Originally Posted by
Slick1821
Looking for advice...
I am about to start the process of moving from the 135 world, which I have been apart of the past 3 years, to the 121 world. And in doing so, I am looking for advice on what path would get me to the majors the quickest.
ERAU grad B.S. Aeronautical Science, Airline Pilot Specific (DAB 09')
ATP
1730+ TT (1500 in the past 3 years)
1500+ ME
1100+ PIC
1350+ Turbine
875+ TPIC
FA-10 Type (140TT)
Flown mostly King Air 90/200/350 with 140+ in the Falcon 10...All with in past 3 years.
From what I can see on all the majors websites, I meet all of the minimum requirements. However, I do not see myself as competitive, due my time being on the lower side, as well as the majority of my time coming from the 135 world.
My questions are:
1 - Does it hurt me throwing my application into the ring for all of the majors, even though I know I'm on the low side of the minimum requirements?
2 - Would you recommend applying to the regionals, in order to gain 121 experience and build time faster than I currently am in my 135 position now, or stay at where I am until the majors call?
- My only concern with going to the regionals now is getting stuck in there for years.
3 - Do the majors limit the amount of people they pull from the regionals on a non-flow through program?
4 - Could I expect to be considered by the majors soon after I start building 121 time and becoming a little better competitive?
I saw someone on this thread get hired by a major after only a few months of being at the regionals. I think they only had 140 hours or so at the regionals before they got hired. Granted, he was Military which I understand is a big plus, but is this a possibility for me after 500-1,000 121 hours? And if so, I guess my biggest concern/question that is the reason for this post, is if it is a possibility, why aren't more people from the regionals moving up to the majors fast through non flow through programs after they have accumulated a couple thousand hours??? The last thing I want to do is get stuck at a regional.
I know its a long post, but I appreciate any and all advice/input.
Thanks in advance everybody!!!
What did you do from '09 to '14?
Apply. Why not?
Gut check:
You have only been in the field for three years. You aren't competitive yet.
Flying 500 hours at a regional is only about a year's time.
"Stay where I am until the majors call." There is no guarantee they ever will.
A 1900 hour military pilot may have spent 15+ years in a career to get those hours (and is likely still military).
Go with the mindset that there is no quick and easy way to the majors.
Do what you have to do and do a good job. Increase your experience. Network. Go to job fairs. Volunteer in the community.
The guaranteed way not to get hired is by not applying.
Sorry if this post sounds short tempered, but we need to live in reality.