Q: I am a commercial airplane single and multiengine land, CFI, CFII, MEI with more than 2,500 hours. I have had three airline jobs as of 2008 and been furloughed or let go from training all three times because of economic situations where the company was already laying off pilots.
My logbooks were accidentally destroyed about 10 months ago. I ordered my complete airman file from the FAA and discovered that at age 21 I failed the instrument check- ride three times in a row before passing. I failed the multiengine commercial ride because I went off glideslope, and then failed the CFII. I learned an important lesson from each. I am 38 now and finishing a degree in aeronautics.
The new “no checkride failure” seems to be almost a web form function that completely annihilates any chance of getting hired on this factor alone. What advice can you give me for trying to get past this point with airline human resources and interviews?—John
A: John, your story illustrates several important points. First, a logbook is gold for a professional flying career. When one book is completed, it may be a very smart thing to keep it in a safe deposit box. The good news is that every time a new FAA Form 8710-1 is completed, that time listed in the form is a snapshot certified by the FAA. So, if all else fails, your airman file from the FAA Airman Certification Branch in Oklahoma City will at least give you a starting point.
You had been hired by three airlines before being let go. Those failures did not cause those carriers to turn you away.
The answer to checkride failures being deal-breakers is complex. A lot depends on the carrier. Big airlines have plenty of applicants with sterling aviation histories. Third-tier carriers, some regional airlines, and some cargo haulers probably will not care as much. The good news is that your failures were 18 years ago, and that could be a mitigating factor. If you had an exemplary career—maybe picked up an ATP or type rating along the way and you passed with flying colors—that could tip the scale in your favor. The more time since the last failure, the better.
But, to be realistic, one recruiter for a national airline said this: “We generally overlook a CFI failure. That is a tough certificate and we know some FAA Inspectors will fail an applicant for minor issues just because. However, one additional failure is generally not a problem. We ask what the pilot has learned from the experience. A second failure is almost the kiss of death. If the applicant has had a stellar career since then, well, maybe OK. Lots of time flying corporate; chief pilot; check airman could minimize the second failure. A third failure is a no-go. Not going to happen.”
Launching an airline flying career with your track record is still a possibility, but it might not be with a carrier of choice.
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