jetcareers - View Single Post - Careful thought and in need of advice from experts

Fearless · February 1st, 2005, 15:29

Hi Todd,

Back in "Pre-9/11" days (Spring 2000) I was invited to interview with United Airlines. Was I a competitive applicant? I'd like to think so - at the time, I was a pretty decent pilot with around 2500 hours of multiengine time. Cynics would say that I only got the invitation to interview because I was a pretty good FEMALE pilot with 2500 hours of multiengine time. That's a topic for another thread (not this one!).

I eventually decided NOT to interview - I took another job with a top-notch regional instead. I'd really like to get on with one of the major cargo operators (i.e., FedEx or UPS). Last I heard, FedEx had something like 10,000 applications on file, all from very qualified applicants. I'm not going to stop trying, but I really don't have enought PIC turbine (pilot-in-command time, turbine-powered airplanes). Most of the majors require a bare minimum of 1000 hours. Competitive minimums are generally higher, though some people do get hired with the minimum times.

Although it's always good to be pro-active when it comes to your career, there's times where quality of life issues may become more important than rapid career advancement. In case you missed it, the airlines aren't doing so well right now. Fortunately, no one at my company has been laid off, but upgrades are slow - VERY slow. You might as well relax and enjoy the drive. (Like that candy bar commercial - "Not going anywhere for a while? Grab a Snickers!).

On the other hand, it's an EXCELLENT time to be taking flying lessons. In the late-90's (when airline hiring was booming), many flight schools were overcrowded and instructor turnover was high. This shouldn't be a problem now - in fact, there's a lot of good, experienced instructors out there that would be happy to train you on YOUR schedule.

Start small and think long-term...

Good luck - keep us updated.
E. Roberts, CFI

February 1st, 2005, 15:29	#11
Fearless Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 50	Re: Careful thought and in need of advice from exp Hi Todd, Back in "Pre-9/11" days (Spring 2000) I was invited to interview with United Airlines. Was I a competitive applicant? I'd like to think so - at the time, I was a pretty decent pilot with around 2500 hours of multiengine time. Cynics would say that I only got the invitation to interview because I was a pretty good FEMALE pilot with 2500 hours of multiengine time. That's a topic for another thread (not this one!). I eventually decided NOT to interview - I took another job with a top-notch regional instead. I'd really like to get on with one of the major cargo operators (i.e., FedEx or UPS). Last I heard, FedEx had something like 10,000 applications on file, all from very qualified applicants. I'm not going to stop trying, but I really don't have enought PIC turbine (pilot-in-command time, turbine-powered airplanes). Most of the majors require a bare minimum of 1000 hours. Competitive minimums are generally higher, though some people do get hired with the minimum times. Although it's always good to be pro-active when it comes to your career, there's times where quality of life issues may become more important than rapid career advancement. In case you missed it, the airlines aren't doing so well right now. Fortunately, no one at my company has been laid off, but upgrades are slow - VERY slow. You might as well relax and enjoy the drive. (Like that candy bar commercial - "Not going anywhere for a while? Grab a Snickers!). On the other hand, it's an EXCELLENT time to be taking flying lessons. In the late-90's (when airline hiring was booming), many flight schools were overcrowded and instructor turnover was high. This shouldn't be a problem now - in fact, there's a lot of good, experienced instructors out there that would be happy to train you on YOUR schedule. Start small and think long-term... Good luck - keep us updated. E. Roberts, CFI