Hey there,

I've been reading this forum for a while, and since Im kinda getting ready to move on from instructing, I had great curiosity to see what you guys' opinions may be regarding this issue. I registered yesterday, and thought I'd kick it off, if you guys dont mind, with this dilemma Im having here.

Im not too famliar yet, as most of you would be, with current situation of aviation industry here in US. Hence my need to seek for other opinions.

For several reasons not really relevant to this post, I had to stay instructing for about 4 years in FL. I was never interested in Part 135 Ops and honestly I just simply loved instructing. Now it's time to move on up the ladder and Im aiming to step it up to the regionals. I have done extensive research (mostly through this forum, great work guys, keep it up!!! ) and have pretty much narrowed my best regionals (according specifically to my criteria/needs) to 3 options.

But besides these options, I've also heard that Spirit and JetBlue have dropped their Jet PIC requirement (please feel free to correct me if Im wrong with that...) so all of a sudden, I think that maybe it would be wise to throw these two into the mix as good options as well. Would I be granted an interview with them? that is another story...)

I pretty much care about QOL, (I definately want to be based out of ATL or nearby) not really in a hurry for a left seat, just want to enjoy my way up to good equipment and good/stable company, even if I happen to take a longer way, I want to enjoy my journey there. Now Im no kid here, just turned 30, so it's not that I would be willing to put up with 10 years as an FO either, but lets just say Im not prioritizing my regional airline options based on upgrade time. Not really an issue for me. Money from the regional's first year is pretty bad in most of them I think, so no secrets there.

So, here it goes: Im currently a Chief Flight Instructor in a flight school, around 2100TT and 315ME, all piston except for about 20 in a single turboprop, ME time mostly in BE-76 and PA-44, 85% of it as an MEI. Written ATP out of the way and 4 year college degree also out of the way. Do you guys think it would be worth it to try Spirit or JetBlue? Do I even stand a chance with them? Or would I be in better shape trying on going to a regional instead?

Again, from this post I dont intend to ask directly what is better, I understand that it is only for me to decide that, based on my specific situation, but I would greatly appreciate any type of opinion/suggestion/comment that you guys may want to throw at me. I still have a lot to learn here...

Sorry for the long essay here, tryed to keep it as short as I could!

Anyways guys and gals, thanx for the help!!

FS