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- - Hiring 2022 (https://www.airlinepilotforums.com/southwest/135397-hiring-2022-a.html)

I don't know anything about the Air Force, but I do know that applying at only one carrier is costing you significant seniority at whatever carrier you ultimately end up working for.

Apply everywhere. They're all pretty much the same these days. You don't have a choice to make until someone offers you a class date.

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Originally Posted by Tjodalv43 (Post 3319375)

Hello everyone,

I was wondering if anyone knows of someone with an Air Force Commander Directed Downgrade as it relates to getting an interview. I’ve applied to the last couple windows but haven’t heard anything. I’ve had several friends with about the same experience level (meeting or exceeding all the time requirements and preferences, Air Force safety experience, current check pilot, etc) who applied after me and aren’t available for hiring immediately (I’m available now) that have already received invites. The only difference is I have a CDD from 6 years ago so I had to check yes on that box.

I was hoping all the good “yes” questions would outweigh that one, but at this point I’m starting to get discouraged. I also have only applied to SWA as it’s my #1 preference but am looking at expanding out based on the above discussion and not hearing anything. Anyone know of someone hired with a Q3 or CDD and if they had a similar experience?

I don’t have the decoder ring nor am I aware of anyone with a Q3 history, but given the number of former AMC guys flying here I guarantee there are some. On the surface a 6-year old Q3 shouldn’t be a showstopper, especially with the hiring environment in the next few months. I understand SWA uses a computer algorithm to weed out apps/resumes, so if you haven’t already gotten both professionally reviewed that might be an option.
Otherwise I agree to open up your apps to other airlines. Best case it’s moot and you get a SWA interview first anyways, “worst” case you get a practice interview and get to wait X months for SWA on someone else’s seniority list instead of spending X months at home. And who knows, maybe you’ll like the someone else better anyways. Good luck!

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Originally Posted by ZapBrannigan (Post 3319380)

Don’t know anything about the AF?! Son, you ARE in the AF now!

Quote:

Originally Posted by WHACKMASTER (Post 3319652)

Don’t know anything about the AF?! Son, you ARE in the AF now!

Aint that the truth.

I think ive learned more military terms in the last 3 years than I did studying history for previous 20.

Quote:

Originally Posted by WHACKMASTER (Post 3319652)

Don’t know anything about the AF?! Son, you ARE in the AF now!

kinda funny isn’t it? I never in a million years would’ve guessed that this place would be so heavily influenced by military culture - way more so than any other airline I’ve ever worked for. Everything from nomenclature to callsigns to published “rules of engagement” for recurrent training. It was the biggest surprise I found coming here (second only to no employee parking and fuel totalizers being turned off).

I wouldn’t worry too much about Q3s or CDD’s, especially ones that occurred 6 years ago. Having an opportunity to explain a “blemish“ where you learned something can actually be a plus during an interview, So long as it concludes with a positive outcome and that you learned from it. Interviewers aren't expecting everyone to be Roger ramjet perfect candidates.

With SW’s hiring prospects going forward, I suspect fogging a mirror with a wet ATP will qualify. Indefinitely stalled contract, narrow body pay, 10 year upgrades, Lubbock overnights, lost mojo, etc,, combined with very ambitious growth plans, I would imagine you’d be front of the line.

I agree with others that applying at all the majors is highly advisable.

Yes, shotgun everything including FedEx. Interview at all that offer it. If you get hired at your third choice, you can always move if your first choice calls later (hopefully not too much later).

As for my military training, last trip I learned about the proper technique for entering the AO for CAS in an A-10, that the Hornet can really move its nose in a gunfight, and offset angles to try and evade missile lock. And also smash.

Quote:

Originally Posted by WHACKMASTER (Post 3319652)

Don’t know anything about the AF?! Son, you ARE in the AF now!

Flew with a dude a few weeks ago who asked where I lived and then asked me repeated questions about the Academy (That I didn't have a damn clue about because the USAFA wouldn't let me attend due to eyesight and my refusal to do anything other than fly planes). When he finally gave up and accepted that I was a RJ puke, I asked where he worked before here.....Air Force. So weird.....

Thanks for the words everyone, I reckon I’ll start putting apps together for the other majors post-haste while still keeping my fingers crossed for SWA!

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Originally Posted by flyguy81 (Post 3319903)

Lmao. Hilarious. You should have told him that your call sign was “_____” back at the regionals and demanded that he call you as such.