Originally Posted by
Sliceback
600 TPIC. Is that as the actual Captain, legally signed for the airplane, or as 'SIC acting as sole manipulator of the controls'? Keep track of both, I looked my legs flown as SIC separately, as some (all?) of the majors don't accept 'sole manipulator of the controls' for their PIC requirements.
Apply to every major. You can always keep applying, and try to go to your personal #1 choice, if you're at choice #2-#10. The odds are one of the lower ranked airlines is probably still a better career choice than your current job.
1900 hrs is probably not competitive. 2500 hrs might be the starting point? Realistically plan on getting hired with more TT than 2500 hrs. The airlines like Part 121 TPIC, then Part 135 TPIC, then other TPIC. Jets > turboprops. 1000 hrs TPIC is "highly competitive" and 500 hrs TPIC is "competitive." SEL TPIC....meh. They don't count that.
I just spoke with a guy this morning. Only flying 350-400 hrs a year in w/b jet. He's pushing 10,000 hrs so yearly TT doesn't matter. But a 2000 TT pilot? Flying 350-400 hrs a year? Everyone flying 800-1000 hrs in a quality job is in the high speed lane passing you. So make job/resume/career decisions that steer you on a path to 5000 hrs/1000 TPIC ASAP. Plot out job choices and the write your future resumes 1-5 years down the road for each job option you have.
Unfortunately those trajectories are hard to get onto, and often don't exist, EXCEPT for the regionals....which is the #1 resume enhancer young pilots can do if they're pursuing an airline career.
$.02.
Good luck.
I appreciate the feedback! I’m stuck at that 350-450 hrs a year right now too (if all goes well). I’m in my 40’s and settled with a family in a popular town in Montana which should be easy enough to commute to most West Coast cities for an airline base out there.
My PIC turbine is a mix of Twin Otter ~300hrs, Caravan ~250hrs, Part 91 Sole manipulator Phenom 300. ~50hrs.
I understand the fast lane going by me. I’ve been choosing my family and QOL for the last 5 years over the career (maybe to a fault). Had been told when hired by current company that hours within count for double towards upgrade time of 3000tt and recently had company wide email stating otherwise. I’ve applied to most and interviewed with several of the relevant 135 operators. I think I’m just part of the pack of pilots lacking time and experience.
I’ve reached out to a couple airline prep folks and will see what they have to say.
Thanks again!