What do hiring projections look like at Spirit this year and into the foreseeable future?

After firming up the 100 aircraft order (and still options for an additional 50 jets), obviously more pilots will be coming. I know a lot of pilots are happy at Spirit, but you know X number of pilots on property likely have apps in for legacies and possibly FedEx, UPS. Between either 100 or 150 new jets and attrition, what does the hiring picture look like at HR?

Additionally, with all U.S. carriers collectively hiring over 7,000 pilots in 2020 alone, what do you believe will happen with competitive minimums? Are they managed to get their preferred minimums as is today (i.e. 4,000 hours total time in fixed wing aircraft, 1,500 hours in multi-engine, turboprop or jet aircraft, A320 type, undergraduate degree, etc.), or are they hiring at mins (3,000 hours total time in fixed wing aircraft, 1,000 hours in multi-engine aircraft) ... or even sub 3,000 hour pilots?

 

Forecasted to hire 600 this year. Hiring mins are 3000, I have heard of some folks getting in with under 3000 hours.

Last year we had 76 folks leave.


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Of the 76 who are no longer with Spirit, only 24 left for other flying opportunities. It is assumed, the number will be larger than 24 this year. How much larger, difficult to predict. We have a lot of younger folks, who still have a desire to fly for (insert one of the Big Four/Cargo here)

 

Been out of flying the last few years, 6000 + hours and 4000 + hours jet time. EMB145 and CRJ700 typed. Any thoughts on a chance of getting in with spirit??

 

You’ll need to be current I assume, and find the next job fair where you’ll talk to a Spirit’s recruiter.

 

It's possible to get in but with no jet currency, you'll feel a little behind with training. Still doable and achievable though.

 

If you’re truly interested in getting back into aviation, apply everywhere (including regionals) and see what happens. Worst case you spent 6 months at a regional.

 

I can’t imagine them touching you with being out of currency. It would scream “training headache to come.”

Our training is fast paced and not spoon fed, not something to try with the rust. As others suggest, you’ll need to get current before really any major will touch you.

 

What about someone who has been out of a jet for about 8-10months? Still flying regularly, but mostly rotor wing

 

Only a recruiter can tell you exactly, but again, not being current in an airplane won’t help anyone’s chances in getting hired or passing training without some potential issues.

In the end, application stack is still high with plenty of currently qualified guys looking for a job, so not sure why they would hire someone who isn’t current.

Point blank; this isn’t an entry level job. If you want to work here, prepare for it and not treat it as a currency stepping stone as you would a regional.