Getting from here (furlough) to there (Alaska)

[Tailwinds]

Hello all,

I've just been furloughed after five lovely years at Indy Air, having not earned a minute of PIC to meet Alaska, jetBlue, or terribly many other airlines mins. Alaska wants multi-turbine PIC, jetBlue just any old PIC. Starting over at the bottom of another regional or fractional is a 3-5 year wait to get PIC, with lots of possibilities for getting laid off again. (of course, two furloughs is 2/3 of the way to being a real airline pilot) And who wants to start at the bottom of three regionals? I've lots of questions as I plan the next move in my carreer, and would appreciate any input you guys and gals have.

1. How strict is Alaska on the multi-turbine PIC requirement? They're my life-long goal, but also the hardest of the mins to achieve from my current position. Would they accept single turbine PIC and lots of multi-SIC?

2. For that matter, how strict are most airlines on most PIC requirements. I've 4000 in CRJs, a type and ATP, no PIC. Not much compared to most applicants no doubt, but I gotta try, right?

3. I can get immediate PIC time in a turbine single or piston twin, or wait 3-5 years and get it in an RJ. Disregarding Alaska's requirement, is 121 PIC time so valuable in getting an interview as to be worth waiting for, especially considering that I have so much 121 SIC time?

4. Just how competetive is Alaska these days? Like I said, they're the life long goal for me. I'm from Seattle, love Alaska (the state), flown the milk run in jumpseat, and even worked at Alaska (Employee Services, lotsa good references). That's all a great start, but there's a lot of other people like me trying to get there too. Now I just want to plan the next career move with an eye towards making me competetive for Alaska and the other majors as a backup.

Thanks a lot for any info you can toss along my way.

 

[PHXFLYR]

Couldn't tell you too much about how to get the required PIC
time to get you an Alaska interview. However America West no longer has a multi-PIC requirement. If your goal is to get back home to Seattle,maybe you can apply there and commute.We have quite a few guys from that area that do. Hope this helps.


PHXFLYR

 

[SDCFI]

If you want fast turbine PIC time try 135 freight operators. I know here at Amflight we're having trouble filling some turbine slots because a lot of piston guys are jumping to regionals when they get a couple hundred hours of twin time. It's highly possible with your background they'll hire you into the 99 or even 1900 or Metro if they need people. Even if not, upgrade to the 99 if you're willing to move (anywhere) is pretty quick (a couple months or so). Try calling BUR at 800-800-4538 and talk to recruiting about their current needs. Plus, starting pay is equal or better then starting at the bottom of another regional. IMHO, getting some form of PIC is much better than SIC anyday, especially since you already have loads of SIC. Lots of options out there if you're willing to do whatever it takes (which I know can be pretty difficult).