when to start applying?

gomntwins

gomntwins

Well-Known Member
Quick question for ya'll... when's a good time to start applying to regional airlines? I've got about 500tt and roughly 115 multi hours... but I'm not quite sure when the appropriate time is to start actively looking/working towards a regional job. I'm currently a CFI and have been logging around 75 hours a month (I've only been a cfi for 2 months... business for me picked up quick!)... so I'll be building time fairly quickly. I hear of some people that start sending out resumes the same day they get their multi-commercial. Others wait until they've got their ATP. What do ya'll recommend? I wouldn't mind being a CFI for awhile... it's definitely a lot of fun.. but, at the same time, it's not my dream job. Any thoughts?
 
I'd send apply for express jet right now. I filled out the online thing at the beginning of October and they haven't called back yet. If you fill it out now, you should have the 600 hrs by the time they call. Mesa offered me an interview about 2 weeks after I did their online app.

I reccomend if you don't have an electronic logbook to get one now! (I use logbook pro) On the applications, they ask all sorts of questions. The mesa app. wanted me to break down my hours by make and model. It would have taken hours if i didn't have the electronic logbook.

Good luck
 
[mmmmmm....turkey......]

Once the SkyWest online application is up and running I think it won't accept your app unless you meet the mins... not sure if others are like that.

[...mmmm...cool whip......]
 
If you use an electronic logbook and bring printouts to the XJT interview, be sure to sign each page. They don't consider it valid unless signed.

The XJT flight time grid is very simple, it breaks down multi time by aircraft, then day night, PIC, SIC, actual instrument for each. Single engine time is listed as total day, night, actual. It took some time, but the alternative was typing 3 full logbooks into a logbook program. No thanks!

Make sure everything adds up (day+night and single+multi equal total time, etc)
 
It couldn't hurt to start applying now, especially if you meet the minimums required by an airline. Right now minimums in general seem to be quite low, from 600-1500TT. I found that in my interview which I had recently at ExpressJet most applicants had >1200hrs with many having >2000, there was one or two with <1000.

In any case with 500hrs you may get lucky so it give it a shot, with >1000 you can expect more options.

Good Luck!
 
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