Best way of getting hired with the majors

[CRJ-705]

curious as to what you guys think is the best and fastest way to get hired with the major airlines such as AC, Westjet, Jazz, etc.?

It seems they want atleast 2500-3000 TT and 1000-1500 MPIC, which leads me to my next question. What is the point of working for some small airline as an F/O for a few years to get around 1000 TT, then leaving for an airline such as Bearskin. Sure you fly a lot but ive heard the upgrade time at Bearskin is like 8 years which means no PIC.

For guys getting hired on at places like Air Canada around the age of 30, which airlines did they come from? Is the reason AC likes hiring from GGN because they have quick upgrade times to captain positions so guys have lots of MPIC? What other airlines have quick upgrade times to get some MPIC?

thanks in advance

[redstar]

It really helps to know a pilot at one of the airlines you want to work for. They can help you tailor your cover letter/resume to what the airline is looking for, and more importantly bring your cover letter/resume to the HR department. You will have a much better chance of getting an interview that way. The time requirements don't seem to be as important, they are really looking for someone with the right personality and someone they can trust. Network and get to know people at the company you want to work for and your application should get moved to the top of the pile.

GGN pilots move over to AC easily because GGN uses the same basic training/operating procedures as AC. Once you are used to working for GGN, moving to AC is just learning a new plane.

[flyincanuck]

1. Get enough PIC time for your ATP
2. Fly as much as you can.
3. Don't over-think the next job. If it's higher pay or more complex operation, take it (704 FO to 705 FO @ regional)
4. Network (see above post - there is truth to this).

A lot has to do with the economy and the cyclic nature of this industry.

Seniority is key at many companies, but we're all either victim or beneficiary to the "wave".

There was a time not long ago when things were stagnant at Georgian.

Working there certainly does not give you a bi to AC. And AC is not the be-all end-all, of course.

You could start over and apply to Seneca, then go directly to Jazz Couldn't resist.

[Wacko]

What other airlines have quick upgrade times to get some MPIC?
thanks in advance

Finding a company with a quick upgrade is easy. Find the companies that pay the least! Having said that, if you chose to work for those companies don't be surprised when your NEXT job won't pay as much as the guys there before you.

[Starting 4]

Only 250hrs TT required.

Big jet job

[mushr00m]

Leave Canada and go work overseas......If not, you'll never really get ahead in Canadian aviation.
Living overseas can be very rewarding and not just financially.

[looproll]

you'll never really get ahead in Canadian aviation.
Living overseas can be very rewarding and not just financially.

I've had a pretty good quality of life and paycheque flying exclusively in Canada. Love the culture and scenery. Sure, you pay a lot of tax, but it's up to you to educate yourself and find ways to legally pay as little as possible.

[bcflyer]

Why are you in such a rush to get hired at the majors? There is sooooo much more to aviation than flying ILS to ILS. Worry less about getting in the fast lane to the big jets and think more about the avenue that appeals the most to you. Enjoy the ride, take in all the experiences and should you get to a major during your career you will have far more to talk about then a 2000hr wonder who never left southern Ontario.

[RudderWhat]

Seniority is everything...I'd be rushing too.

[Localizer]

So you'd like to work for a major, eh?

Step One - Get rid of your family - you won't be able to afford food for more than one person so if you plan on eating you'll need to ditch the wife and kids. (for atleast the first 4 yrs)

Step Two - No debt - You can't have debt because of the previously mentioned comments above.

Step Three - Anal lube - Experiment with a bunch of different kinds .. you'll really need to find that special lube that says "yes .. go ahead .. rape me".

Trust me .. you won't find this information in ANY flight school!

[cj555]

Since networking plays such a major role in an aviation career progression, I imagine where you train, and where you get your first job will be instrumental in advancing your career because it will put you in contact with the right people at the right time.

What other ways of networking have you used?

I think this forum is a great tool to network. I guess it goes without saying, but I also think keeping in touch with colleagues you meet along the way is vital (your instructor, your capt/FO at your first job etc).

[cdnpilot77]

I think this forum is a great tool to network.

I got my current seat as a direct result of connecting with an infamous poster that many on these boards choose to vilify because of their sensitivity to words instead of actually paying attention to the message being passed and learn from a guy that has way more to teach than to learn. I had never met him in person until about 2 weeks prior to getting the job offer, but had sought his advice over the course of the first 3 years of my career.

I have met some people on this forum that have become some of my closest friends in my life where even our wives hang out together now too.

Take this forum for what it is, but it can be a great starting point for meeting great people to not only progress your career but also make some great friends along the way.

[DanWEC]

Big plus one to the above post. I also got my first job as a result of networking on this forum from a great guy (you know who you are, and thanks for that golden piece of poop! )
However we won't all be as lucky as cdnpilot77 to land a spot with the equipment and people he's flying with. He's also the definition of a standup guy, even if he frequently posts in the craislist personals...
Anyhow, your first job probably won't determine where you'll be in 10 years, so don't worry about it. Life's a journey.
But as it is, the quickest way to the international 705s is probably ramp to right seat and upgrades at a mifr operator like Transwest, or their ilk.

[seniorpumpkin]

Some good tips here, I also thought I'd add that it's important to avoid the many pitfalls in aviation if an airline job is your end goal. Some of these pitfalls off the top of my head include but are not limited to:
Don't crash
Don't break flying rules
Don't be a jerk
Don't let yourself stagnate at an easy job, complacency can set in and can be hard to shake
Don't fly the same type of airplane for too long- 5000 hours on a single engine plane can kill your resume
Don't become an alcoholic and stay away from recreational drugs
Actually wait- semi alcoholism can be part of the lifestyle, why else would avcanada have this smiley:
Don't buy a house somewhere stupid like a city with only one or two small aviation companies
Don't whore yourself out for an unfair wage, after the first 50 hours you WILL get frustrated, there's nothing worse than a bitter and jaded pilot, often people carry that attitude with them for the rest of their career

[indieadventurer]

Sure you fly a lot but ive heard the upgrade time at Bearskin is like 8 years which means no PIC.

Just an FYI, upgrade time at the Bear is about 2 years and change at the moment with current movement. There's also been a handful of FOs with interviews at AC...some even with less than 500 hours on type here so who knows anymore

[Old fella]

curious as to what you guys think is the best and fastest way to get hired with the major airlines such as AC, Westjet, Jazz, etc.?

It seems they want atleast 2500-3000 TT and 1000-1500 MPIC, which leads me to my next question. What is the point of working for some small airline as an F/O for a few years to get around 1000 TT, then leaving for an airline such as Bearskin. Sure you fly a lot but ive heard the upgrade time at Bearskin is like 8 years which means no PIC.

For guys getting hired on at places like Air Canada around the age of 30, which airlines did they come from? Is the reason AC likes hiring from GGN because they have quick upgrade times to captain positions so guys have lots of MPIC? What other airlines have quick upgrade times to get some MPIC?

thanks in advance

Hey, hey……. another youngin with ambition wants in to get in the fast/heavy iron lane. Your parents haven’t started to breathe heavy when some of us were in this fickle industry warts and all (and believe me, there were plenty). However I digress.

Rule one. Keep plugging away, no matter your aspirations, you will get there.

Rule two. Make sure you include your better half/partner and associated ankle biters in the equation, tis their life as well. A job on a jet, bars on yer shoulders and the maple leaf logo is good for the ego … but a bigG (+-) salary cut, big strange city, small house, bigger mortgage, more expense will strain the nerves on both ends. Especially if what you left to hit the big time was better in the eyes for your family. I have seen that happen, it’s tough.

Rule three. You will get old and you will become cynical like all of us old fellas. You will have seen it all, heard it all and experienced it all – in the course of your lifetime.

The very best in the years ahead.