Expert: D. Norkus - 1/2/2008

Question
QUESTION: At what age do the regional airlines stop hiring pilots?  I'm 52 years old, a CFII with 890 hours total; 10 hours multi engine.  Any chance at getting hired by the regionals once I build the need hours?  If so, what path do you recommend?

Thank you for your time.

Gene McCutcheon
415-412-3900

ANSWER: Gene

The airlines cannot discriminate based on age. If hired at age 53, you will still have 7 years to go until retirement at age 60 and 12 years when/if the age is upped to 65. I do think you have a great chance of getting hired at a regional- once you get some more multi-time. Another 40 ME hours and you may well find yourself with an interview invite! The regionals are having trouble filling classes and are canceling flights due to lack of crew. As a qualified candidate, you have a shot. Many airlines have now reduced their application minimums to 500 hours with 100 multi-engine, with some even requiring only 50 multi!
http://airlinepilotcentral.com/resources/job_search_resources/regional_hiring_mi

To get some quick ME time, try a block rental rate or a crew program at these places:

http://www.private2atp.com/ft_finder.php
http://www.twintimebuilding.com/
http://www.aribenaviator.com/
http://www.geocities.com/cfidarren/metime.htm
http://www.atriplep.com/
http://www.atpflightschool.com


Check out these links for some valuable job information and resources (you should also see their message boards for info on getting ME time deals):

http://www.airlinepilotcentral.com
http://www.pilotcareer.info
http://www.jetcareers.com

Good Luck
Dottie



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Dottie,

I have a few more questions.  I just heard the retirement age has just been upped to 65 years--is that ture?  Now the hard to ask question: I've been clean & sober for over 22 years (by way of AA), but before getting sober I compiled quite an arrest record (3 drunk drivings, one possession of necrotics[a small amount of cocaine]).  Is there any hope of employment with the regionals with such a record?  I should add that my employment record is outstanding as I've been with the City of SF for 24 years & I'm currently working at SFO as Superintendent of the Airport's treatment plants. Finally, Which  medical is needed for the Regionals, first or second?

Thank you so much for your time and expertise.

Answer
Gene

1) Yes, the age for retirement is now 65, so that gives you even more time.

2) Yes, that is a hard one! Not being in the position of a pilot on the interview board, I don't want to say all will  
be overlooked but it WAS a looong time ago. A chat with a pilot career counseling service could better and more accurately assist with this issue than I. Such services help pilots to interview their best and have staff that have previously been on airline hiring board, so they give you a better idea of how this may affect your interview chances:

Cage Consulting
http://www.cageconsulting.com
1-888-899-2243 (CAGE)

Clark Aviation Consulting
http://flytheline.com/
1-303-386-4133

Air Inc
http://www.jet-jobs.com
1-800-AIR-APPS
Specifically, here is their page on consultations as they have many other services- http://www.jet-jobs.com/counsel/index.html


3) A first class medical is necessary to be hired by any airline. Once a first officer, you can let it lapse to a second class but never to a third (2nd is the lowest medical acceptable for commercial operations). Once you upgrade to captain, you must have the first class exam every 6 months.

Hope this helps,
Dottie