Originally Posted by
Shaun
Ya know, I am not really sure that I want to go fly the big shinny jets anyways. I think that I would much rather fly around mountains into short strips in a Super Cub. Flying IFR between two airports for the rest of my life sounds a little dull. I am trying to decide if I should fly for a living in AK, where it would be more "fun" flying, I think, or fly a big shinny jet and make enough money that I could have my own little airplane that I could have fun with on my days off.
I have seen the old Alaska 135 thread. I have talked to a few people about it, and have come to the conclusion that some airlines like it, some don't like it as much as other things I could do. A CFI that I work with has a Dad who is a high up guy at Alaska Airlines, and he says that he really likes to see Alaska bush time on a resume when he hires someone. I doubt every airline is like that, but really, if I wanted to go to a big airline someday, don't you think that Alaska Airlines would be a good choice?
That being said, I have contacts that will walk resumes into SkyWest, Express Jet, Big Sky, and Great Lakes. I don't have the hours to be spreading resumes around yet, so I have about a year to really make up my mind. I am just thinking that I would be happier in AK. I could possible die anywhere I fly out of. You have to take responsibility where ever you fly and don't kill yourself. If that means I loose a job at some time, I find a better and safer place to work.
Alaska Airlines would be a great place to work. Two more pilots from my airline have been hired by them since the "Alaska 135" thread. There is something to be said for making enough money to afford your own little plane for fun flying. The long term prospects for pilots at any airline are subject to to many variables to be predictable. If you fly for the big boys, at least your better compensated for this uncertainty.
Having said that, I find the quality of life in my current job very satisfying. I'm home with my family every night. I know the other employees I work with, I know the passengers, and I provide an essential service which people appreciate.
If being hirable asap by a major airline is your top priority, getting on with a lower 48 regional is probably the way to go. Working for the right company up here is a good way to get on with Alaska or others. One thing about flying in Alaska, 121 pic time can take longer to get here than elsewhere. (Our company requires about 5000 tt, I think.) One reason for that is some of the 121 destinations can be challenging. That, however, is one reason I think Alaska Airlines does hire in state pilots.
Depending on who you fly for here, its not unusual for 10 year pilots to be at six figures. There are plenty of people who make flying here a career, probably not the majority though.