vandals

Hey guys, I'm beginning to look into the airline/cargo route for my post UPT commitment plans and after reading though various resources I have a decent enough idea how the general process works except for a few parts. So at the risk of sounding like an idiot where exactly does a "typical" 10 year turboprop pilot land? If you want more specific numbers call it 2500 hrs with a bunch of PIC time and IP/CFI rating and no useful type ratings.

Is it reasonable to say you have a good shot at a legacy airline and a great shot at a major? What type of aircraft do new guys typically start on? Does the A/C and base depend on whatever is left over that nobody wants to bid on or are you limited to more of what your experience is in? I assume you're locked into the year 1 pay scale from the left seat too, has there been any mil guys who were able to come in and start above that or is it non negotiable?

I know it's a pretty vague question and being a dbag/future general/blood relative of the CEO can change the answer, but I'm just trying to get a handle on this bizarre "(kind of) pick where you live and who you work for" concept.

RhinoBallAuto

*breaks out popcorn*

HuggyU2

Your questions... and many more... have been answered here already. Just dig around. Most people really do not want to type 100,000 words just to repeat the information. And there are other websites that have sections devoted to mil-to-airline transitions.
Additionally... I'm a bit surprised by some of your basic questions, since you're a 10 year military pilot. Is this information really not plentiful from the guys in your squadron that are up to speed on airlines, or that have recently left?
But... to answer your 4 questions very, very briefly...
1. If you want to go to the majors, most pilots with your experience shouldn't have a problem.
2. Yes.
3. It depends. If you fly for Atlas, a 747. For United, a 737 or Airbus. You get the idea.
4. Your pay scale at the major airlines is controlled by a contract. It is non-negotiable.

tunes

this can't be serious

Grumble

rickair7777

What Huggy said. I'll add that your previous flying experience has NO bearing at all on what airplane you'll be assigned. If they elect to hire you at all, they've concluded that you'll be good enough to learn and fly any equipment in their inventory. Regionals might use previous experience to determine aircraft assignment (ie CFI's to t-props, 121/135 to RJ's) but I don't think any majors do that.

As a new-hire your assignment will be based on the needs of the company...usually an airplane and base which no old-hires want. After that, any moves you make are strictly by seniority. Typically you are locked into an airplane for 1-2 years after training, but can change domiciles any time there's an opening.

The only option you might have, is that some airlines may offer you a choice of class dates associated with specific airplanes, ie 3 May on 737 or 28 Jun on airbus. In that case you might be able to opt for an airplane which is based nearer where you want to live. But many folks will tell you to take the first class date offered...a handful of seniority numbers can make a huge difference down the road if the music stops. But given the retirement-driven outlook hiring, it would probably be worth the risk if a later class will give you a QOL advantage.