Sus Scrofa

Great feedback, thanks!

Sus Scrofa

Not sure what you mean. My question has been answered by others, though.

My general idea is to maximize time at home without living in base. I get it now that this really isn’t possible.

TiredSoul

I was being facetious.
You need 1000 hrs 121 SIC time to upgrade at a Regional.
I don’t know which Major requires what exactly but I’m thinking more 121 time would be a plus over less 121 time.
If your goal is to semi retire at a Regional after you’ve retired from the military I would understand your question.
Doesn’t sound like you do though as you want to get on with a Major.
So I’d embrace the suck for the time that it will take.

JayMahon

Let's say you DO minimize your hours at the regional. This will result in less actual hours flying, which means it will take you longer to get over 1000 hours PIC turbine time to start talking to the majors.

Once you get into that interview, how are you going to explain why it took you years to build the PIC time? Do you think the majors want to invest thousands into your training if you'll only work a few hours a week for them?

I'm sure you can fly Part Time to maximize your time at home, I just don't think the regionals and majors are your path... those are career paths. You seem interested in a side gig.

rickair7777

Theory...

Depends. Some allow dropping only to a certain level, say 60.

Others allow unlimited dropping, but below a certain level you have to pay the company share of benefit costs (if you're using tricare, that would be little to nothing).

Reality... dropping is only an option if they have excess reserves to cover the flying, or another line pilot is willing to pick up the flying (sometimes you can bribe them with a few hundred $). If they are strapped for staff dropping will be pretty hard. You might get lucky occasionally but I wouldn't bet on consistent "part time" employment.

Best way to do that would be live at your mil duty station and volunteer for extra drills. You'll be home every night, depending on the type of unit.

rickair7777

While it is true that majors consider "productivity" in your flying history, they are used to some mil leave, and also junior reserve at the regionals. If you'd only been at a regional for a year or two they probably wouldn't expect 950 hours/year. If you've been at a regional for ten years and average 200 hours per year, they might raise an eyebrow. Although there are ways to fly a full schedule and have very low block (standups/CDOs).

They would not really want to see a 1-2 year mil drop early in your regional career... they assume you'll do that to them as well, to bang out of your juniority.


You can do it at the majors, I've had months where I worked 1-2 days and got paid guarantee. Had a buddy who didn't work for a year but got paid (special staffing case). But you have to get there first.

Regionals are typically so hard up for staff that they're running too lean for there to be much opportunity to sit reserve un-utilized.

PRS Guitars

With mil leave, you can go as low as you want, down to zero even.