Airline Pilot Forums

My current situation is as follows. Im a FO at a 135 operator flying the Saab 340, I was a CFI, CFII for 2 years with a total of 900hrs dual given. I have a Associates Degree and want to finish my bachelors. Some of the benefits of working at this 135 operator is that i have plenty of time to go to my local University(FIU) and get my bachelors. The company also seems like it is growing and many pilot are leaving to bigger and better things, which leaves me to believe that upgrading could happen in 2 years or less. And even with PIC time in the in the Saab i might just have to go right to the regionals. But my concern is that i may be wasting my time at a small air carrier when i could get into a regional airline and eventually make more money and have more benefits. At a regional i would have to do my bachelors online which will cost a lot more money so i might have to put off the bachelors for a while.
Please give me some advice and if you want any other info to complete your opinion just ask.

Since you need the degree anyway...

If you can finish the degree and get 1000 TPIC within 2-3 years it might be worth staying. Good chance you will need to go to an RJ regional (or get a corporate jet job) to get some glass/jet/121 time. But you will have the turbine PIC ticket punched, so a few hundred hours of 121 SIC might make you marketable to the majors.

Many regionals might have 5+ year upgrade times, so going to a regional now might not move you along any faster.

what i dont want is to get to a regional with around 4k hrs and be lower in seniority than a some kid with 500 hrs and 100 multi.

Don't worry about what time some "kid" has or doesn't have... That has nothing to do with your goal. Get your degree, and your tpic. Go to the regional and get your glass/121 time and punch out ASAP. Regardless of having less seniority than that "kid", you'll be able to fill all the boxes for that major application, which he won't be able to do.... Be patient and do it right, or don't and go be "that kid" $.02

Don't worry about what time some "kid" has or doesn't have... That has nothing to do with your goal. Get your degree, and your tpic. Go to the regional and get your glass/121 time and punch out ASAP. Regardless of having less seniority than that "kid", you'll be able to fill all the boxes for that major application, which he won't be able to do.... Be patient and do it right, or don't and go be "that kid" $.02


What he said. You'll get hired at a major before the kid...and you won't have to fly with him (or even talk to him) anyway.

The way regional upgrades are, your captain won't be a kid and he'll have more time than you.

im not worried about the "KID". im just saying that i could get in now, while everyone else is,and get the 121 time and move one but instead Im at this 135 gig.

keep your input coming guys i appreciate all of it

I'm still instructing and doing some part 91 flying. I have 1100tt with only 40 multi Im still not sure the best route. Especially when companies like AE hire then tell people in training to go home you're furloughed. Make me want to stay away from that side. Idk

You have to get that degree no matter what you plan on doing. I recommend getting a masters degree and get out of aviation.

I am not certain how much credit Embry-Riddle will give you for your previous accomplishments. They offer online that I hear can be challenging. Why don't you give them a call.

I assume you are flying freight in the Saab 340 out of MIA. A few thoughts based on you upgrading to CA soon and getting your BS at the same time.

Turbine PIC is a big deal.

The Saab is glass. (barley, but glass is glass)

You are getting more pilot skills now than you ever will in a RJ.

What makes you think that you can not go from the Saab to a Major?

Oh, and BTW, take care of those old "A" models. My ass print is firmly imprinted in those seats. :)

After speaking with management and showing them I would only need two hard days off to attend my classes they have been very helpful accommodating to my schedule. I should be able to finish my BS in less than 2 years.
With the way the airlines look I don't thing 2-4 years here will affect my long term goals.

I totally believe someone can jump from a Saab to the majors (if you have the PIC time). But I was just wondering if it was a better idea to get into a regional since so many are hiring.

I've decided I will stay here till I finish my degree cause I really want it and believe its important.

By the way I really like the Saab and I will take great care of them for you.