Debating becoming a regional lifer.
 

I've reached a crossroads in this career, one that many of us have reached at some point. I'm 36, and have been here at my regional of choice for 10 years, about 9K hrs. I've had my apps out to the majors for 3 years, and haven't heard a peep, I'm guessing due to a couple 121 check failures, and my unwillingness to attend "pay to play" job fairs. I'm happy to see a few majors have begun their own in-house job expos, and I hope that trend continues.

I've watched as captains I used to fly with, my colleagues and friends, and now FOs and former students got on at the majors, and I'm starting to wonder what's wrong with me. Be that as it may, I'm driving to work, living comfortably in the midwest, and have 15-16 days off a month. Republic has been a fairly stable place to work, even with the restructuring, and now our diversified ownership by the 3 legacies, Embraer, and others seems pretty stable to me, at least in the near term. I'm seriously debating giving up the major airline dream, and just staying here.

This is not a "woe is me" post. I know plenty are in the same boat, wondering if that call will ever come. I'm just curious...for those who have ended up staying at the regionals long term...any advice?

It's a numbers game. The so called "pilot shortage" is a myth. You have competitive quals, you just don't "stand out" amongst the other appx. 20,000 regional pilots you are competing with. So what to do? Network, Network, Network! It is WHO you know, and those multiple LOR's you will need to get you noticed. Also, pursue any opportunities to become a Check Airman with your company.
Hope this helps, and oh yeah, Need LOTS of patience....

Would u still be comfortable if your base closed and was forced to commute. I say get off ur butt and network. Hire a professional interview prep company to make u attractive to them. I had to listen to captains at republic give me that same dam story for 4 years. You are 36 not 60, do not settle for less because it is difficult. Keep updating ur crap, do something to increase your confidence, and network.

At 36 you're still looking at a 29 year career. Time/value of money alone should make you're decision easier. Do what you need to do. There is no guarantee your regional won't be undercut by someone else.

What have you done to improve your resume? Are you a check airman? Sim instructor? Ground school instructor? Union rep?

An acquaintance of mine is a hiring captain at DL, he told me they're not interested in people who spent the "lost decade" in the left seat just accruing hours and doing nothing else.

That about sums it up! I know it's probably tough to fork up some bucks to have someone review your application, attend job fairs etc. But in the end what's it worth to you? A lot if you are 36 and have 29 years left in the 121 world.

It's amazing what you might find that is wrong with your application (format, spelling, gaps, omissions). All these things can eliminate you from being considered.

Check-ride failures and other negatives are not necessarily the reason for not getting the call.

The pilot shortage is no myth, not when most of the regional CEOs and Wall Street are making a fuss about it. The numbers don't lie, but lobbyists do.

The upside for you is that regionals will have to pay more, a lot more, to hold onto pilots. In other countries where they have had a pilot shortage for many years, the lowest paid pilots are at the major airlines. Regional pilots are paid more, and corporate are paid the most. That makes sense economically, the more mobile pilots go to where the money is. Major airlines have less trouble attracting pilots, and the system penalizes pilots at major airlines for moving to a new job.

You're the average age of the guys getting hired, potentially have a 28+ career ahead of you, and are condisering giving up? Guys at 50, or older, think it's worth switching.

I was recently on the jumpseat with a crew whose FO, a newhire still on probation, made the jump to to the majors at age 61 after 18 years at the regionals.

He was ecstatic to be at the new job, new company, and had no regrets about changing jobs with only 4 years to go in his career.

Why not try for a LCC?