Need Advice, Ques. on Currency

[your_dreamguy]

Hey everyone

As my profile shows, I have about 1350 hours now. I am currently unemployed. A few of my friends have said I should apply to the very few regionals that are hiring. However, in the last year, I have only had about 50 hours of flight time.

First, are there any places hiring right now that DO NOT require a certain number of hours flown in the last 90 days, 6 months or year? (Exclude flight schools).

Second, if there are places that DO NOT have certain time requirements is it still a good idea to apply. In other words, let's say I find a regional that does not have time requirements to get hired and they hire me. Can I still do well in class, training and come up to speed with my flight experience in the last year or do you think that this would likely result in me washing out or busting a checkride? Since I've never worked for anything other than a flight school, I have no idea or experience what a regional FO really goes through.

Third, do you recommend that I find a flight school and instruct for like a couple of months and then apply to the regionals?...The only problem with this one...is that I haven't found any flight schools (especially around phx or so cal that are hiring right now, if anyone knows otherwise, please let me know).

Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[bigsky]

That may not be extremely competitive right now- but you have to try! Secondly currency does matter- however again you have to try and also they have probably seen a few people recently who are not current. ( There obviosly are a lot of unemployed pilots).
Dont wait to get current before sending out a resume- Get them in the mail and it may take 2 months to a year to get a response- Use that time to try and get up to speed!

The transition from General Aviation- piston to a turbine part 121 operation is never very easy. Training is referred to as the fire hose method..you are always overloaded and given an incredible amount of information in a very short period of time. In my opinion whether you are current in a 152 will probably not make much difference.
That being said it is also important to remember you are learning a new and very complex airplane... They do not have time to baby sit you and review flying 101. You had better know and be sharp on the basics-ILS, NDB,VOR, HOLDING.They are not going to have time to teach this- only how to do it in this particular aircraft. If you need some brush up a good sim would probably be most beneficial

 

[bobbysamd]

Currency and applying

You must keep applying, even if you're not current. You must show the commuters that you continue to be interested in flying for them. You can always update as you build hours. Applying for commuter airline jobs is a lot like playing darts; you have to keep aiming at the target. It may take quite a few darts, but eventually you will hit a bull's eye.

You also look better if you are working. So, yes, I'd go to work instructing. You are not that far away from the magic 1500-hour mark for the ATP. You should get your ATP at that point under any circumstances.

Of course, you will be sharper for the flying part of your initial training if you're current. You have to do the best you can, even if the best you can do is fly the sim. Ground school will be dependent more on your ability to absorb huge amounts of material quickly than your flying ability. So, if you have good study skills and learning habits, your chances of getting past ground school will improve.

Good luck with your plans.