Mil to Civ transition (low hours)

[PIO]

Hi, I've got an opportunity to get out of the Mil and I'm jumping on it. My question is: Where am I going to have to start? I've got 1550 total time mostly C-130,T-1 (BE400), T-37 and a little in C-172. I've done the MCA and recieved my Commercial and Instrument ratings. I plan on getting an ATP before I separate.

I realize that my TT and turbine PIC (750hrs) is low for most of the mins I've seen for major airlines. So where do I have to start to get from here to there? Ultimately I would like to get on with one of the larger cargo companys or even corporate. I just want to be able to make a decent living and have a reasonable lifestile.

BTW, I've read through Brick1's thread.

 

[white E]

PIO - I know you are "low time" but mins are mins. You have the military trained square checked and that is a huge trump card. I would rather interview someone who meets the mins that was military trainined -vs- someone with 2X as much experience and was all civi. Having been on both sides of the fence you are MUCH better trained than any civilian...that is for most civis anyways.

Worst case senario you may spend a year or two at a regional, but your total time will jump exponentially for you will fly 80 hours a month on average.

Good luck.
-W-

 

[Draginass]

1500 isn't much especially considering that you're a heavy driver. There's thousands of furloughed airline pilots out there right now with lots of Part 121 experience that you're competing with. The only majors hiring are SW, JetBlue, and a few others. An internal recommendation would really help considering your low TT and PIC.

If I were a recruiter, I'd be asking how you got out of the military seemingly early. I hope there's not a "negative" associated with that.

You might have to settle for a regional FO job. I don't know if you've taken a look at the regional pay scales, but it's a lot less than you were making in the military. That would be a stark come-down from where you are now.

The main problem now is the numbers of pilots seeking the few decent jobs out there. Three years ago, you probably could have gotten a major job, but it's highly questionable now.

Best of luck.

 

[AlbieF15]

With Palace Chase there are plenty of chances for "young" military guys to exit earlier than anticipated. As long as you can articulate those facts you shouldn't have a problem.

A UPT buddy and classmate got on with UPS in the mid-90s after separating after a FAIP tour and doing some C130 flying in the ANG. If I were you, I'd find an ANG/Reserve unit first then start in overdrive on the airlines.

If the majors won't touch you, a regional might. A year or two there would make you very marketable. In any case--you can't get called if you don't apply...and then network, network, network!

 

[pilotyip]

roger, white E input. Get any flying job, fly in the reserves for extra money to get by on regional pay, and start looking for your next job. It is always easier to get a flying job when you have a flying job.

 

[integrale]

I believe these early outs are contingent on a Reserve/Guard assinment.

 

[PIO]

I'm not getting out early! I just have low flight time because I took a non flying job to be stationed with my wife (soon to be X! lol)

 

[MVSW]

With Palace Chase there are plenty of chances for "young" military guys to exit earlier than anticipated. As long as you can articulate those facts you shouldn't have a problem.

A UPT buddy and classmate got on with UPS in the mid-90s after separating after a FAIP tour and doing some C130 flying in the ANG. If I were you, I'd find an ANG/Reserve unit first then start in overdrive on the airlines.

If the majors won't touch you, a regional might. A year or two there would make you very marketable. In any case--you can't get called if you don't apply...and then network, network, network!

Good luck on finding an ANG that wants you. As far as my ANG wing...they ONLY want guys that are from the state and the wing!!

 

[CatfishVT9]

I'm not getting out early! I just have low flight time because I took a non flying job to be stationed with my wife (soon to be X! lol)

Are you on the non-flying job now? Currency is HUGE. If you've been out of the cockpit for a few years you may have a hard time getting an interview with anyone. If so, look at taking another tour. That would help get you more hours, make you current and hiring should be (maybe????) better in a few years.

 

[PIO]

I've been out of the cockpit for a year. I plan on doing some flying to get back into things when I get my ATP (at my own cost type of thing). What type and how much time would I have to log to meed this currency req?