Originally Posted by
Wildflyin
I haven't posted here in ages... so I come with a question. I just got an offer to phone interview with Ameriflight. I'm currently living on the west coast, but commute to the east coast to work every week as I have been flying with a regional out there for a little over a year now. I would move out there, but family commitments keep me out here in California. It would be a heck of a lot easier to fly out of oakland or portland, but starting over somewhere isn't exactly appealing. I'm leaning towards staying with my current job, but I would like to hear opinions. thanks!
That question has a lot of personal issues that only you can make. I think there is a lot of truth on both sides of the "what’s better 121 - 135" argument. It is true there is a larger group to help in your quest to a major job if you’re at a regional. It’s also true that all your time at a 135 carrier is pic. We have had people go to the majors or corporate or whatever but it is true it isn’t the same amount you would see at the regionals. The thing you have to look at is the percentage compared to the entire pilot group for each. If you do that it isn’t as bad a picture for each.
Your situation is a lot like mine. My family is on the west coast and also has obligations there. I don’t want to commute so I fly for Ameriflight. Whether or not I would be better off at a regional in the long run is yet to be seen but my family is more important than my job. I’m trying to balance my home life and my work life as best I can right now. There will be more and more opportunities soon enough. I'm building pic turbine time right now and my quality of life is not bad. One thing I know is you can’t beat the experience you'll get flying single pilot IFR. In your case you would have experience with both if you went to Ameriflight.
The bottom line is your question is a personal one you'll have to make. Just make the choice that’s right for your situation and keep chipping away at your log book. The majors aren't the only game in town. Things will happen....
Last edited by Earl81; 08-10-2011 at 07:35 AM.