Milflyer19

Hi everyone.

This is my first post on this forum. I had a question if a few could answer. Im a former airforce kc135 pilot with about 2500 hrs total time with 1300pic multijet. But havent been in cockpit for about 6 years. Looking to come back into the flying world. Which route is best looked at from the majors perspective? Going to a regional or corporate/charter for a year to build hours and currency? I know regional has 121 experience so thats good but for that year or year/half qol could be rough and pay will be mediocre. Corporate/charter qol is somewhat similar to regional but pay a good bit higher for first year. Plus no commuting. Does it really matter where i go to build recency or is there a clear path to take when applying to majors? Thanks everyone!

BeechPilot33

It would help if you would post where you live. 121 is the best route, some regionals start at 60k with bonuses. You would get picked up pretty quick with your mil time. I would say a year or less at the regionals. Pick a regional that has a good bonus close to where you live. Compass/Horizon West Coast, Piedmont East coast and Envoy down South. All have 16-20k bonus and 40$ an hour.

Milflyer19

Hi everyone. posted this on majors forum and not getting any feedback so wanted to post here. Thanks.

This is my first post on this forum. I had a question if a few could answer. Im a former airforce kc135 pilot with about 2500 hrs total time with 1300pic multijet. But havent been in cockpit for about 6 years. Looking to come back into the flying world. Which route is best looked at from the majors perspective? Going to a regional or corporate/charter for a year to build hours and currency? I know regional has 121 experience so thats good but for that year or year/half qol could be rough and pay will be mediocre. Corporate/charter qol is somewhat similar to regional but pay a good bit higher for first year. Plus no commuting. Does it really matter where i go to build recency or is there a clear path to take when applying to majors? Thanks everyone!

chrisreedrules

My quality of life during my first year at a regional was leaps and bounds better than any yea flying charter/corporate. Not all regionals offer the same potential for great qol the first year so make sure you do your research.

Cefiro

If your end goal is a major then go to the regionals, build your recent experience, and learn 121 regs. Not saying you can't go to the majors from corporate, but it makes more sense to go through a 121 training program.

Outof410

121 any day of the week.

I came from 135 and my QOL is like night and day better at 121.

SVA402

Most major airlines have some unpublished "preferred" minimums that include recency of hours. Almost without exception the regionals will build that time much faster than other avenues.

ImperialxRat

The only major that seems to care about 135 time is Alaska, and even then my class was more regional guys.

At a regional you will build time faster, get typed in a plane with more than 8 seats, have an actual schedule with vacation and sick time, travel benefits, and a signing bonus.

I would strongly suggest the regional route if major airline is your goal.

ebl14

Having done both regional and corporate/charter flying I'd say go for the latter. You mentioned not commuting, which is huge. Plus the increased pay will be nice. You already have some solid quals. I never recommend anyone go to a regional if there is a higher paying flying job available.

Many regional background pilots are unfamiliar with how different (better) the charter world is, which is why they will tell you to do what they did. However this can vary greatly depending on the company.

Pogey Bait

Pay the money and ask Emerald Coast or any of the other consulting firms. They are up to date on your situation as well as many other aspects of the job hunt. You are going to get many informed/uninformed responses on this board. Pay the money, its worth it. What airline or air line do you hope to get on with one day?