Originally Posted by
STR8NLVL
Sounds like you're at RAH. As slow as it may look like an upgrade might be, don't make a lateral move chasing an upgrade. And be VERY leery of a street captain position. There's always a reason such a place needs captains off the street.
At GoJets, you'd be a "Captain Qualified First Officer." If you read their contract, you'll see that you will be back in the right seat as soon as their first officers are qualified for upgrade. So you might only get 500 hours of TPIC and then be back to waiting your place in line, but at GoJets!
And regardless, anywhere that you go as a street captain, yes you're a captain, but you're still at the bottom of the list. And you'll remain stuck on the bottom, getting reserve and the worst schedules and days off, until your seniority can actually hold a more senior captain spot. I have a buddy who took a street captain spot at Colgan back in '05 and was MISERABLE stuck at the bottom of the list his whole three years there.
I'd say stick tight, make any connections you can (United is confirmed at the April Flight Ops Career Fair), and wait for the upgrade or go where you can get hired without the PIC if it's a career destination, knowing that leaving with no PIC is a big commitment as if you get furloughed you'll likely have to go back to a regional.
My two cents, worth what you paid for it.
I see what you're saying, I would be willing though to deal with the pains of being on reserve in order to gain PIC and have a little more money to pay bills and support my family. I just don't want to be stuck where I am with no upgrade in sight when United and the other majors start hiring like mad and me have to wait before I'm hired and then be stuck at the bottom of the list for the rest of my career...I've seen first hand what it's like to be a 22 year F/O knowing you'll never become a Captain. Thoughts???
Originally Posted by
jaykris
A little advice here from a guy that is NO NOVICE TO THIS PROFESSION.
Hey Jay,
I do see what you're saying, I actually thought about it when I was furloughed, going into another field, however every time I was outside and a plane flew over I always looked up and wished I was in the air. Then getting called back made me so happy, and yes even though management ruins it sometimes, I still love what I do and couldn't imagine doing anything else. I've got to try for my lifetime goal of flying International for a Major or I think I'll always look back and regret it for the rest of my life. I will still take your advice in consideration though! Thank you all for the comments, keep them coming I'm starting to get a good idea but would love more input!!!
