CTP decision
 

For a variety of reasons I've been out of an Air Force cockpit for 4 years (all related to QoL for family, not related to interest in flying). I have about 3500 total jet time, about 3100 in a C-17. Debating whether I should go ahead and pay for CTP, written, practical on my own, or let a regional cover all that, then pay them back whatever I must if I get picked up by a major in, let's just say, one year. Bottom line, any chance a major hires me directly in next 8 months or so (without going to a regional at all)? I have been enjoying GA flying, but no other recency. Thanks!

The CTP is not going to help. You might want to look into getting the ATP. Airlines like pilots that have those. (What is a CTP?)

You have to do the CTP before you can get your ATP now. The CTP consists of:

30 Hours Classroom Instruction
4 Hours of Training in Fixed Based Simulator
6 Hours of Training in Full Motion Flight Simulator
Approximately 6 Total Training Days
Core Academic Course Subjects:

Aerodynamics
Meteorology / Weather
Air Carrier Operations
Leadership Development
Crew Resource Mangement (CRM)
Multi-Crew Environment Safety Operations

I would go to a regional that will pay for it (most all will now days) and if you leave early on, you can pay them back or what not.

Get current. For through a formal ATP course. Get up on the latest and greatest and get the civilian scoop on instrument flying. Learn Jepps, etc and get an IRC as well.

Get ATP.

Then consider options............

Sorry...I had never heard of that. I thought the OP had just made a typo.

Sure, all good, BUT...careful what you wish for. Regional flying will not be easy. Got weekend plans with the kiddos? Forget about it. Regionals fly on weekends. How’d you enjoy the long drones across the ocean in the C-17? We got that, without AR. Sorry...just sayin...I tell a lot of mil buddies that the airlines are not for them. Sounds like you need to be home more than away.

Good words! Thanks!

Tracking on all this. In my mind, airlines are a long game. Unless things go south in the world, in 5 years I should be with a major making 3 or 4 year FO pay. With a full mil retirement, at FO pay in a major, I will be able to turn down trips and easily make enough to achieve the QoL we desire. Am I missing something with that logic?

For someone with your experience flying for the regionals may feel like a kick in the teeth. It won’t be fun or family friendly. On the other hand I’d think that you need to be current to improve your chances of getting picked up at a major, but be prepared to be there for a longer period than you may want. There is no telling when your name will be selected for an interview. Another option could be the freight outfits, typically better pay and not dealing with brand new pilots all of the time. Their schedules are pretty brutal though. Good luck.

Thanks for filling him in! I have been surprised how many people are not aware of this requirement.