Originally Posted by
scrappie
...Would working for any of these airlines make me more attractive to a major?
Absolutely. Bear in mind I am going based on what I read here on these boards.
... Am I too old? I was thinking of a 4-5 yr plan then apply to majors. Would they even consider hiring a 50 yr old?
From what I read on these boards, you do have a chance but not huge one just yet. The pilot shortage does not exist yet and there would have to be considerable change before you would see more opportunities there. It is and probably always going to be highly competitive at majors.
USBLS Pilots
....Cape Air is single pilot multi IFR,(135) in my opinion prob the toughest flying.
Planesense is PC-12 (single engine)
These are 135 firms of course and not the best background for majors, but one might get you current and a job at a decent regional. I doubt I would take that detour if I were you.
...Expressjet is (jets 121)
Excellent choice. There are others also- Skywest is not hiring but they are a quality firm, then maybe followed by Republic.
Would making a career with any of these pay off?
That is a very debatable question, most would say not, but as we know quite a few regional captains are trapped at regionals and plan to sweat it out. I have a captain pal at XJT who says he makes pretty good money. He works hard picking up a lot of extra flying.