Originally Posted by
sigler
The majority of foreign airlines (especially in China) will not upgrade expats. So if you're happy being an FO for life, time in type would be the most helpful; if you want to fly (and earn) as a Captain, you will need TPIC time, most likely in the specific type flown by that particular airline.
If getting B737 or A320 PIC time is out of reach for now, I'd go for the type and try getting on with one of the airlines out there that do upgrade.
I’m a regional FO with a EMB170/190 type. It’ll take about 1.5 to 2 more years to upgrade (0 TPIC), but I just got an offer from an LCC to take an A320 class in May. Currently, it’s taking 5 years to upgrade at that LCC.
I know of 2 China carriers that fly the E190 that are advertising very good pay for CA if you hold 500 TPIC. I’m not set on China though as I’m willing to go anywhere.
Do you know which airlines would upgrade an expat?
I have this gut feeling I shouldn’t turn down the offer, because I think the A320 type will benefit me more than the TPIC even if I stay domestic, but no facts to back that up.