U.S. Army Exit Strategy: Need Advice
#1
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Joined APC: Mar 2014
Posts: 55
U.S. Army Exit Strategy: Need Advice
Next summer I retire from the U.S. Army after 20 years. I am a UH-60 SP/IE and a C-12 IP/IE. I have over 5000 total hours of which 738 (without any sortie conversion) are C-12. I have about 410 hours of PC/IP time in the C-12 and over 3000 PC/IP time in the Blackhawk. I have my MEL ATP, 1st Class Medical, FCC license, CFI/CFII (ME/Rotor), and a smattering of other items on my certificate.
I have applied to all the Legacy, an assortment of cargo, charter, regional, and fractional. I have only received request for interviews/direct hiring from the regionals. I understand it is because I don't have enough total/PC turbine fixed wing hours or 121 time.
With that being said, I have no issue starting with the regionals, but trying to follow the threads on the regional categories is painful. There is alot of information I don't understand regarding ALPA and labor union requirements of the airlines. Or, the pilots ***** and complain about each others' company. Trying to ascertain which airline provides a good QOL, enjoyable atmosphere, or just plain fun to work with is also difficult.
From your military, straight shooting, no bulls$%t perspective, what do you think? Thank you
I have applied to all the Legacy, an assortment of cargo, charter, regional, and fractional. I have only received request for interviews/direct hiring from the regionals. I understand it is because I don't have enough total/PC turbine fixed wing hours or 121 time.
With that being said, I have no issue starting with the regionals, but trying to follow the threads on the regional categories is painful. There is alot of information I don't understand regarding ALPA and labor union requirements of the airlines. Or, the pilots ***** and complain about each others' company. Trying to ascertain which airline provides a good QOL, enjoyable atmosphere, or just plain fun to work with is also difficult.
From your military, straight shooting, no bulls$%t perspective, what do you think? Thank you
#3
If you're flexible, by all means live in base. In no particular order Skywest, Compass, and Horizon are probably the best regionals as far as stability, labor issues, and working for a professional organization without sweat-shop shenanigans or mom-and-pop cult-of-personality issues.
Envoy after those three.
If you think you need a quick upgrade, avoid Horizon.
Air Wisconsin has historically been a good company, but I'm not sure what their future holds you'd have to research that.
Envoy after those three.
If you think you need a quick upgrade, avoid Horizon.
Air Wisconsin has historically been a good company, but I'm not sure what their future holds you'd have to research that.
#4
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Joined APC: Mar 2014
Posts: 55
I am flexible and live near to IAH which puts me with Skywest, XJET, a third which I won't consider, and a commute to DFW for Envoy. Thank you for the explanation of those regionals.
I am not particular to any airframe either.
I am not particular to any airframe either.
#5
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: May 2016
Position: 737 tiller master
Posts: 288
I was fortunate not to have done any regional flying but if I had to, this is an excellent advice.
I've flown with several new FOs from various regionals and it seems like Skywest and Air Wisconsin are pretty good regionals. If I had to prioritize, I'd go with the quickest upgrade (pretty much every regional these days) and commute (better yet, just suck it up and live in base until a major picks you up). Medical and other benefits won't come into play for you so you just need to accrue more fixed wing time.
A few rotorhead Coasties whom I've met have gone this route and they made it to the majors in a couple of years.
#6
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Joined APC: Oct 2015
Position: Gear slinger
Posts: 2,895
Next summer I retire from the U.S. Army after 20 years. I am a UH-60 SP/IE and a C-12 IP/IE. I have over 5000 total hours of which 738 (without any sortie conversion) are C-12. I have about 410 hours of PC/IP time in the C-12 and over 3000 PC/IP time in the Blackhawk. I have my MEL ATP, 1st Class Medical, FCC license, CFI/CFII (ME/Rotor), and a smattering of other items on my certificate.
I have applied to all the Legacy, an assortment of cargo, charter, regional, and fractional. I have only received request for interviews/direct hiring from the regionals. I understand it is because I don't have enough total/PC turbine fixed wing hours or 121 time.
With that being said, I have no issue starting with the regionals, but trying to follow the threads on the regional categories is painful. There is alot of information I don't understand regarding ALPA and labor union requirements of the airlines. Or, the pilots ***** and complain about each others' company. Trying to ascertain which airline provides a good QOL, enjoyable atmosphere, or just plain fun to work with is also difficult.
From your military, straight shooting, no bulls$%t perspective, what do you think? Thank you
I have applied to all the Legacy, an assortment of cargo, charter, regional, and fractional. I have only received request for interviews/direct hiring from the regionals. I understand it is because I don't have enough total/PC turbine fixed wing hours or 121 time.
With that being said, I have no issue starting with the regionals, but trying to follow the threads on the regional categories is painful. There is alot of information I don't understand regarding ALPA and labor union requirements of the airlines. Or, the pilots ***** and complain about each others' company. Trying to ascertain which airline provides a good QOL, enjoyable atmosphere, or just plain fun to work with is also difficult.
From your military, straight shooting, no bulls$%t perspective, what do you think? Thank you
#8
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Aug 2007
Position: I pilot
Posts: 2,049
Start here: http://www.pilotdomiciles.com/
Avoid commuting if possible.
I would tell a someone to look at SkyWest, Compass, and Endeavor. You could take a look at Republic as well if they have a base where you live.
Avoid commuting if possible.
I would tell a someone to look at SkyWest, Compass, and Endeavor. You could take a look at Republic as well if they have a base where you live.
#10
I agree with rickair7777 about avoiding a commute and his observation about Air Wisconsin.
Someone mentioned Republic. I don't believe they have a crew base near you. If you consider Republic, then you might as well consider TSA, PSA and Commutair, too.
Good luck, soldier! (from a fellow, retired soldier)
Someone mentioned Republic. I don't believe they have a crew base near you. If you consider Republic, then you might as well consider TSA, PSA and Commutair, too.
Good luck, soldier! (from a fellow, retired soldier)
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