Originally Posted by
capt4life
Long time listener, first time caller-
I’m within 12-18 months of pulling chocks from Big Blue. My last 10 years has been in unmanned ISR, F-16s prior to that. I’ve got plenty of “manned” time to qualify for one of the ISR shops but probably short for the majors - factoring in recency. I am struggling on which vector to take. My ultimate goal is Big 3/ Fedex/ UPS. Can anyone speak to how the majors look at manned ISR vs 121 regional experience? TIA
My suggestion would be 121 route, but I am also an advocate of doing what makes you happy. If you enjoy the ISR mission, then I say go that route, but if your goal is legacy carriers and or the big cargo haulers, 121 experience at a regional will go much further. I know quite a few guys that have gone on from the regionals to UPS & Fedex and if you are under 40 (insert joke here), mainline will also pick you up from the regionals.
Your military time is highly valued, just make sure you understand the CRM concept and don't mind sharing in the decision making. Not saying you have this issue, but a lot of single pilot fighter pilots struggle in the crew environment.
Military experience + 121 time = write your own ticket these days.