Joeandjen17

Hello to the forum,
I am getting ready to make a job change and want to getting any insight if this would be a good step or not in becoming employed with a major carrier. A quick background on me is originally a helicopter pilot started in 2001. 5000ish hours in helicopters multiengine. Flying for a regional airline in the E-175 currently with about 900 hours. (Only about 1300 total fixed wing) The regional I’m at has a very unsure future currently.
Basically looking at going over to corporate/ fractional for the increase in pay to try and manage the debt of airplane school and 1 1/2 years at regional FO pay. Not sure if this is a bad move as I wont see any PIC time for a long long while with this move and don’t want it to completely prevent a move to the majors.
Any input is greatly appreciated, thank you.
Joe

rickair7777

Fastest path to majors will normally be regionals. You've already checked the 121 and type rating box, but for most of us TPIC is still king, and it's better in heavier aircraft, and probably best in 121 (for a civilian).

So yes it would likely delay your career progression. Given the looming retirements I assume the majors would get to you eventually, but you need to consider where you want to be in the hiring wave. If you can't get PIC quickly, I'd recommend large cabin bizjets (slowtation, etc doesn't count for much).

Excargodog

There are about five regionals hiring DECs or near-DECs, a couple that will actually fly your butt off. And most have significant signing bonuses. Yes, you’ll probably have to commute AND be low on the seniority list for a year or two. But there is going to be a LOT of movement in the majors throughout the next 6-7 years. You can either be on the leading edge of that hiring wave two years from now or the trailing edge five years from now. Wherever you are, that’s where you will stay for the rest of your career.

Your choice.

Joeandjen17

Thanks I appreciate both responses. That’s pretty much exactly what I needed to know.

Joe

dbflyer

Stay where you are until you get your 1000hrs 121 time. Upgrade where you are or move somewhere else as a DEC. Get 1000hrs 121 PIC time as fast as you can (which will also earn you the money you need). Then decide if 121 is for you or if you want to start working your way into the corporate side. That path will keep the most doors open to you for the longest period of time.