Returning to 121
 

Hello all,

I’m looking for thoughts and perspectives from the APC brain trust.

I’m looking to return to the 121 world and would like to work for a AA, UAL, DAL, SWA, FedEx or UPS. I flew for Eagle for 6 years then left for my current job in 2012. I’ve been flying a King Air E90 for an oil company since then. I also do the desk work that the company does which has been enjoyable and a good skill to fall back on if needed. However, flying has slowed down and I suspect the current owner will retire in a couple of years and the plane will be gone.

I have 5,800 TT, 4330 Part 121, and 780 TPIC. My problem is I’m down to about 60 hours a year. We are Part 91 and we fly as a two person crew so actual flight time is about double.

I’ve had apps in to the companies above for a year. I currently make good money at my job and have a good QOL. Going to a regional or LCC and making maybe $40kish a year would be very tough for my family. My fear is going back to a regional and getting stuck making regional FO pay in a downturn. I’m not sure if I’m even marketable at an LCC but I wouldn’t mind staying at one long term.

So, to the brain trust: Would you...
A) Stay where you are, hope the above companies call, and wait until the company sells the plane and then go to a regional or LCC?
B) Go to a regional, hope to upgrade, get hired somewhere or flow?
C) Go to a LCC
D) Other

I appreciate any constructive advice and thoughts.

Returning to 121
 

Age? Do you have a 4 yr degree? Clean driving & flying record?
I would stay at your current job as you already have 121 experience at Eagle. Just make sure you update your apps frequently. I wouldn’t even consider a Regional or LCC. Legacy Carriers or a Respected Corporate job with competitive compensation, benefits & QOL.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I’m 35 and have a 4 year degree. I have a clean flying and employment record. I have two speeding tickets for less than 10 mph over the limit in 2002 and 2003.

How much jet? Prop time doesn't cut it any more. I think mine helped to diversify my resume, but that's about all it was worth.

Fastest path might be regional, that way you could get jet TPIC pretty quickly. LCC might take longer, may not fly as much, and if you need TPIC it would be years to upgrade. Also you might not get called by a LCC just yet.

For someone of your demographic, TPIC is probably key. Those getting hired without TPIC are typically young, trendy, and diverse.

Which is always important in the cockpit during an emergency. Experience be darned nowadays! :rolleyes:

60hrs a year isn’t even meeting minimum currency requirements for most majors/LCCs. It will let you get back into 121 via the regional route though.

Get to a regional with a flow, and get your apps out as soon as you update them. With your prior 121 experience you should be able to upgrade very quickly... latest Captain award went to a prior airline guy 5months on property at Piedmont for example... All of the AA Wholly Owneds are seeing upgrades within the first year for prior airline folks.

Get current, get your apps out and take the next best deal until you’re happy where you are, or are at a career airline.

I have about 3,500 jet time. About 350 is jet PIC. All of that is 121.

As mentioned just above. I have a 4 year degree with a 3.57 GPA, graduated with distinction and was HS Valedictorian. I have plenty of volunteer work which includes President of a couple of clubs.

1st choice B
2nd choice C

60 hrs a year, especially in a light turboprop, is fairly worthless.
It’s a great gig when you’re a new guy. Good on your resume when you’re gaining experienc. Now? You’re falling behind your peers and the shortfall is accelerating.

The typical new hire has 5000-7500 TT and 3000-4000 PIC. At the current rate you’ll reach the typical resume in 50 years.

At a regional with a flow program you’ll be at AA in 6-8 years. Upgrade in 2-3? If not within a year. So in 4-5 yrs, or 2-3yrs with a rapid upgrade, you’d have the typical OTS new hire resume. You’d be 37-40. And you can be applying the entire time just in case someone grabs you.

I’m curious about these flow programs... are they bi-directional? Would’ve loved to have somewhere to flow back to after 9/11. [emoji20]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Unfortunately they aren’t. It is ridiculous. Flows get free jobs but we can’t flow back? Insanity.