El Aviador

First post here...
Currently flying overseas with a total time close to 3200 hours. All SIC airline hours. I need to go back to the states but lack the PIC hours and the FAA ATP. I think a regional is the quickest way to return, and I'm aware of the hourly pay. Honestly, the regional world is new to me and I need some help.

1. FAA ATP, any regional paying for it. I just checked and its close to 5K. Should I pay for it.

2. Am I competitive with my current time. 3200/1800Airbus/1100Turboprop.

3. Which regional shows signs of steady growth over the next two years.

4. I just want to start somehow flying in the states and eventually apply to the majors. Is going to a regional the way to go. Getting a call from a major living overseas with no ATP, no 121 experience, (we operate under 129) , no letters of recommendations, seems quite impossible.


Thanks, really need some advice and help here..


El Aviador

SongMan

1. Yes, many regionals are paying for the CTP which you need for the written.
2. Your time is more than competitive within regional.
3. Let me know once you find out.
4. As of now 121 regional seems to be the way to go.

El Aviador

By paying the ATP written do I have better options as far as regionals? Compass etc..........

TeamRamRod

1. The regionals that I know of that are currently paying for the "ATP written" course are Trans States, Compass, and Expressjet. There may be others, but those are the ones I know of for sure.

2. You're beyond qualified and competitive for a regional. Assuming a good HR interview, any one you apply to will pick you up.

3. To both of you guys, the two regionals with the most growth over the next 18 months will be Trans States and Compass. Compass is just starting the addition of 20 AA airplanes (based in LAX I believe). Early this year, Trans States began taking the first of 51 airplanes over the next 18 months. Both will provide rapid movement without attrition, not to mention once that picks up. Unfortunately, American Eagle/Envoy is shrinking substantially. ExpressJet is shrinking, due to parent-SkyWest trying to dump their 50 seaters. (which is why TSA is adding 36 of the 51 for United)

4. Without prior military, going straight to a major is all but impossible without knowing some extremely powerful people. Getting into a Regional 121 carrier is, no doubt, the best way to start plugging away at your goal of getting to a major. Get in, get your time and experience, keep your eye on the prize, and get to a major as quick as possible.

Aviador and SongMan, feel free to PM myself, or anyone else on here with any questions you have. Happy to help. Best of luck!

El Aviador

SongMan,

Thanks for your quick response. I started researching three days ago about the CPT program but can't find anything about Compass paying for this. Would you mind pointing to the right direction so I could get this information.

Thanks

El Aviador

Da40Pilot

Compass doesn't, TSA does.

TeamRamRod

They both do now, actually. Had a friend that was offered a job at both, both offered to pay the CTP course, but he chose TSA for the greater growth. Unless it was a one time deal, CPZ and TSA will both pay for it now. To the OP, your best way to find out about each carrier paying for the course is probably thru direct contact with them to prevent any misinformation from your decision.

zondaracer

Skywest will now pay for the CTP course too.

rickair7777

All the regionals will have to pay for it now or very soon. Otherwise they won't have any applicants since nobody is going to pay $5K to work at any specific regional when all the others will do it for free.