Next move
 

Good afternoon,

I am hoping to get some good advice and guidance for my particular situation. Currently I am a Captain on the CRJ for a 121 supplemental carrier. I am at 5k TTL and 2k TPIC on the RJ. I have been at a few different carriers, mostly supplemental. My main goal has been the majors, have been trying hard for Spirit but just can't get the call. I've added extra titles other than line captain, recruiter and ground instructor. Currently, my airline seems like it is tanking. I'm afraid about making a move and adding more jobs to the resume as it may look bad to the HR teams. But if I have to make a move to get a paycheck by years end I may have no choice.

If I have to make a move my biggest concern is going lateral or even backwards in terms of career progression. I have been looking at every sector in this business though, and am not sure what to do. I am considering Fractionals, Cargo and even regionals. As of right now, I have a firm class date with Western Global. It seems that it would make sense getting into heavy international as a progressive move, but honestly long haul cargo for 17 is NOT what I want. The fractionals seem to have decent pay and schedules, but I am worried that looks like a move backwards to an HR rep. If I did go Frac I would hope to upgrade quickly while also pushing for an LCA position or safety officer. LCA at my current gig is unattainable. If I looked at regionals the only thing I can garner is maybe a 175 type showing im trainable in another frame, and then possible flow.

I am 33 and single with no kids. What would you guys suggest? I live in S.FLA and commuted to ORD for Gojet years back, that was hell. If I went regional again I would have to move to base. I honestly don't know what to do. Any guidance is appreciated. Thank you.

I’d suggest a good corporate job rather than a fractional—better pay, advancement. There are lots of openings and your PIC time is favored.

GF

There are a variety of jobs in S. FL.

For the majors of course regionals are typically the most reliable path, although there are a few caveats... getting stuck at a regional with one type rating and no way to get another is not great. Multiple types seems to be a fairly significant factor (makes sense, a weak pilot could get lucky as a new hire and then everything after that is relatively easy on a type you know).

For corporate, I would guess some international flying would better suit your major airline goals.

Safest path to a major would be a regional with AA flow. Although if you have a degree and no blacks marks I would think one of the bigs would call in the next few years. You're on the low side (time and types) for the big six, but might be "over qualified" for some LCC... if they think you'll bail for the bigs at the first opportunity.

For fractionals, do your homework. Lots of strife in that sector and apparently recruiters might promise things which are not realistic.

I understand the flow would be a good bet, assuming its 10 years that would put me at 43 yo. As far as S.Fl I don't care about being here I just want my resume to look as best as possible. Truth be told I could go to Silver DEC but that is definitely a step backwards on paper I think. I really would love Spirit and call it a day. What do you think about the cargo MD-11 type Intl? Would that be a good "on paper" bet?

Only if you can stomach the work! Or the lack of schedule.

GF

What about Jetblue?
Window is apparently about to open.

I don’t think lateral moves are looked on unfavorably as they were in the past. Just make sure you go somewhere where you get another type- frankly I would pick the -145 over the -175 if you don’t have that type. But that would be an all else being equal tie breaker.
Having said that, if you can stomach the 17 day schedule wise body International seems to look good.
Many good options and many ways of skinning the cat. Just be able to justify them in a logical “HR friendly” fashion. It’s understood in this industry that carriers sometimes go under. Contracts get cut. Pilots who want to fly sometimes have to take a step backwards in those situations. Just be magnanimous, don’t turn into one of those bitter, spiteful pilots that no one wants to fly with.