FourBarCFI

Hello, 28 year old, current 175 FO 100hrs shy on 2500TT and 1000 121 SIC and upgrade is coming. I have a 4 year degree (took 5 years), no failures, apps in and updated regularly, previous Part 135 SIC and Captain in turbine aircraft although the PIC was single engine. Should I upgrade to the CRJ (plane I have never flown before) or wait out for the 175?
Ive been at the company for almost 2 years. Upgrading to an airplane I've never flown before is a little intimidating as a new 121 Captain. I would wait for the CRJ upgrade in my current base, junior captain 2 years 8 months and slowly dropping. Would move for the 175 as its over 5 years to hold captain in current base. Would definitely feel more comfortable upgrading to 175. Junior 175 captain is 2 years 6 months, but awards have been hovering around 3 years last few bids.

rickair7777

Good question...

It will help your career progression to get on with it faster, and an additional type rating will help increase your app score as well.

The CRJ is a bit simpler to learn than the 175 is some respects (no RNP). Talk to people and see what they say about the training program at your company.

For me it would come down to how good of a student I am... if you did fine in your previous 121 (and 135) training events, relative to your peers, then I'd be inclined to take the first upgrade regardless. If you struggled relative to your peers then maybe wait for the 175.

I once bypassed upgrade on a new plane to wait for my current plane six months later. Just being lazy. Then the music stopped. Five years later I upgraded... on the new plane, which I could have been flying as a CA (albeit very junior) for the previous five years.

FourBarCFI

Thanks for your answer. I never have had any problems with training. Pros to the CRJ are faster career progression (most likely), if the music stops I am in the left seat. Cons are my chance of a failure is significantly higher, longer to get comfortable and confident in the aircraft, I would wait longer to be a LCA. Pros of waiting for the 175 are upgrade training would be a breeze, very comfortable and confident in the aircraft (how I feel a captain should be), wouldn't hesitate to be a LCA. Cons, slower career progression, if the music stops in the next year I am stuck in the right seat.

viper548

If you didn't have a problem with the E-175 you won't have a problem with the CRJ.

Sliceback

Two or three year delay to be a E-175 CA? That could be a career crushing 2-3 yr delay. You might be waiting to get hired as your ERJ buds move to their final jobs.
Upgrade ASAP unless you’re batting below the Mendoza line. Transfer to the E-175 when you can. TPIC experience in two 121 jobs is better than just one.

FourBarCFI

I've been leaning CRJ. Thanks, makes my decision much easier.

CPE1704TKS

I'm a mil guy so I don't know if seat lock rules tend to be similar across operators, but in your situation, would it be possible to transfer to the CRJ as an FO for a few months before you upgrade on the CRJ? Best of luck!