Lot of different ways this could play out now. Were I you, I'd hold out for a good regional. If this age 65 thing goes through, you will probably get stuck in the right seat wherever you go for a few years... probably 3 (add about half of the 5 years they are tacking on to the end of everyones career to your wait for CA upgrade). This means that if you go to a crappy regional, your life will be crap for that amount of time. I only wish I had the resource of APC to inform myself on the front end of getting into this gig. Had I had this forum, and been patient, I'd be a CA at Skywest right now LOVING life in California. You, on the other hand cold live this reality rather than daydream whistfully about it. All in all, the workd is your oyster at 20 no matter where you go. Even if you went to Eagle and spent 7 years waiting to upgrade, you would still retire near the top of the seniority list at a major. Nice place to be in... just chose wisely on your first step and don't burn yourself out. That's my $.02
Originally Posted by
Dash8Guy
Greetings,
I am 20 years old and a freshman in college with my commercial me/se with instrument on both. I currently have 280/60 hours. My original plan when i started my training was to get my certificates and ratings, then go to school and build time. After school was over, I would begin CFI'ing to gain the necessary hours to apply to the regionals. Well I have accomplished all my training except for the CFI. However, seeing all of these airlines minimums dropping, I get the sense that if I don't act now and begin applying to them, I may make a horrible career mistake. Meaning that I will miss this great chance to become hired and gain seniority and hours compared to waiting five years in college and only gaining about 80 hours in the process. I'm afraid if I wait to start applying until after I get my 4 year degree that the hiring may become a lot more strict with high minimums like the past. I know that there are people right now flying for the regionals doing the online degree courses.
So I guess I just need some input from you pilots out there flying for the regionals. What would you do or suggest?
Any and all suggestions, advice or whatever is welcome! Hit me with it!
Oh, also it is a BEEEOTCH to finish a 4-year degree whilst serving at the pleasure of her majesty the airline. Finish it now while you have the chance. Again, 20 years old is a good place to be... 25 is a good place to be!!! You will get there, just be patient, do the work, learn everything you can about aviation (try writing a book on the side... it gets your teaching skills crazy sharp), get your experience level up... and yes, apply to your #1-#4 choices now just in case they say yes... and leave the scummy joints alone.