Best advice to return to an aviation career after having kids.
 

I just logged a 1.1 with an instructor in a Cesna Skyhawk 172 to get my BFR after an 8-year flying hiatus and loved it. I have approx. 2500 hours of military fixed-wing aviation experience, all multi-engine jet, and an FAA ATP but I have never been hired in the civilian sector. At this point, my kids are all Pre-K or older and I'm itching to get back into the cockpit. I'd love advice from those who took a large break in flying and returned to an aviation career. Also, looking for advice for best flying jobs to pursue that will pay well enough to be worth my time away from my family (corporate vs. regionals vs. majors) An explanation of lifestyle for each of these would be great as well, since that will play a huge factor in the direction I take. And finally, is part-time an option? TIA!

1. Get with a major airline.
2. Your gap in service will probably require 1-2 years of recent flying experience to be competitive for #1.
3. An RJ operator will hire probably you immediately. Or might require you to get x (10-50??) hrs before they'll call you.
4. #3 gets you to #2 which gets you to #1
5. #3 and #4 will be a drag, especially with young kids. There is NO FREE lunch.
6. Re-read the last sentence again. How much will you tolerate trying to achieve point #1?
7. Part time? No. But there are different ways to fly less. Each airline is different. It gets easier with more seniority.

Good luck.

Airlinepilotcentral.com is probably a better source for U.S. information. Pprune is better for worldwide information.

If you're in Bentonville, try Wal-mart flight department.

GF

It will be hard on the family at the beginning any which way you slice it..., but flying for the majors will give you both the most time off and the better income.

I went and did something else after the downturn of 91 for four years and then came back, but those days were very different than now, you picked a very good time to come back.

Don't waist any time with other options..., with your military background you have a leg up on most of the other applicants at the US majors, concentrate your effort on that goal and go for it, you and your family will be happier on the long run with the pay, roster stability and most importantly the time off.

Good luck

Galaxy flyer,

Absolutely...already sent a message to an old acquaintance from high school who flies with Wal-mart. I checked their website and they aren't hiring right now...but came across an article that described Wal-mart's corporate aviation payscale as one of the best in the corporate world. They would be a top contender, seeing as they are in my own backyard. I live about 20 minutes from the Walmart hangars and my Father-in-law has 3 aircraft hangared at that same airport. It might compare initially with the RJ's for QOL, since I wouldn't have to commute.

Flyermommy,
I live not far from you and fly for the aforementioned flight department. Even though a recent round of hiring has just come to an end if you are truly interested in the department I would suggest asking your friend to arrange a visit to look around the operation and to meet some of the management.
We always like to meet pilots who are interested in flying for us and establishing a relationship early on may make all the difference in your chances of being hired.
Good luck.

Yes, immediately. Just get instrument current. You'll get hired right away. Pick a place that does not have a training contract. That way, if the right corporate gig or major calls, you can leave at anytime.

fm,

Best wishes in your hunt.

A Pandy, that's a great idea! As it turns out my friend flies for Tyson and not WM, so I'm going to ask him about that idea when he gets back from vacation. Any chance you would be interested in showing me around at WM?

I reached out to the local fbo/pilot school to check into IFR refresher training. That would help with recency of hours and currency, too.

I have tried to send you a private message but it states you cannot receive or you have blocked private messages.
If you can unblock I will send again or let me know of another way to contact you and I will arrange a tour of our facilities.

A Pandy, that's strange...my settings show that I'm allowing private messages. Do you allow PMs? I'll try to email you or message you my contact info instead.

bafanguy, thanks for the email encouragement! I'm thankful that there are several corporate options in my area. That would be much easier on my family as I get started back, instead of moving or being gone more to preposition for my schedule with RJ's.

All others, many thanks for the responses and suggestions!