DiveAndDrive

Hello. I have been bitten by yet another good idea fairy (I heard that, like mosquitos, they like sweet blood). I've been thinking about possibly going to one of the 121 charter/cargo outfits such as Omni or Amerijet. They both require ATPs. Out of curiosity, how long is "too soon" to leave an employer? I ask, because I would likely go to a regional to get the ATP. I would not leave during training, and if there were any contract, I would fulfill the contract. Which I think that most places are asking for a year(?) commitment for the CTP and signing bonuses and stuff. Like I said. If there is a commitment, I will fulfill it. But I'm just asking for that hypothetical situation where there's not. I know "job hopping" is frowned upon, hence the question. As always, any and all input is appreciated, and thank you in advance!!

rickair7777

Don't worry too much about what the soon-to-be-ex employer thinks, unless it's wholly owned by a legacy you might want to work for someday.

You do need to be concerned about the appearance of job-hopping, but that's contextual.

At that level, one year would be plenty, as long as you can articulate a logical reason why you left. Otherwise, they'll use their imagination and come up with bad reasons why you might have left...

DiveAndDrive

Rick. Thank you for your reply. I wouldn't go to a wholly owned regional, for obvious reasons. If I went this route, I'd probably go to RPA, TSA, SKW, or GoJet. Somewhere, where I wouldn't care if I'd get put on a "do not rehire" list. I'm just concerned about what the "big 3" pax airlines would think. Do you think 6-12 months at a regional, and then leaving on good terms to go fly 777s or 767s internationally would be a valid reason?

And whatever time frame we're talking about, are we talking about months since date of hire, or months on the line?

rickair7777

Flying heavies would be a good reason, and I don't think the majors would be too worried if you left after a few months (ie shortly after getting on line). Mil pilots do it all the time.

But even though the mil guys are pretty sure they'll get picked up soon, they don't *know* they will. So I would not admit to planning on doing training just to get a type, knowing you will leave immediately.

In any case, I would absolutely complete consolidation, just so there's no possible question of have an incomplete training event.

Safest possible answer would be stay for a year.

DiveAndDrive

Thanks as always. You advice is always insightful, appreciated, and respected.

Sliceback

At the one year mark you'd be fairly close to upgrading at some regionals. Getting 1000 hrs 121 PIC is probably more valuable than becoming a 767/747 FO.

And at the 1000 hr TPIC mark, if CKA is a possibility, I'd fill that square (CKA) before bailing for a 767/747 FO job.