I have almost 1200 hrs. - about half in the right seat of a 23,000lb. turboprop doing the quintessential freight dog thing. Most people I've spoken with who have enough experience to know what they're talking about have generally discouraged me from bothering with an RJ career track, but I'm not quite ready to scrap the idea altogether without getting some more information.
My basic dilemma is whether I should go for a 135 Multi PIC job (hopefully turbine) in the freight biz, or try to find a jet gig that will move me into the left seat sometime before I retire, and leave the dirty business of flying freight behind - I don't really enjoy it much at this point, but I feel like I'm getting great experience. Also, I do think it would be better with a different company as PIC, but still not exactly my dream job.
Mostly I'd like to hear from some current and former regional types with a little time in their logbooks. I figure the day will come when I'll wish I had known now what I'll know then
There seem to be so many potential directions to take from here - all different, but none that clearly jump out as being the best (PIC in the plane I'm flying now would be nice, but not with this company). Also, keep in mind that I'm 30 and my wife and I are expecting our third kid. Can't live on jack much longer, but with the right schedule I could supplement with a little flight instructing or something if the job was worth it in the long run.
- Why should I or shouldn't I go to a regional carrier?
- Are any of them upgrading new guys before the next decade?
- Any in particular that I should set my sights on or avoid, and why?
- Am I better off building Multi PIC for a while (I have "lots" of M/E SIC, but less than 10hrs. PIC)?
- If I fly freight too long, will it become more difficult to cross over to something like a corp or frax operation - or even a major?
- Any other suggestions?
I used to think I had it all figured out, but now that I've been flying professionally for a little while, the more I learn, the less I know where to go or what to do. And I'm not sure whose advice I should be listening to either - but right now I'd like to hear yours. Thanks.