Re Russ Spence's plea for advice (Flight International, 27 August-2 September). I'd like to offer the following insight. I am a qualified ATP with 7,000 hours' experience, all on medium and heavy jets. I have an engineering degree and several type ratings. I have a spotless track record and I generally consider myself a seasoned professional.
When I apply for airline jobs, I get excuses like "you don't have the required type ratings" (even though I currently fly a heavier and more complex aircraft), or "you don't have the required licences", or just a plain "you don't meet our requirements". In better times, I have seen people climb into the cockpit of a Boeing 737 with only 230 hours and NO multi-time.
My advice is: don't get caught up in the hours charade and don't despair when you hear the impoverished excuses of the airlines. Be patient and wait for better times.
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Source: Flight International
