Submitting application
 

Hello,

I’m a 23 year old guy struggling as to which regional to pick so I can build my resume top notch for a Major such as United. I’m thinking of moving from my 135 airline to Skywest this June and get a junior base on the CRJ so I can build up my flight time very quick. My goal is to build as much time as possible before May 2020. I’ll go to Flight school at Ft. Rucker for my rotor training. I received my commission through ROTC. Also when it comes to submitting my application, should I do it before or after going to flight school? What are my chances of getting noticed by United? I’ve heard Skywest warned United about hiring their pilots, is that true? It is very hard to choose which regional to go but my goal is to do my consolidation hours before going to flight school.

Where do you live? Or where do you want to live?

UAL DAL AA SWA FDX UPS are all union airlines and for good reasons. I would recommend some place other than Skywest.

I live in Puerto Rico, will commute for the first couple of years.

My other options are PSA, Endeavor and Republic but unfortunately they are full until fall 2019

You recommend other company besides SKW because it is non unionized and major airlines prefer pilots that come from a union ?

No, working for a non union company is torture. Well, working for any regional is torture so, pick your poison wisely. I recommend going to a regional that has a flow to AA. Then upgrade send out your apps and if no one cares you flow over to AA with no interview. It will relieve some pressure down the road when you are interviewing.

Was thinking about PSA but they are very fat on pilots right now... upgrade can be like in 3 years.... Why working for a non union company is torture ? Sorry my ignorance I don’t understand very well how union works.

SkyWest didn’t “warn” them per say, but Skywest has gone to both DL and UA and asked them for consideration when hiring too many of their pilots at once as it would hurt their ability to staff flying. No one ever knows what the answer given was, but it certainly seems like they complied. Hiring throttled back. Most Skywest guys get picked up at spirit, Southwest, atlas, and other such places with a smaller amount going to DL and UA.

I understand thank you, so basically if I go to Skywest my chances to get hired by UAL or DAL will be reduced compared to other regionals?

Upgrade at PSA is not 3 years. Basically as soon as you get 1000 121 you can upgrade.

I don’t think the majors care at all where you come from. I just think you’ll have a better experience elsewhere.

Alright thanks. I have to learn more about unions

So I hit 1000 121 hours request upgrade and I’m awarded it ?

SKW warned United and Delta about taking their pilots away from them? That’s hilarious!!! That’s like begging the whale to not eat the guppy (all PUNs intended). Who cares what SKW wants!!! We have to staff our airline and they feed our airline with lift that is ours. SKW can pound sand!!! That’s arrogance!

So doesn’t matter if I go SKW, what I should do is post my application, keep it updated, go to recruiting events, try to get internal recommendations etc? In other words push until I get noticed?

My advice to anyone going into the Regionals is to stay there as little as possible!!! Go to the place that has the quickest upgrade, that you can commute to or wouldn’t mind moving to. Go to career fairs, network, and don’t do anything dumb (i.e. DUI, bust training events, etc.). Learn as much as you possibly can and be humble!!!

That’s my plan!! Regionals are stepping stones and I really want to get to a major airline!! I’ll put my applications for major airlines as soon as I return from Ft. Rucker!

Don't be a HO, go with the FLOW!

So just out of curiosity, you are ABOUT TO GO TO RUCKER?

What aviation experience do you have CURRENTLY?

I fly EMB120 for Ameriflight, previously did flight instruction

Correct. PSA is currently forcing FO's to upgrade because not enough are bidding for it. Who ever told you 3 year upgrade was incorrect.

Honestly, get out of Ameriflight and go to a regional. If you go with Eny/PsA/pdt you already have a guaranteed job. Then start applying to AA off the street, DAL, UAL, etc etc...

Get out of there, time is running and you want to get into a legacy sooner. The younger you get into any major, the better.

400 hours to meet ATP minimums!

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you may be jumping the gun. Take it one step at a time. Do everything in your power to get the flight time and a job at a regional (I suggest one with a flow of some sort) prior to flight school. The seniority gained in those couple years will make your life easier once you graduate flight school. Once you have the minimums for the majors, start applying. Just remember Army helicopter time is no golden ticket to the majors, so you will need to work on every part of the application and become as well rounded as possible. For example: LORs, Masters Degree, Command Time, volunteer work, etc. and avoid anything negative.

Uh, quicker you get your ATP mins and get to a regional the better. How long would it take you to get there at your present job rather than going to Mother Rucker?

And you have to realize, you are hell and gone from major competitive right now, and rotor time will be little if any help. Getting a four year degree along the way wouldn’t hurt either.

As for flows, CPP, DGI, all of them are smoke until they happen to you personally. Like those Delta pensions that bit the dust in their bankruptcy.

At the rate I’m flying I’ll get my ATP by June. Any regional that picks me up by July I’ll take it... I have my degree with a minor in leadership also got my commission already. I have to go to Mother Rucker in May 2020 so I still have a year and 3 months to get into a regional and build a small amount of 121 experience. I know I’m far from competitive for a major airline and rotor time is worthless or whatsoever. I Just want to make my plan and what strategic steps I should take towards reaching the goal. I just want some advice and hear from people flying already for UAL and what they have done to get there.

Since you’re looking at taking 18 to 24 months mil leave , absolutely go to the WO. That time counts toward the flow.