compared Air Force careers, they decided to prep early, and they showed up humble and ready to learn. As one once told me: "Dude...if I learn ONE thing here today that helps me get this job the entire investment was worth it..." That approaches humbles me, and challenges my entire team to do their best to add some value.

Funny thing is most would have great jobs somewhere, even if they weren't hired by the airline. They could stay in the military, work for DOD somewhere, or take their leadership into a non-aviation field and be successful and make a very nice living.

Conversely, I sometimes get a guy...often from a regional airline...who calls a week out from the potentially biggest day of their professional life with a Legacy or FedEx interview. They cram at the last minute. If they don't get the job, they return to a 50-90k job that kicks their ass. They may get another shot, or they may spend years where they are.

14 years of interview coaching has taught me something important. Sometimes, being successful is part of a pattern, not just "luck or timing". Part of that patten is preparing early and being systematic. Hubble says he was in class on terminal leave. Well...that didn't surprise me one iota. Being ready at the right time and right place isn't just luck, its a skill set. Follow the example of the guys that have been successful and you may be "lucky" too. Usually, that example includes a lot of work and effort.

Hello all...first time posting, and thought this AF to Airlines was a good place to start...

I have read several posts about availability dates, and the fact that one might not get a call to interview outside of 4-6 months from advertised availability date. I have exactly one year left on my AD commitment, so with terminal leave, etc., I am looking at mid Jan 2017. I am also applying to Palace Chase, and have been talking with several Guard and Reserve units, with decent prospects of getting on as a part timer...

I was wondering about what I should post as an availability date on the application websites, since I am putting in the Palace Chase application next month, and "could" be released as early as a few months later. Would it be frowned upon if I put an availability date in the fall, and (hopefully) get an interview...and then NOT be able to get out until Jan '17? I recently completed my ATP, and the FAA examiner (777 Captain with a Major) suggested that I list my availability as early as i "think might be possible..." Just wanted to get a second (or multiple) opinions from the experienced guys on this site...

As with everyone on here, I am hoping to have my ducks in a row before exiting active duty. Not opposed to doing some time at the regionals, but would obviously like to increase my chances of getting hired at a legacy sooner, if at all possible.

My info:
Approx 1600 TT (all 2-engine fighter time);
Currently flying - IP
ATP complete;
master's degree;
squadron commander;
Interview prep with EC

My sincere thanks for the help (and humor) that many of you have already provided as I read your posts!

Just to pile on with Cajun's availability date question, how firm does that date need to be? I'm coming up on a second look for O-4, and by the regs, I can separate after notification (Oct), but I'm worried that if they unexpectedly pick me up or stop-loss me, I'll have to renege on that date, which might look pretty bad to a potential airline.

How difficult is it to go from airlines to joining a guard unit? Are the slots pretty competitive?

right now almost every unit seems to be over manned for traditional reservists but lots of full time slots available.

Very possible, I've taught lots of airline pilots at UPT over the years. Most have been regional pilots, but lately there have been a few Major pilots go through. How old are you?

The hiring for off the street guys is completely different than AD guys switching over. There are threads on here covering it, but I recommend the baseops.net forum as a good starting point.

If you're thinking about it at all, I say do it. I've flown a lot of guys at the airline that wanted to fly military but didn't for a variety of reasons (and wish they had).

Pmed you

Filler

My two cents. Albie's might vary.

Put the first date you may be available, even if things may not work out that way. I've found that airline hiring teams are reasonable people and they're usually accommodating to the needs of the military.

If you get to an interview before October, clearly explain your situation to them. Even so, it may be up to a year before you get into a class and are officially hired, or it could be the week after. You never know.

If anything, it shows your intent and desire to work for company XYZ. Just DO NOT lie to them.