Will fly for food!

[Shaggy 135 Guy]

I recently transferred from active duty Air Force to a part time guard job. My question is...at what point should I start seriously looking at filling out applications with the majors? Right now I have just over 1000 total time, about 550 of that split between the C-21 (Learjet 35), the Beechjet 400, and the KC-135. I know I still need to keep building the time, but was wondering if I'm getting close at all.

 

[TAZ MAN]

I recently transferred from active duty Air Force to a part time guard job. My question is...at what point should I start seriously looking at filling out applications with the majors? Right now I have just over 1000 total time, about 550 of that split between the C-21 (Learjet 35), the Beechjet 400, and the KC-135. I know I still need to keep building the time, but was wondering if I'm getting close at all.

In short..and I'm sorry for the discouraging news, but I don't think you compete for any civilian job right now. Except maybe flight instruction.

 

[Shaggy 135 Guy]

Yeah...I figured. I was a CFI before going active. I've had some luck talking with the regionals, mainly Express Jet and ASA, but I think the instructing thing is inevitable. Thanks.

 

[SWAdude]

I recently transferred from active duty Air Force to a part time guard job. My question is...at what point should I start seriously looking at filling out applications with the majors? Right now I have just over 1000 total time, about 550 of that split between the C-21 (Learjet 35), the Beechjet 400, and the KC-135. I know I still need to keep building the time, but was wondering if I'm getting close at all.

I agree with Taz Man. I would say your not close at this time. Way too many well qualified applicants in the market right now. Things change though. Very quickly they can change.

But to answer your question, whenever you meet the minimum qualifications, apply. Then update as often as the insiders at each airline recommend.

Good Luck.

 

[avl_pilot]

Some of the regionals(like Express Jet, ASA, Piedmont) are hiring guys with your time, but all are not going to be running classes until January. If you can go ahead and put your resume in at any regional that intrests you then I would do it. Instructing is a good way to go for time building, but have you also considered cargo? Just a thought, I know that some cargo guys would look at you with your time.

 

[AMRCostUnit]

Have you considered a career change?

Fire service? Police? All pay better and have a full retirement at 55 years old. I had a firefighter neighbor who had just as good of a schedule as I did.

Unit
Keep it movin, nothin to see here in this job...

 

[Deuce130]

Some of the regionals(like Express Jet, ASA, Piedmont) are hiring guys with your time, but all are not going to be running classes until January. If you can go ahead and put your resume in at any regional that intrests you then I would do it. Instructing is a good way to go for time building, but have you also considered cargo? Just a thought, I know that some cargo guys would look at you with your time.

As you build your time, don't forget to network! When the time comes that you have the qauls is not the time to begin looking for contacts. Lay the groundwork now.

 

[Phaedrus]

Police and Fire Service have better pay? No way to back this up, but I'd be surprised if, on average, a policeman/fireman career netted more money than an airline career even in this day and age.
On the other hand, I think they should.

 

[Shaggy 135 Guy]

Many jobs pay better with less work.....I just like the view better from my office!

 

[capt. megadeth]

I agree with Taz Man. I would say your not close at this time. Way too many well qualified applicants in the market right now. Things change though. Very quickly they can change.

But to answer your question, whenever you meet the minimum qualifications, apply. Then update as often as the insiders at each airline recommend.

Good Luck.

For once I agree with SWAdude
BTW, I work (2nd job) with a lady whose hubby is a Chicago cop. The guy makes $40K a year so I don't think being a cop is all that great....plus you have to worry about everyone killing you, not just your co-pilot or captain.

 

[Shaggy 135 Guy]

Good point. Also, one of my buddies is a firefighter and can barely pay the bills. You have have to volunteer for a while before you get a permanent job.....although at times I guess that's not too different from flying!

 

[AMRCostUnit]

Police and Fire Service have better pay? No way to back this up, but I'd be surprised if, on average, a policeman/fireman career netted more money than an airline career even in this day and age.
On the other hand, I think they should.

Fire service, depending on where you live, pays $40-80K. Usually 24 hours on, 24 hours off X 2 then 4 days off. No bad hotels but the one you do go into may be on fire.

I was a paid volunteer (Non-sequitor, I know, long story) in college. Got paid to watch cable, eat good, drive fire trucks and study occasionally.

Unit
Former Hose Puller

 

[needapayraise]

Apply to UPS. There was a low time guy in my newhire class with his only flight time being ANG KC-135 time. You probably have some guys in your unit that are UPS pilots, so hit them up for recommendations and even if UPS won't waive the mins for you, keep networking with the UPS pilots so when you do meet the mins you should be good to go.

 

[castle bravo]

Police and Fire Service have better pay? No way to back this up, but I'd be surprised if, on average, a policeman/fireman career netted more money than an airline career even in this day and age.


There was a local cop in my area who recently retired with a $96k/yr pension. His public service pension is taxpayer funded (solid as a rock), and even includes annual COLA adjustments! The pension is calculated using his final years earinings (NOT the last 5 years of service) which was generously built up by an enormous amount of overtime, awarded on a seniority basis.
Not too bad for a high school diploma holder.

 

[Shaggy 135 Guy]

That is one good thing about working in a civil service or military career. The pay is not too bad usually, but the retirement is pretty solid.

 

[Shaggy 135 Guy]

What type aircraft were they starting you guys in at UPS??

 

[needapayraise]

What type aircraft were they starting you guys in at UPS??

F/O on all fleet types.

 

[reospeedwagon]

I would suggest going to a regional, getting into a class so you are issued a senority number, then take military leave until you can hold captain. I know it may not be "moraly" right but forget morals in the regional industry. Management will furlough you in a second if it means saving a buck and collect their bonuses while you are laid off. While on MIL leave you will keep your senority from newhire class and you will get to avoid the crappy quality of life at the dumpy regionals right now. There is nothing the company can do about it. I am civilian and wish I had the opportunity but my vision was to bad to get a flight slot. Good Luck!

 

[Shaggy 135 Guy]

Thanks for all the responses. Some guys in my unit were talking about that as well. I'm foggy on how it works, but sounds interesting.

 

[Sluggo_63]

I recently transferred from active duty Air Force to a part time guard job. My question is...at what point should I start seriously looking at filling out applications with the majors? Right now I have just over 1000 total time, about 550 of that split between the C-21 (Learjet 35), the Beechjet 400, and the KC-135. I know I still need to keep building the time, but was wondering if I'm getting close at all.

You finished your UPT commitment (10 years after UPT) flew the C-21 and -135 and only have 1,000 hours when you got out. Seems a little low. What gives. Were you long term DNIF?