Pilot X

9 years in the right seat at republic? Why didn't you upgrade?

LuckyNow

I know the pay at regionals lags, but the ads that pop on this very site are all promising sign on/stay on bonuses and things that should get you somewhat closer to what you're making now. You're free to apply to apply to AA, but I don't see you as a competitive applicant.

450knotOffice

You are not competitive right now. Blunt, yes. However, it is what it is. You need recently of experience and Turbine PIC, and you don't have either. Plus, your TT for a civilian is only middle of the road. Find yourself at least 1,000 PIC Turbine on top of your current time, and you might be competitive.

TRZ06

First and foremost, it never hurts to apply. You sound like a really talented and hard working guy, someone who would be great to fly with. I admire your dedication to wife and family. Although you have sacrificed in the past it probably won't be relevant to the here and now. So without competitive qualifications in the current environment the odds are stacked up against you. All I know about those hired I read right here on the forum. I can tell you from my position as a senior line captain, there isn't a lot that can be done by knowing someone. This may change in the future when the retirements start kicking in and demand increases, but still I don't see more than a one to one replacement based on attrition. Depending on your age you might wait it out. There are so many factors out there that could change hiring for the worse that I would just ask you to be realistic in your goals. I would say that to the new hires as well. Be prepared for worst outcome and hopefully you are surprised by the best. Good Luck in whatever you decide.

Aura224

Thanks for the feedback guys, I appreciate the insight. There's just a lot of pilot chatter going around about the "pilot shortage" but I interpreted this as a Regional pilot shortage and just wanted to gauge the landscape at the majors.

I was one of the unfortunate ones to get hired at Republic, get furloughed, recalled and endure stagnant movement for 3 years. The ironic part about it is that literally 2 months after I left, an upgrade award came out that would have had my name on it. But hey, everything happens for a reason and FSI has actually advanced my knowledge and skill in aviation beyond what I thought possible after the thousands of hours in 121 ops. And no, I do not count sim time in my logbook LOL!

I am aware of AA's pay and work rules and pay is the only reason I left Republic. I actually love the lifestyle and AA's work rules are better than what we had. I've actually always wanted to fly for American, the merger just made it sweeter since I'm from the Philly area. I just recently got a fly for pay contract with one of our clients and should get to do some flying soon. I'll keep tabs on the market.

Thanks again.

afterburn81

I just spent 10 years in the right seat at XJT. Finally awarded a CA seat. (Yes it took that long) Some of the regonials that seamed like the right place to go, became a dead end. If (actually when) XJT goes under and I haven't secured a job with a major, I'm not sure I have enough steam in me to start over again at another regional. Many of us are in a critical position. This supposed pilot shortage has been, at least, partly self-induced.

CaptYoda

I think most of the majors will require recent flying experience in the past 12 months to be competitive. But you never know!

Quarryman

Why limit yourself to AA? How about going to a LCC or ACMI cargo and then a major if that's still what you wanted? I'm not certain AA has the best thing going out there right now and even if it did, all that can change.

JohnBurke

That's not funny at all. Some of us would rather have our eye sockets soldered shut than fly for a regional. Not funny in the least.

There's more than one road to Rome, you know.

There's no pilot shortage. There has never been a pilot shortage. There is not likely to be one, despite Kit Darby's lying rhetoric.

That "chatter" is among those whom you might be better off ignoring.

Crdrvr1

Don't hate on the guy..been at a regional for 17 years..tons of PIC time..clean record..several recommendations..8 months since app..crickets