Originally Posted by
BackintheLPA
There is no definitive answer, because it can carry both pros and cons. I'm an AC in the Guard and a 6 yr regional FO. Overall, I'm glad I did it.
Pros:
- you will become a better pilot because of the amount of experience you will get operating in the 121 environment.
- the job is very compatable with flying in the reserves.
- your seniority and longevity is protected while on mil leave.
- with a draw down in military spending, it is nice to have the ability to go back to the airline to get a paycheck. The opportunity to bum is not there at my unit for the short term future.
- free ATP
Cons:
- the lack of pay and QOL for the first couple of years.
- You might be in the right seat for 5-7 yrs.
the so called pilot shortage will manifest as a " regional FO" shortage for the next 3-5 yrs. Hiring for the Good jobs will always be competitive. In order for you to get that quick upgrade, you either need attrition or growth. Regional growth has reached maturation. Regional 50 seaters will be replaced by " large RJs" allowing airlines to fly more seats with fewer aircraft. At most of the regionals, there are a significant number of " lifers" that will never leave or can't leave. If those guys don't leave or the airline doesn't grow, you will be in the right seat for a good while.
- the desire to get turbine PIC
More than likely, you will upgrade to AC before you upgrade to CA at a regional. I've spent 4 of 6 yrs on mil leave deploying trying to get PIC so I will be ready when the hiring starts. I'm concerned how it is going to look when I go to an interview and they start to take a closer look. Don't think for a minute that the HR folks aren't sensitive about it.
- higher potential for check ride bust, FAA violations and company discipline. Flying in the Reserves only, protects you from this. Ive seen CAs at my airline receive company discipline for refusing to fly an aircraft they thought was unairworthy, even though MX signed it off.
Some other considerations....
- I would not commute long term to a regional job, initially you may have to because you are junior.
- try to get your reserve job and your airline in the same city to improve your QOL
All good points. I will re-phrase the question(s).
Taking out QOL/pay etc and just looking at it strictly by the flight numbers...in 2-3 years, what would the hiring folks at I don't know, say Delta, rather see on an application? Granted there is A LOT of assumption and speculation in this...bare with me...
Option 1) Stay bumming with the Reserves, accumulate 3-400 hr/yr w/ upgrade to AC occurring around 800-1000 hrs in the Herk. 2 years from now I would be looking at roughly 2600-2800TT; 200-400 TPIC
Option 2) Go to a regional, fly when able w/ the Reserves, and avg 700-900/yr w/ the airline. Again, looking 2 years out, I would be somewhere in the neighborhood of 3400-3800TT; likely 0 TPIC
Option 3) Something far more amazing than the first two that no one has ever thought of and is the answer to all of my problems!
Sorry - back on point..Which, in your eyes, would be the stronger resume? Furthermore, do you see either time being competitive in the near future?
If they are roughly equal, then it is a no brainier - press with the bumming and enjoy making my own schedule. If it is the higher TT of the regional, then I'll have some decisions to make (and a looong talk w/ the wife) w/ regards to all of the aforementioned issues of QOL, pay, etc.
I realize no one has a crystal ball and my plans can, and likely will, turn out much different than I expect. Just gauging opinions..