Need to know what it will take.....

[bgaviator]

**Note: I also posted this thread on the Flight Training Forum...just need a wide variety of opinions please**

I haven't flown in about 1.5 years now. I have a multi-engine instrument rating, and a CFI license as well as a dispatch license. I've been doing dispatch for about 1.5 years now and I've been really amazed that the flight times have come down so much for a lot of the regionals. It makes me think I should get back into flying since I'm so close I can almost taste it! I just really hate instructing!
I have almost 400 tt, and 14 multi......what do you think it would take to get myself to be looked at as a serious candidate for these regionals? I don't want to take out a loan to get multi time and then by the time I have the hours, the hiring mins are jacked up again. Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[wms]

Get current with some multi time and a BFR and ICC and send out apps now. With the crunch the way it is you'll probably get hired somewhere. You already understand 121 operations and after you have some multi time you'll be able to pick your regional. There are commuters hiring pilots with wet tickets. Just don't go someplace where they lock you in with a contract. It's all about career progression and the regionals have made themselves stepping stones by not addressing pay, retirement and quality of life issues.

 

[bgaviator]

How much more multi time and how much instrument time should I get total before even applying? I'll even admit it...I really haven't flown instruments since I graduated college...and that was 4 years ago!!!
But hey, I kick a** at Microsoft Flight Sim.

 

[wms]

Get current and apply now. I know we've called people that were interviewed and rejected a year or so ago and haven't flown since. It's too hot right now to let it pass by.

 

[Americam]

400 tt and 25 multi should get you a snag. Don't just get current, get proficient in a multi-engine airplane under the hood. Pull out some Jepp charts and study the legend. Get to the point where there is no question they could ask you about a Jepp chart you can't answer. Then, send out your resume to everyone you can think of. (BlowJets excluded) The important thing is also to get your nose in the books... pick up an ATP gleim and study regs, aerodynamics and wx so you can be prepared for the interview. Good luck!

 

[wms]

Don't go to gaux jets. That will be a mark on your resume your whole career. You'll get better offers than that anyway.