From Part 91 to the Majors

[t-ride]

I used to fly for a regional airline until 2001. I left to fly a King air 350 part 91. I have over a 1300 hours turbine PIC and about 3300 total time. Can I go from part 91 to the majors when they start hiring? I think Southwest will hire part 91 pilots, but I know Airtran requires 500 PIC 121. I make good money at my current job but wonder if I should get back into the airlines to help me move on. My ultimate goal is to fly for a major.

 

[FSB99]

the requirements specified for each company you're considering is the answer to your question.. that being, if you've got what they're asking for, yes you can go from where you're at to a major. in theory, anyway. the interview process is what determines if you get the job or not. i can't think of any one company who has a requirement of flying in a 121 environment, off the top of my head, i could be wrong, though.
i've got a friend who went from copilot on a lear for a 135 operation to a major... another went from flying a citation for a private company.. so, short answer, Yes of course you can.

 

[t-ride]

Thanks for the reply. I agree with you in theory. I guess the question is how hard is it to get an interview if you are not currently flying 121?

 

[English]

There is no difference in getting an interview whether you are part 91 or part 121, as long as you meet the minimum qualifications for employment. The difference will be in your ability to network with other part 121 pilots, and your ability to keep abreast of changes in the interview process, the "gouge", and other items that might give you a leg up above others.

If you are asking if you need to go to a regional airline in order to get an interview at a national or LCC, then my answer is no. I'm not sure where you want to work when you write that you want to work for a major. Are you referring to Southwest?

I was flying 91/135 when I was called for my Aloha interview. My most recent 121 experience was September 2001.

 

[mar]

Here's a different theory:

Airline pilots (for various reasons) like to hire people just like themselves.

Therefore, the closer your background resembles their own the easier time you'll have being recruited.

So, one company really digs military pilots because their hiring board is full of ex-military pilots.

Another company really digs regional pilots.

Another company really digs corporate.

Beyond that, the only other thing you can do to persuade these guys that you'd fit in is procure a letter of recommendation from someone on the *inside* who is well regarded by the hiring board.

This is key. You need to find, preferrably, a Capt, even better, a check airman who is a real company man with gifted and generous writing skills.

Then you're in like Flynn--whoever the hell he is.

Good luck.

 

[dash8driver]

then again...

some people say cucumbers taste better pickled...

 

[350DRIVER]

It depends on the major airline that you are wanting to go to. Frontier, America West, Southwest, ATA, and others have hired plenty with a strictly 91/135 background. I would think you should be fine once the carrier's minimums of choice have been met and you are "competitive" against the other applicants who are also seeking employment there. I don't see any reason "why" you would be unable to get the interview, may take some time but if you keep at it then you should be fine in the long run. It is the competitive nature of this beast that sometimes makes things seem more difficult than they actually are.

I think it is fair to say that if you did some research you would see that a good number of applicants in recent interviews came up the ranks the 91/135 way with no previous 121 time. Obviously "some" airlines have put more emphasis on previous 121 time and experience because of the standardization issue but since you were once there this should not be a major hurdle for you to overcome.

It really comes down to the others in the potential interview pool and how well your background, times, and experience compare.

c h e e r s ,

3 5 0

 

[mar]

Exactly

Nobody said it would be easy. Or fun.