Long time lurker, first time poster. I am near 50, finishing my multi-engine rating, over 1500 hours with a 4-year degree. Got my CFI just before 9/11 and most of us know the story there. I’m finally to a point in my life where I can make a change…kids are grown and wife has always been supportive.

So, my question is this. I’ve been watching Skywest, Republic, PSA, ExpressJet and one or two others and have a good sense of what each is about with respect to work rules, pay, etc. However, I’m wondering if there is guidance/consensus on where one might go to be able to build time the quickest (given my age) to be able to advance the rungs of this career ladder. Let me be clear, I respect the profession, want to gain experience at the appropriate pace and give back where I can. I’m not looking to get in and get out at record pace, but I also don’t want to sit reserve unnecessarily somewhere if I can be flying elsewhere gaining experience (and of course, time). That said, I’m not trying to skip ahead or take advantage of or over anyone. I just want some honest advice.

All but Skywest are offering some sort of bonus/incentive on top of pay. I know Skywest is huge and has lots of opportunity, but does the pay/opportunity outweigh a bonus at say Republic, PSA, or Expressjet (and yes, I understand at a certain level the pay differences and that there are nuances to contract rules, “overtime” pay, commuting sucks, etc.). I’m looking for an honest judgement on whether the differences between the regionals are enough to justify one over the other in the current environment.