Originally Posted by
guidoverduci
Thanks for the info! You're right… I don't know much about regionals. When you say SFO is a reserve base what exactly does that mean? My assumption is I'll be on call for 3-5 days out of SFO, maybe a 2 hour call out?… then at the end of my "shift", I'll be back at SFO and can drive home. Is that close? Or am I way off…
Also, since it would be easy to hold a line at FAT, then I would just drive 3 hours there, do my 3-5 day trip, then drive home… correct?
I know the pay is pretty bad, but I think at 2000 hours, I'm not quite marketable for any Major. I can still fly for the reserves and build time while flying for a regional… it seems like it would be much faster that way and a source of extra income! Plus throw in a couple deployments, maybe a short tour of some sort, and my seniority will climb while I'm working for uncle sam. Not too concerned with which plane, but like you said, quality of life. Being based in either SFO, LAX, or FAT.
Answers to your Q's (by the way I was in ground school for the EMB 120 "Bro" at OO):
- Reserve base in SFO for OO, during 2010, meant you hang out at the airport or wait for a call (can't remember the call-out times, who cares, your on the hook either way). You stand reserve 21 or more days a month. Not sure what the status of SFO is today (assuming a base for the CRJ exists because I hear a lot of OO folks). I assume it would go senior for the CRJ if it is not a reserve base. Basically, QOL = Sucks (until u get seniority).
- In 2010 it was pretty easy to hold a line at FAT for the BRO. If nothing has changed, you could pretty much do as you said, assuming you are a line holder.
- 2000 hrs is not much time, but a lot of airlines (i.e. SWA, AS, etc.) will allow you to compute an additional .3 or so if you have military flight time (review company website for specifics). Depending on what platform you are on, 2000 hrs could look really good if you are a heavy guy and an IP. Everyone will have differing opinions on the subject of "experience", but just apply and see what happens. IMHO you are more than "marketable" because I know what you had to go through to get your wings as well as the standards that are expected of you as a military aviator. The civilian world is kinda hung up on hours vs quality, something you will have to get used to.
- Sounds like u got a pretty good plan with solid back-ups. Make sure you network with your squadron mates and your squadron mates friends! You never know who u may meat that is a base chief pilot for major airline X. If I were you and you can get into OO, give it a try so you can at least say you tried it, who knows, it may work for your situation. Plus, u will fly with a diverse group of folks and make some great friends along the way. If it gets to hectic....just take some AT orders. By the way, thanks for your service to our country.