scambo1

You wouldn't have any QOL as a regional new hire. So, there you go.

Mill

[QUOTE=scambo1;1564148]You wouldn't have any QOL as a regional new hire.

Regional FOs QOL might suck but, compared to the contract job where he'll be deployed for half the year, the QOL is marginally better. So does he go for the money with the contract job or QOL with the regional?

I'm im a similar situation and I think I'd take the contract job. You'll be gone half the year anyway flying for a regional and worked like a dog. Might as well make a nice pay check. Besides, with the contract job, you'll have two months off at a time and that ain't bad. The biggest upside I see in taking the regional job us getting the Part 121 experience.

Charlie Buster

Tuna, congrats and thanks for your service. I suspect many will follow you out the door, especially with dwindling flight times and a significant increase in PC-driven good deals like SAPR training... Speaking of dwindling hours, retiring with only 750 in the Hornet? A friend of mine in Miramar did the King Air in country gig - very good pay and he enjoyed the time with family b/t trips (and an easy transition if you already have the type rating or one similar). I was networking that option before getting a phone call (now waiting on a class date). No offense intended, but Regional was going too far backwards in pay and QOL after 20+ in the mil (i.e. new guy there and then new guy all over again at the intended end state, the major). FWIW, you may want to consider starting a thread in the military section, bet you'd get more visibility and feedback there. Good luck - network, network, network and sign up for Emerald Coast.

TunaUSMC

Charlie, thanks for the response. Yeah, only 750 in the hornet. Prior enlisted and then three years of ground officer job before picking up the flight school deal. Then went the C-12 route like your friend. Hell, I may even know him (Tako?). Anyway, appreciate the advice. And Emerald Coast is a great unit. Already been to the interview prep course.

TunaUSMC

[QUOTE=Mill;1564174]So, that's the ultimate question, will the majors view my currency as a turboprop contract guy the same as a jet guy in the regionals getting 121 experience?

SrfNFly227

What happens if you're deployed and a major calls for an interview? It would suck to have to tell them, "I'll be home in 2 months."

Just another factor to think about.

TunaUSMC

Definitely a something to think about… Also, if I went the regional route and I get a call while in training, do I leave training for the interview or just push it till when I'm done?

scambo1

That's the problem with the regional gig, you run the risk of being deemed unreliable if you treat them like the stepping stone that they are.

gloopy

Currency is important, but I think retired military pilots get a little flexibility WRT that. IOW I don't think not having 3 landings in 90 days will hurt your chances at a major. How long is too long to be out of currency? That's hard to say, but I'd guess you'd have the better part of a year at least before it became anything close to a deciding factor with a US legacy.

Regionals are a great way to stay current however, as well as to get used to 121 flying, etc. QOL varies, but in most cases its not that great. Getting time off for interviews and last minute class dates can be a challenge but it can be and is regularly done.

You have very good time and I'm sure an exceptional all around resume (not just flight time but leadership roles, etc) as well as a hard working "can do" attitude, so its a matter of time before the legacy of your choice snaps you up.

gloopy

I wouldn't outright quit just to go to an interview. Then you'd have to explain your sudden departure and you probably would look unreliable, as well as a bit arrogant. But if offered a class date with a much better airline, the only consideration would be to fall on your sword and give 2 weeks notice (if an earlier class date was offered, which does happen but usually not anyway) or to just bail instantly. If you've already been hired the hiring airline would obviously know that and not care. The only "risk" in that case would be if you got furloughed and were trying to get hired at another regional they might be a bit gun shy about you but that is a very, very minor, theoretical risk in the first place.

No one except the most insecure regional will hold it against anyone that they only spent 6 months at a regional when the reason they left was for a major/legacy. Watch out for training contracts though.