Originally Posted by
FredFlystone
You might consider a direct entry captain at CommutAir. IAD and EWr bases, $45k sign on, CPP to United and really good training. I did DEC and started in Oct. Happy to share details if you’re interested.
Originally Posted by
rickair7777
Careful... DEC training is not for the faint of heart, especially if you're not currently flying. Relatively high failure rate, and that will set you back much further than just doing a little right seat time to get back in the swing of things.
Originally Posted by
Wildflyin
I have been in command on the 135 side, and I fully understand where you are coming from. Is your recommendation to bid FO first to get time in the jet and acclimate and then try to hold captain shortly after?
Yes.
Anywhere that is hiring street captains is also running upgrades. Get current in the right seat and used to the aircraft as an FO before bidding captain.
I've seen way too many good people get pressured by recruiters or chase dollar signs, only to just not quite be ready. The only thing worse than them washing out, is them actually squeaking past, only to get a violation or worse on their record.
I've seen lots of guys succeed as street captains, but they generally all had one or two boxes to check. Not current, no 121 PIC, no jet time, no time in type, not all of them.
The training is good, but there is a limit to what can be trained and what you have to bring to the table. Also, at any regional hiring street captains, remember- the most experienced FO's you'll be flying with have maybe 1000 hours in their role as well.
They're JUST starting to learn how to do their job, the vast majority are in that danger-zone of 3-500 hours, where they're comfortable and confident, but don't know what they don't know. And you'll be expected to mentor and groom them into the next round of captains.
For the record, I came in as an FO, with thousands of hours of jet time under 135, PIC and SIC, no time in type, no 121 time, but current. I upgraded in 4 months. Those 4 months in the right seat were invaluable to getting up to speed with the company ops, and get comfortable in the aircraft without the pressure of command as well.
My (non existent) hat is off to those that have managed to come in off the street and thrive in that role.