Originally Posted by
Bond
This is a real story, and the moral is pick a place where you could be happy at for up to 5 or 6 years...none of us thought we would be at a "regional" carrier past the three year mark (little did we know about this industry), only one of us is still happy.
I strongly disagree. You are saying that the decision you made with your regional is the right one for everyone out there.
Originally Posted by
rickair7777
Chasing the quick PIC is a very risky move, but it might be appropriate for some folks...self-sufficient, single, not rooted down.
I strongly agree. One needs to do what is right for them, not just what everyone tells them to do on the APC forums.
I work for a bottom feeder, was able to upgrade as soon as I had the flight time to do so, and am very happy with my choice. Yes, it has its days where I'm not the happiest at work, but that is part of the game.
Rick mentions risk...and I think the risk is the same at every regional/commuter. The risk in going to a bottom feeder is that you will end up being there longer than you planned on and go insane with the treatment and pay. However, you'll probably be building more experience faster than anyone else out there. The risk in going to a "top tier" regional (I don't believe there is such a thing, but some do), is that there will be a slowdown/loss of flying, and you'll be 8 years down the road in the right seat asking "What just happened?" Meanwhile, your buddies that went for quick PIC are hired, and likely in their 2nd or 3rd year at a major or LCC (provided connections and the market are conducive to that happening). Chances are QOL at your regional will still be quite good in that situation, though.
It's all in where you lay your chips...good luck to all.