Grizzz,

If you are going to go the 121 route you should consider a few things before making any leap:

You have about 600 hours, I think most regionals require 2000+/- to upgrade to captain. So if you were hired today, you are looking at close to two years before you upgrade (two months training and about 18-20 months at around 80 hours per month). If you want to move on to a mainline, you will probably need at least a year as captain to get your PIC time. Depending on how hiring is going then, you may need another year or two to be competative. You are 40 now, so when the time comes to make the jump to the majors you will be 43-45. How will you and your family feel about either commuting or moving to the new junior base and going back to the bottom of the seniority list? And a quick look at the "most junior captain" in the airline descriptions shows (at present) an upgrade time at the majors around 8-10 years.

I suggest you take your time, do research, and choose your regional based on QOL, quality of contract, employee/labor relations, and location. I know several folks who have become "lifers" for the regionals and choosing a GOOD regional may give you that option (sometimes it is good to be the biggest fish is a little pond).

Oh, in case you are wondering, I am on my third carreer and three years your senior (too old and too grumpy to go job-hopping anymore). Feel free to PM me if you have more questions.

Good Luck