Question to Alaska pilots

[TDY8BALL]

I'm currently working as a CFI and just hit 1200 total time and 100 multi time. I have a resume in at Great Lakes and a buddy there who has spoken with the chief pilot and it looks very good for an interview very soon, probably even this month yet. I also have a great opportunity to get on with an Airpac or Ameriflight and do a bunch of multi/PIC/turbine flying. I live in Seattle, and my long term goal is to fly for Alaska. I don't mind commuting, and moving is out of the picture because my wife is stationed here in the Air Force. Which road make more sense as far as being a good candidate for Alaska? Is it better to go right to a regional such as GLA where the upgrade time is quick, or better to try to get that freight-dog experience then try to get on with Horizon then Alaska?

Thanks!

 

[Ted Striker]

I'm currently working as a CFI and just hit 1200 total time and 100 multi time. I have a resume in at Great Lakes and a buddy there who has spoken with the chief pilot and it looks very good for an interview very soon, probably even this month yet. I also have a great opportunity to get on with an Airpac or Ameriflight and do a bunch of multi/PIC/turbine flying. I live in Seattle, and my long term goal is to fly for Alaska. I don't mind commuting, and moving is out of the picture because my wife is stationed here in the Air Force. Which road make more sense as far as being a good candidate for Alaska? Is it better to go right to a regional such as GLA where the upgrade time is quick, or better to try to get that freight-dog experience then try to get on with Horizon then Alaska?

Thanks!

I don't work at Alaska, but there are a few guys on here that I am sure will answer. Here's my $.02. Alaska likes people from the area (Pac NW, AK), you already have that going for you. The next big thing would be turbine PIC time, as fast a you can get it. I would go wherever I could get that quickly, that way it's under your belt. Then, if Alaska isn't hiring, you can always go to Skywest or Horizon or another regional and fly an RJ for a couple of years unitl they start. I think that would be better than being at Horizon for 3 years (or more, I don't know), waiting for an upgrade all the while AS is hiring like great guns. Too little too late if you know what I mean. Again, just my $.02. Good luck!

 

[Ted Striker]

I'm currently working as a CFI and just hit 1200 total time and 100 multi time. I have a resume in at Great Lakes and a buddy there who has spoken with the chief pilot and it looks very good for an interview very soon, probably even this month yet. I also have a great opportunity to get on with an Airpac or Ameriflight and do a bunch of multi/PIC/turbine flying. I live in Seattle, and my long term goal is to fly for Alaska. I don't mind commuting, and moving is out of the picture because my wife is stationed here in the Air Force. Which road make more sense as far as being a good candidate for Alaska? Is it better to go right to a regional such as GLA where the upgrade time is quick, or better to try to get that freight-dog experience then try to get on with Horizon then Alaska?

Thanks!

I don't work at Alaska, but there are a few guys on here that I am sure will answer. Here's my $.02. Alaska likes people from the area (Pac NW, AK), you already have that going for you. The next big thing would be turbine PIC time, as fast a you can get it. I would go wherever I could get that quickly, that way it's under your belt. Then, if Alaska isn't hiring, you can always go to Skywest or Horizon or another regional and fly an RJ for a couple of years unitl they start. I think that would be better than being at Horizon for 3 years (or more, I don't know), waiting for an upgrade all the while AS is hiring like great guns. Too little too late if you know what I mean. Again, just my $.02. Good luck!

 

[AK737FO]

The Great Northwest

Ted hit the nail on the head. Stay in the Northwest and get PIC Turbine time ASAP. You must have a 4 year degree, if you don't have it - go get it. All the above, plus getting a silver bullet, is the best way to get a phone call from Alaska.
I've said it several time before, but I'll say it again. Alaska has really big retirment numbers coming up in 07, 08 and 09. It would not be a good idea to be sitting as an F/O with no PIC turbine for the next few years. Go to AMF and get PIC turbine ASAP, but try to stay in the Northwest if you can (or keep a Northwest address). AMF is not a fun place to work, but it will get you what you need. Trust me, I know...

 

[Jeepman]

As far as the silver bullet, would it work from someone who recently retired there (i.e. 6 mo to 1 year)?

 

[gt1900]

Lakes wouldn't be a bad place to go at all. Recently there were three pilots from Lakes in the pool at Alaska (down to 2 now since one got called). So with about 35 pilots in the pool originally (just a guess but that's what I heard was there) and three of them from Lakes, you can guess that Alaska has no problems with GLA pilots. Plus, when I was an intern at Alaska, I got to sit in Paul Major's office and listen to him tell me, and several other interns to go get 121 PIC turbine time as fast as possible, and then come back. Throw on top of that the fact that probably 10 to 15 GLA guys have gone to AM West, a couple to SWA, a couple to AirTran, a couple to ATA before they went TU. And you can get the picture. If Alaska doesn't work out for some reason in the future, you still have several other options. If you can handle working at lakes for up to 4 years, I still think its on of the fastest tracks to the majors. By the way, if you want to go to Alaska, wherever you decide to go, stay there (or at least don't make a lateral move). Alaska doesn't like to see guys go from one company to another. I know a guy who interviewed there 2 years ago right after leaving GLA for Air Wiskey and the entire interview was basically "why did you leave lakes"? Needless to say he didn't get the job......Just my 2-cents. Good luck!!!

 

[wscrj]

Hmmm.....

gt1900....that you, Trav?

 

[TDY8BALL]

Just got the call from Lakes this afternoon, interview is set for next week! Thanks for the opinions and advice everyone, I really do appreciate it!