MiLtoMajor123

So I meet all the mins for the Majors as a recently separated fighter guy and am looking at different flying gigs to keep my total time and currency ticking. I kind of feel like i"m in no mans land as I'm "qualified" but still thinking more time is the answer for more Major airline interest. So my question is.....

What, in your civilian career opinion, is more valuable? Going to the regionals for SIC Jet time or a Local Single Turbine PIC time?

I feel I"ve checked the Multi Turbine PIC box via the Military and think it would be fun to get my feet wet in the civilian world by trying this local job with good pay and decent schedule. Thoughts?

mexipilot84

Is probably go to a regional that will give you the best QOL possible(I know that's hard). And fly an RJ to keep you current and get the 121 experience till the big boys can pick you up.

Seems like single engine turbine only leads to a dead end if you're not multi current and you're trying to get on with the majors. More than anything you want a good transition into civilian jet aircraft which will help you move on in your career and check a box.

Toonces

Anecdotal evidence here: I know a Harrier pilot turned T-6 instructor that got hired at Delta recently straight off of active duty. It happens.


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MiLtoMajor123

Thanks....yeah I'm thinking it's only a matter of time (barring an economic downturn) before the Majors will show interest. That's why I think the local job might be the way to go.....honestly I'm just feeling the flying bug and want to get back in the cockpit. I don't really feel like commuting to a Regional job at this point until I feel it's the only option for a pathway to the majors. I guess that's why I'm asked the question....to see if Single Turbine PIC is frowned upon...or would be a ding on my progression.

Toonces

Once again, anecdotal evidence here...
At my current company, where we fly single engine turbine aircraft, I know a guy who left after 9 months to go fly for a major airline. He was a former Navy fighter and maritime patrol pilot who had spent many years out of the cockpit. So yes, it happens.

If you want to fly for the big boys, if you already have a resume that provides adequate experience, you really just need a flying job and prove that you are current and willing to continue a career as a pilot.


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HuggyU2

"Local job... Good pay... Decent schedule."

I'd say you answered this one yourself.

And I'm no expert, but I'm of the opinion that this job will not hurt your options down he road.

ron kent

As a military guy, the hardest part of "121" experience is learning how pay, bidding, and following the contract at your new company works. Flying airplanes is flying airplanes, other than being new on whatever equipment you are on, nothing in commercial aviation comes close to complexities of flying fighters. If you have a good flying gig available to you, take it.

Tummy

I think the two most important things are making sure your application is as close to perfect as it can be and getting in touch with all of your military buds currently at the airlines for recommendations. If you haven't already, have a professional review your applications.

I went straight from active duty to Delta, and a friend of mine who I helped through the process just went straight from active duty to CJO at Delta after only having his app published for 25 days. His app was perfect, and he networked harder than anyone else.

If you've already done both of those things, I would lean towards 121 experience. I think you would meet more people who are moving towards the majors and expand your network faster. I think network is more important than more flight time, but you do need to stay current. For example, I got hired at 1850 ish total time.

Do we know each other? That's my background.

F15Cricket

If the majors never called or don't call for 2-5 years (economic issues, another 9/11-like event, oil prices through the roof, etc.), would you prefer the local single turbine job or a regional job you have to commute to?

And, if that happened, which of the two jobs would be more secure, and you and your family enjoy more?

I think that answers your question.

FYI, I got hired by Alaska after being retired from the USAF for 4 years ... But I kept current by flying a Commemorative Air Force T-6 (the WWII kind). Only question they had was that I had stayed current, as your military background never goes away.

flyinhawyan

Does joining the Civil Air Patrol and flying missions for them count for currency?