Originally Posted by
AboveAndBeyond
SIC in a 121 jet with dual FMS is far more valuable than Turbine PIC in an old single pilot turboprop. It was different 10 years ago, but in todays world, time with a 121 carrier in a dual crew cockpit, with glass and FMS is required to go and work for a good airline.
There are many, many regional FO's that are getting hired by JetBlue, United, and Delta right now with absolutely ZERO TPIC. Moving forward, expect more of the same.
Airlines want people with airline experience. Period. Do yourself a favor and go to a regional. After 2 years at a regional, you will be able to pick your LCC's or smaller freight 121 companies (Abex, Atlas, etc..).
Upgrade time at most regionals is 2 years or less now, and the ones worth going to pay $60,000 first year pay, offer REAL flight benefits, and have far better schedules and benefits than AMF offers.
1000 TPIC with a 135 freight carrier will get you to the highest paying LCC in the industry, or Atlas, Abex, etc., regardless of whether or not you have several thousand hours sitting in the right seat, staring out the window, pushing buttons and letting the captain make the calls. If you can fly a type rated turboprop, single-pilot, in the weather, with no autopilot, without losing your life or certificate in the process, you are well qualified to sit in the right seat of any airplane - and countless others share this opinion. As is also proven during our current hiring boom.
That being said, regional vs. 135 cargo is purely a preference and lifestyle choice. It's quite the nice change of pace that regional guys with no TPIC are getting picked up by the legacies. Now that you can make 60k first year at a few different regionals, there are far more livable options than there were 3-5 years ago. Go to the operation that gives you what you need, and allows you to do what makes you happy during your time off.