[kls1981]

Hello,
I'm looking to get back into flying after an attempted career change. I left my flying job on August 24th, 2009 to go back to school for ATC. Due to my wife and I having a baby and other pregnancy complications things didn't work out. Therefore, here we are a year later and I'm looking to get back into flying. To be honest, I miss it and didn't realize how much I did miss it until I wasn't doing it anymore.
My last job was primarily a Part 135 day vfr job, however, I did some co-piloting in the King Air's and some flight instruction. I accumulated around 3700TT and 850 multi, I also have about 500hrs dual given, but I let my CFI expire in Feb. I don't have awhole lot of instrument time, only around 120hrs. As time moves on I'm seeing some regionals starting to hire and being able to get hired early on would be the best bet.

My first question is what do you recommend I do to become current again and prepare for an airline interview/job?
I have access to an FTD and was thinking of getting current and familiarizing myself with the glass panel, as well doing some other flying in a G1000 equipped aircraft.


Second, I was thinking about possibly applying to a smaller, turbo-prop regional first such as Commutair first, instead of hopping right into a more intense training program. Does this make more sense?


Thanks,

Ken

[Aviation Interview Prep]

kls1981, on 05 August 2010 - 11:58 AM, said:

Hello,
I'm looking to get back into flying after an attempted career change. I left my flying job on August 24th, 2009 to go back to school for ATC. Due to my wife and I having a baby and other pregnancy complications things didn't work out. Therefore, here we are a year later and I'm looking to get back into flying. To be honest, I miss it and didn't realize how much I did miss it until I wasn't doing it anymore.
My last job was primarily a Part 135 day vfr job, however, I did some co-piloting in the King Air's and some flight instruction. I accumulated around 3700TT and 850 multi, I also have about 500hrs dual given, but I let my CFI expire in Feb. I don't have awhole lot of instrument time, only around 120hrs. As time moves on I'm seeing some regionals starting to hire and being able to get hired early on would be the best bet.

My first question is what do you recommend I do to become current again and prepare for an airline interview/job?
I have access to an FTD and was thinking of getting current and familiarizing myself with the glass panel, as well doing some other flying in a G1000 equipped aircraft.


Second, I was thinking about possibly applying to a smaller, turbo-prop regional first such as Commutair first, instead of hopping right into a more intense training program. Does this make more sense?


Thanks,

Ken

Ken,

First of all, I would not get to down on yourself a lot of people have found themselves in your situation through life choices or furloughs. The important thing is to try and get back to aviation as soon as you can so to take advantage of the next hiring boom.

You need to get current and back in the aviation world. I would look to getting your CFI renewed since the training for this will help you get into the flying frame of mind. You may also be able to secure a job while you keep shopping yourself around. One of the typical questions on applications is how much time in the last 6 month 12 months and you want to have some number to fill in the blanks. Building up time giving lessons will help fill this gap. After you feel you are at a comfortable level I would start getting your resume out circulating. As anxious as you may be to land the flying job you need to get back and comfortable so you don’t blow your interview.

Your thought to go to a smaller regional first is sound. But rest assured the training will be just as difficult. A 121 or 135 PIC/SIC ride will be one of the most difficult rides you will take. The smaller company may just be more tolerant of the gap in your flying history. I think it makes sense to start at a Commutair or Colgan before jumping to a jet based regional. It can’t hurt to apply to all the Regionals if that is the direction you want to go. I would strongly suggest you get your resume reviewed to make sure it explains the gap in employment correctly and get interview coaching. Good luck and welcome back!

-Andrew