Originally Posted by
1200
Thread revival.
I'm a mil pilot with a R-ATP. Not quite at 1500 total and don't have 500 PIC (lots of time spent behind a desk in my career). Been eyeing regionals but considering doing something else like caravans first to get the PIC minimums and best build my resume for an interview one day. Anyone know if these are hard limits that have to be surpassed for HR to review your app? Any advice is also welcome. Thanks in advance.
Coming from the mil side, I'd recommend starting at a regional regardless. After seeing mil side and 121 regional, I'd say it's a risk versus reward. If you were to get picked up by a major right out of the gate (unlikely with the numbers you quoted) and pink a ride, you're toast. Several guys at the regionals went too early, pinked, and had to come back and could end up stuck in regional land. I'd say looking back, I'm glad I started at a regional even though I possibly could've went straight to a major. Unfortunately, most of the rotary guys were the ones who struggled the most. They were smart people, no doubt, but just weren't used to how fast things come at you in a jet and mentioned this specifically (multiple individuals saying basically the same).
Good luck