1.) Research EVERY regional. Create an excel spreadsheet with a point system. Try to get the one in the top 3 of your personal ranking.
Ask for a later class date while interviewing. Try to get 3 offers in same time frame so you can choose the best one for you. You don't want to be called for an interview at your best choice airline, while at first day of INDOC at second choice. I've been there
2.) DON"T go somewhere with a high washout rate. If that is your dream job, get some multi turbine experience FIRST ! ( Part 135, etc.) Get good at using FD, Autopilot, FMS flying to precision. Always at ref, always same place in touchdown zone, etc. If you have doubts about getting through Part 121 training, definitely start out in Part 135, 91, etc. Ease into it. Its not worth rushing, and having a bad record.
One FO I spoke to said in his class of 11, 8 were let go. Sounds like NAVY SEAL training !
3.) Become an expert on:
- Visual approaches
- Sweptwing aerodynamics
- Sweptwing crosswind landing in max crosswinds with gusts. ( a good number of wingtip strikes on CRJ-200, some on CRJ-700, and ERJ-145.) Not a good way to start your career.
- Reading METARS ( with ice pellets, freezing rain, Thunderstorms, etc. )
- Reading NOTAMS
- Takeoff / landing reports TLR's
- General Profiles : T/O , V1 cuts, etc. ( Read "Turbine Pilot's manual".)
- Flows, CRM
3.) DON'T chase upgrade ! Be patient, and stay put, if unsure. Regionals are changing so fast, you don't want to leave a place that turns out to be on top the next year.
4.) In training, study, and work like it is the hardest thing you have ever done in your life ! It probably is, for most people ( Except for Most Military pilots.)
4.) RELAX, and enjoy flying ! Let the LCA's insults roll of your back, and don't take it personally. Take the input onboard, and get better.
One day you will be a Captain, and you can create a team environment on YOUR aircraft. It's been proven to be much safer to function as a team, and it sure makes the job much more fun.