Q: I had to give up flying for a few years because of some unforeseen personal circumstances. I managed to log about 1,200 hours’ total time and 120 hours of multiengine time. How will the airline recruiters react if they learn that I’ve been inactive for four years?—Bill E. from Bakersfield, California
A: I recently had the opportunity to participate in the Women in Aviation International (WAI) annual conference. I was truly impressed with the folks I met who make hiring decisions for the airlines, particularly the regional carriers. Many of the industry players were represented and had booths.
There is a mistaken perception that human resources personnel are dispassionate, aloof, and intimidating. Every one of them welcomed inquisitive, fairly young, and inexperienced aviators with open arms. When I posed your question to these airline pilot recruiters and a few corporate chief pilots, they were understanding and supportive.
The gap in activity is not a dealbreaker. Of course, it would have been better had you rented a Cessna 150 a couple of hours each month. But, you can make up for lost time by getting yourself current and proficient. Several recruiters suggested that you acquire about 20 hours of solid IFR retraining. One even feels that those 20 hours could be in a real good simulator at some professional training resource. If you can afford to rent a light twin for those 20 hours, then so much the better. One recruiter recommended passing the AT P knowledge test if you have not already done so.
Be prepared for the question, “So, why did you quit flying?” Be honest and forthright in your response, but be certain to emphasize that you have never let go of that lofty objective. As soon as you were able to resume the pursuit, you jumped back into it.
There is another message that I would like to pass along and that is the importance of industry gatherings with the golden opportunity they provide for networking. Who you know could offset many shortcomings. Most of the major organizations, such as the National Business Aviation Association, Helicopter Association International, and of course AO PA, hold large annual events—many attended by the people for whom you would like to work. If you are a CFI, think about renewing with the Air Safety Institute’s in-person Flight Instructor Refresher Course (www.airsafetyinstitute.org/firc). You could be sitting next to the CEO of Alaska Airlines, who attended one of my FIRCs in Seattle.
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