Turboprop

Any of you guys had this choice to make in your career?

I was hired by a Regional, I won't mention the name of that Regional, class date still in the near future, but its not a one Regional. Not sure what to chose for... try to go the SIM instructor ?? more $$$ also two year contract with FSI...


decisions!!!

any one has done the FSI instructor route vs the Regional route? I am still waiting for a Legacy carrier to call, but I don't have the 4 year degree.. maybe thats the reason.


any suggestions?


Thanks!

OnCenterline

What is "a one Regional?"

Many on here will try to talk you out of going to regionals no matter what, but that's not the crux of your question. The reality is, for 98% of us (including me), the regionals are the only viable way to get to the majors.

That said, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but without a 4 year degree, you are NOT going to a major/legacy in the foreseeable future (the next five to seven years, maybe longer). They have too many highly qualified people to choose from, and the degree is a basic ingredient of those qualifications.

As for FSI, I've never worked for them, but I know plenty that have. Understand two things: if you sign a training contract with them, they will hold you to the FULL amount for the FULL 2 years, so if you decide at some point that you hate it, you'll either have suck it up or write a big check. Don't expect a lot of leniency or willingness to negotiate a pro-rated portion either, because FSI is losing a lot of people to the airlines.

Second, working at FSI is hard work. It's a 24/7 operation, and as a friend of mine who works there says, "If I go in for an hour, I go in for twelve." They will work you hard, and you are expected to provide the same level of service and commitment in the last hour that you showed in the first, and do that six days a week. It's not a cushy job by any means.

That said, FSI is a good company, and they offer a lot of movement and opportunity for advancement, though I don't know how much your lack of a degree will hinder that. They're stable, and not going anywhere, though the occasional Center may shrink or even close. They pay decently, and have decent benefits. Further, you will have an opportunity to make some great contacts, and that's a huge bonus. However, you are tied to the 2 year contract, so for 2 years you will have to say, "Thanks, but no thanks" to potential suitors.

I don't know how else to answer your question, as you didn't provide your age or flying background/hours. As to the basic choice of going to a regional vs. going to FSI, if your ultimate goal is to get to a major, the regional will give you more downtime to work on your degree (if you can afford it on regional FO pay); if you try to do that while working at FSI, good luck trying to find time to sleep. At some point, you're going to have to establish some level of currency to get a flying job. While some have done that with FSI, I don't believe it is very common, though I could be wrong.

If I were you, I'd focus on the degree for now. If you don't find that palatable, you'll have to evaluate the decision on the merits of FSI vs. the regional (and your enjoyment of flying) in question. Chances are, it's going to be several years before you making FSI money (in base salary, let alone in comparable benefits) at a regional.

jumpseat2024

I'm at a regional, and passed up an FSI interview this past winter. I regret it every day.

Also depends what route you're looking to take. FSI is great way to break into the corporate world after your contract is up. But if you're looking to fly for the majors, you'll probably have to go the regional route...or the corporate route for a few years to build up jet time.

Learflyer

If you're interested in the corporate/charter route, i'd go to FSI. Your future employers and CP's come to YOU! If you do a good job in class/sim for them and they like you it could lead to a good 91 gig somewhere. Then you could go to a major/legacy from there. Having ground/sim instructor/TCE on your resume is worth the weight in gold as well. Yes. Get the four year degree. Although IMHO being an examiner and CP/Check Airman somewhere should trump that need.

OnCenterline

Unfortunately, it won't. The degree is mandatory right now.

Learflyer

Right. I said "IMHO." When hiring used to be up to D.O.'s and CP's and not psychiatrists (Delta) and HR people it must have been much easier.

Turboprop

Thanks for the info you guys have given to me.

Well, I am in my 40's... I just finish up a 2 year contract flying King Airs part 91, the job was not that great, was away from home most of the time. and the FSI its more $$$.. I have 8000 Total hours, lots of PIC time.

I have 2 year degree, need another 2 to get it, so. I need to stay focus on that.

being that said, I could get a great gig flying part 91, lots of contacts like you guys mention here. I will try that, maybe because the money its great! benefits are also one great thing.


I have until Tuesday to think about it the FSI deal, or show up to that Regional class.


I do appreciate your input onces again.


Thank you!! and I will let you guys know what I decided!