Quote:
Originally Posted by widebodyjunkie
Apparently I have been talking to the bitter regional pilots, because some of those guys are nothing but doom and gloom about the regionals. I can live with a few years of low pay as a F/O, but my impression was that until you build senority at an airline, you have to work a butt-load of weekends and holidays. True or not true? I've heard of FO's at Eagle that have been in the right seat for over five years and are still waiting to upgrade to Captain. Perhaps it's just an industry where you have some that have a bad run and some that don't.
Who do you work for cgtpilot? How did you get to where you're at?
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As a rule of thumb, if you're junior expect to work weekends/holidays. If your airline has trip a trade/drop setup it can be done though. Never missed a holiday....yet. At Eagle try more like
10 years...been there and done that.
My route was CFI, Part 135 charter, regional, and finally landed at the big Blue (the one with TVs in the seats) which will be the last stop on my train. 11 years to get to where I'm at and that was during a mostly positive hiring scenario except for 9/11 of course. It can probably be done in less but not much less unless you're very, very lucky. A good friend of mine is at NetJets and he would give you the same story. NetJets would be a great goal but it won't happen overnight if you're into the fractional thing. Best advice, start networking, get your CFI and be very, very patient. And DO NOT leave a good paying job until you've got all your ducks in a row with a BIG savings account!