Furloughees-How did u stay current?

[furloughita]

Just got done with a one-year non-aviation committment. Was furloughed right after 09/11, and haven't flown since (no FBO/civilian rentals at local airport). Have been sending out resumes since the furlough notification. Is anyone else in the same situation? I just moved, and have been walking my resume in to local operators who generally say currency is not a big issue. (These local operators don't have any job openings).

I am pondering renting a Cessna bird, getting a type-rating ($$), and asking you-all what you would/did do. I am currently unemployed. Thx...

 

[WorldSeries]

when i was furloughed, i was in a situation where i hadnt flown technically for 2.5 yrs!! I was a FE for that time so i wasnt actually flying..I didnt do any flying during that time since its cost alot to rent planes and still have bills from doing that 4 yrs earlier. when i started filling out applications alot had a flight time column for flt. time in the past 6 mos, year, and 24 mos..I had big ZERO's which even with previous 121 time still looks bad. there where a few companies that even said thanks but no thanks your not current. so with the help of the 9/11 money from the gov't for airline employees only and unemployment I was able to get funding around 3000 dollars to use toward getting myself more competitve or for training for another career..could have use it for many things like going to reality school etc., but they let me use it to get current with..so i got around 30 hours of single and 5 hours multi time to be current with everything bi-annual-INST. etc...i think if you have previous 121 time its not a huge deal that your not current but if you can show that you are staying current by yourself i think it shows huge points toward your desire to want to fly and it might help get an interview sooner then later. good luck .

 

[WorldSeries]

i forgot to say you might want to check with your unemployment office about the 9/11 aid money for airline employees..if they can help you out it can save ya alot even if its only a few hundred bucks to go up to stay current..also they did give me money for a new interview suit..every litttle bit helps..

 

[typhoonpilot]

During my first furlough I was unemployed for one year. In that time I flew Civil Air Patrol missions in California. Flew roughly 100 hours in that year. It takes a while to get spooled up in that organization but if you get into the right squadron, one with an airplane, and you are available to fly, then it can be a good way to stay current.

Typhoonpilot

 

[tbkane]

Currency

I have the same problem, after 911 furloughed, and didn't fly for almost two years, so I sucked it up went to every fbo and am flight instructing part time. It is fun to be back flying although I wish it was something with two jet engines instead of one slow prop, but beggars can't be choosers.

 

[furloboy]

I flew Hornets for the Kuwait Air Force for a year after 9/11. Now I don't do any flying at all. Don't care to spend $$$ on GA flying when it's not going to do dick for me professionally. I'm not required to be current when the thieving liars who run my company start recalls. They have to call me back regardless.