Best route to the airlines

[mpjetter]

What is the best way to get hired by a Major airline?

How long do you think it would take to go from zero to major?

[Jeff]

1.) Military.
2.) Gulfstream Airlines

Seriously though, it would take 4-6 years obtaining the CMEL rating and the time it would take at a regional to become Captain to start logging PIC. You'll need PIC multi-time in a turboprop or jet. That's the key to success. A four year degree is almost required too.

[OhioStatePilot]

Originally Posted by Jeff 2.) Gulfstream Airlines

[E140flyer]

If your grades are high then you may want to look into the military, but it's very competitive. If you go the civilian route, then you'll need a commercial pilot certificate and a way to build up your time to regional minimums which is about 500-600 hours right now. Your best bet is to get your CFI. Do you time at a regional, make captain and start logging a couple thousand hours of PIC then you'll be competitive for a Major.

Hope this helps.

[dasspr]

right now? things are pretty bad and still going down hill!

unless you know lots of people, being a CFI is your best bet! at least 1-2 years should do it! with lots of students of course

[WhaleFlyer]

Agreed. CFI for a while is your best bet, unless you have the hook-up.

[Apple]

Do a multi-engine time building program to rack up some multi-engine time and then instruct for a year.

[patflannigan]

Originally Posted by E140flyer If your grades are high then you may want to look into the military, but it's very competitive. If you go the civilian route, then you'll need a commercial pilot certificate and a way to build up your time to regional minimums which is about 500-600 hours right now. Your best bet is to get your CFI. Do you time at a regional, make captain and start logging a couple thousand hours of PIC then you'll be competitive for a Major. Hope this helps.

I'm pretty sure that all the regionals hiring 500 hour pilots have frozen hiring (at best) and started furloughing (at worst). When things turn around, I seriously doubt minimums will remain so low.

The fastest route will be anything that will get you lots of multi-turbine (preferably jet) PIC in a short amount of time. If you are in a rush, consider going to a quickie school like ATP and knocking out all the ratings in no time, then instruct for the same school. While instructing, keep your eyes open for regionals, charters, or freight operators that are likely to offer lots of hours and quick upgrades...

[E140flyer]

Let's hope the minimums go up, but there's no telling! 2012 will be interesting with all this "pilot hiring" hype going around.

[patflannigan]

I just don't see it going back to 250-hour hiring sprees again. Sure the age 65 rule is going to create a lot of attrition in the regionals, but the lack of hiring right now is already building a pool of qualified applicants.