Firefly22

Hi all,

Long time lurker here and first time post. I'm currently contemplating a career move into the Regionals through Rotor Transition. I've been working federal law enforcement (more like aviation security) for the past 9 years, as well as flying UH-60's with the Guard. I haven't made the jump yet due to QOL/pay concerns with family and all.

Without getting into too many details, my current gig has me flying everywhere as a passenger 5 days a week, so I'm already away from home quite often. Will moving into the airlines offer a more flexible schedule and competitive pay further down the road? Or should I just stay in my career field and look into another law enforcement agency that may have the potential to fly part time? (I'm 33 and really don't want to do another police academy)

Any input would be appreciated!

rickair7777

At your age with mil experience (and a four year degree), you'll have plenty of opportunity to get to some good seniority and QOL at a good major. Pay will likely be $80-120K as a regional CA, $180K+ as a major FO, and $350K+ as a major CA. You'll probably find the schedules to be flexible (once you get some seniority).

Firefly22

Thanks! That definitely helps sway my mind a bit, I've been reading a lot of doom and gloom about regionals in the forums. However, every place I've been in my experience has its ups and downs.

My biggest fear is moving to a regional and waiting 5+ years to upgrade to CA.

rickair7777

Regionals do not have it as good as most majors by any means. Most folks use them as a means to an end, a few get into cushy seniority situations and can ride it out (but you probably needed to get hired in the 1990's for that).




Unless you pick a small boutique regional with lots of lifers, that's probably not going to be an issue. Many are essentially hiring street CA's if you meet the mins.