I know of several ex-US Air pilots hired with civilian backgrounds, as well as a handful of regional types (Express one--NWA airlink seems to have a good number). I also know of several corporate pilots that have been hired. I heard someone say we had 13,000 apps on file (6,000 prior to 9/11), so you know its not a matter of qualifications but a matter of sponsorship and contacts. Who would you interview? The answer at FedEx seems to be you interview the guy who's buddy is visiting his/her chief pilot and saying "this is a solid aviator and a great guy/gal.." Just due to large numbers of apps, that may not be enough. However, what you can do to help yourself is follow up! Your sponsors need to write letters (there is a company form on line)--not just allow you to put their employee number on your app.
I've said this before--if you are a major wannabe you need to keep track of your friends and contacts in the industry. While there are exceptional individuals or lucky folks who occassionaly get the call based on quals alone, I imagine MOST of us had someone giving us a push or a pull when we needed it to get the interview.
Keep the faith (and follow up!)
