Originally Posted by
FlightDirector
I definitely see your point.
I was pretty set on XJT when I first started looking at the regionals, I toured their offices in Atlanta and they really put on a good show. I don't have anything concrete tying me to Atlanta, I'm mainly just hoping to stay here because I have a really good network. I'm the backup pilot for a couple of small part 91 flight departments in the area that I could continue to fly for to supplement my income. I'm also an IA with a great reputation in the area allowing me to cherry pick annuals and other profitable maintenance work which really helps. I might be trying to hard to juggle everything right off. The other option is to cut bait and go with the regional that will have me off reserve as quickly as possible and offers the best upgrade times regardless of having to move or commute.
I'm not looking to retire at XJT by any means, like most everyone else I'm looking for a stepping stone to the majors. With what I've seen in regards to mandatory retirements and (as of right now) a growing demand for pilots I think hiring at the majors is really going to ramp up starting mid 2017. I figure with my current times and experience I'll be a strong contender for the majors with about 2 years at a regional. Any thoughts on weather I could ride out XJT and start applying at everything with a wide body after 12 to 14 months on the line?
With how volatile the industry is I find it's really hard to formulate a good plan.
If you work for a regional, you will not be able to work on the side doing any flight stuff.
There are several questions that you need to ask yourself before moving forward.
1. Do I want to get to a major, and if so, which one.
2. Is it better to commute than to go to an airline near my home.
3. Is it better to be on reserve at home or off reserve somewhere else.
4. If I commute, where do I want to be based and how fast to be based there.
things to think about from above questions.
1. if you want a major, look for a flow or CPP type program for the airline that you want or for your second and third choices.
2. if the regional is not that good, going out of business, continuous reserve time, no flow or cpp, then you will be better off commuting.
3. On rsv, you will only get min guarantee at most places. Can you live on 75 hours at $37 an hour for years? getting a line will increase your pay and QOL.
4. look for the number of flights that will get you from your home airport (atl) to the companies bases. also look to see which base is jr and how long you will be there before getting a base that you can fly to easily.
Last item will be the bonus money if it applies. get the details behind the money (ie. mesa requires you to sign away your life) or how much of it you will get with the stipulations.
If you have any questions about XJT or C5 (commutair), feel free to ask me. I was at L-XJT for 9 years before giving up as an FO and unable to upgrade making less money for the last couple of years. I am at C5 now and I am getting ready to upgrade.