Lateral Move?
OK I need a little help here. I am a duel ATP (FW MEL & Rotor) TT 4900 (3000 Rotor/1900 Fixed) 2700 PIC, 4050 Turbine, 700 ME, and 680 of 121 time. I’m a 51 yo retired navy helo driver and am a FO at a Pacific North West regional.
My regional has fallen on hard times and had to “reorganize”. I am the junior man on my airframe, and have been sitting reserve four (4) months now. I have a total of 44 hours since 1 Oct. Our flying is slow and looks like it will remain that way until about May. The company does have a few irons in the fire, which may produce more flying, but the magic word is MAY. The flying will likely pick up in the summer but I am not sure as to how much, last year we were at max tempo, but our manning and aircraft availability is different now. Furthermore the prospects for upgrade are completely unknown at this point. I live 30 minutes from my base, to me this is huge.
I have been looking at other pastures, and I am aware that they grass is not always greener – its just different grass. Having said that the other pastures are flying. I am looking at possibly taking a job at another regional (Compass) and was hoping to be based in SEA for a one-leg commute. I would eventually like to move up (like everyone else) and believe I need 1500 of ME and a little 121 PIC time to make up for my sins as a helo driver. Given an estimated 8-week training time, and maybe a few months of Res at the new airline. The question for the general crowd is;
Does it make sense to make a lateral move from Brand X to Compass, or should I gut it out at Brand X?
Thanks BF