Where to go from here?
06-10-2021, 05:38 PM
#1
On Reserve
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Oct 2018
Posts: 11
Where to go from here?
The goal is a legacy or major.
I am currently working at a Part 135 as a Captain with my ATP and training contract end date is quickly approaching.
Here are my choices as I see them:
Go to a regional when contract is up. Try to get to a legacy. I have a 4 year degree.
Stay an additional 6 months at the current company and become eligible for a program we have with a LCC. The catch with this option is that it depends on how quickly they hire from our company. If I knew I’d be hired shortly after I was eligible, it would be an easy decision. I would happily skip the regionals. But if the movement isn’t that fast, I don’t want to be here for another few more (who knows how many) years when I could have gone to a regional and made myself competitive for all the LCCs/legacies, not just one LCC.
Assuming I take door number 1, is it better to go with a regional with a better reputation, or one where I could upgrade to captain faster and build TPIC?
I am currently working at a Part 135 as a Captain with my ATP and training contract end date is quickly approaching.
Here are my choices as I see them:
Go to a regional when contract is up. Try to get to a legacy. I have a 4 year degree.
Stay an additional 6 months at the current company and become eligible for a program we have with a LCC. The catch with this option is that it depends on how quickly they hire from our company. If I knew I’d be hired shortly after I was eligible, it would be an easy decision. I would happily skip the regionals. But if the movement isn’t that fast, I don’t want to be here for another few more (who knows how many) years when I could have gone to a regional and made myself competitive for all the LCCs/legacies, not just one LCC.
Assuming I take door number 1, is it better to go with a regional with a better reputation, or one where I could upgrade to captain faster and build TPIC?
06-10-2021, 08:04 PM
#2
Perennial Reserve
Joined APC: Jan 2018
Posts: 11,492
Originally Posted by CAXON
The goal is a legacy or major.
I am currently working at a Part 135 as a Captain with my ATP and training contract end date is quickly approaching.
Here are my choices as I see them:
Go to a regional when contract is up. Try to get to a legacy. I have a 4 year degree.
Stay an additional 6 months at the current company and become eligible for a program we have with a LCC. The catch with this option is that it depends on how quickly they hire from our company. If I knew I’d be hired shortly after I was eligible, it would be an easy decision. I would happily skip the regionals. But if the movement isn’t that fast, I don’t want to be here for another few more (who knows how many) years when I could have gone to a regional and made myself competitive for all the LCCs/legacies, not just one LCC.
Assuming I take door number 1, is it better to go with a regional with a better reputation, or one where I could upgrade to captain faster and build TPIC?
I am currently working at a Part 135 as a Captain with my ATP and training contract end date is quickly approaching.
Here are my choices as I see them:
Go to a regional when contract is up. Try to get to a legacy. I have a 4 year degree.
Stay an additional 6 months at the current company and become eligible for a program we have with a LCC. The catch with this option is that it depends on how quickly they hire from our company. If I knew I’d be hired shortly after I was eligible, it would be an easy decision. I would happily skip the regionals. But if the movement isn’t that fast, I don’t want to be here for another few more (who knows how many) years when I could have gone to a regional and made myself competitive for all the LCCs/legacies, not just one LCC.
Assuming I take door number 1, is it better to go with a regional with a better reputation, or one where I could upgrade to captain faster and build TPIC?
Realize that you will quickly make more money even at a regional than at Lakes. And unless Frontier is really your top choice, turboprop time - even TPIC - probably won’t make you as competitive for a major as flying at a jet regional.
But without any more information it’s difficult to assess what is your best option.
06-12-2021, 05:56 AM
#3
New Hire
Joined APC: Nov 2019
Posts: 6
Where to go from here
Hey Caxon. Sounds like you’re off to a great start on your career. For me, priorities were total time, multi engine-turbine PIC and the 4-year degree. Bonus points for 121 time and extra curricular activities (i.e. training or checking). Each airline has an algorithm for what they like to see. I’d pick your target airlines and focus on what they are looking for. It’s easy to find pilots willing to help you. Cheers.
09-15-2021, 06:55 PM
#4
On Reserve
Joined APC: Sep 2021
Posts: 22
I was in a similar situation but no flow agreement. From what My friends at the majors say, checking the 121 box is great. My issue is I’m leaving my 135 job with less than 1,000 PIC. If you have that then it may be worthwhile to go check that box.
09-20-2021, 08:11 AM
#5
On Reserve
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Oct 2018
Posts: 11
Originally Posted by Excargodog
It would be helpful to know your hours and types of hours. How many total hours in what type aircraft do you have? I would assume you are currently flying for Great Lakes or Silver. How many hours would you get as a junior CA if you continue working there? How long would it take you to meet the 1000 hour TPIC at Lakes or Silver to meet the Frontier requirements?
Realize that you will quickly make more money even at a regional than at Lakes. And unless Frontier is really your top choice, turboprop time - even TPIC - probably won’t make you as competitive for a major as flying at a jet regional.
But without any more information it’s difficult to assess what is your best option.
Realize that you will quickly make more money even at a regional than at Lakes. And unless Frontier is really your top choice, turboprop time - even TPIC - probably won’t make you as competitive for a major as flying at a jet regional.
But without any more information it’s difficult to assess what is your best option.
2750 TT
2211 Multi (but piston - 0 turbine time)
Probably not too hard to guess where I am ;-)
1160 135 PIC (credit towards 121.436)
09-20-2021, 02:14 PM
#6
Prime Minister/Moderator
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Engines Turn Or People Swim
Posts: 39,253
Experience from any regional will do for experience purposes (the majors don't really care).
The reputation/quality of a regional really matters more for your QOL, especially if you get stuck there for an extended period.
Very occasionally there will some labor issue associated with a regional which infuriates certain other regional pilots who may hold a grudge if they get into a position to make hiring decisions (rare but it's happened). I'm not aware of any of that going on right now.
The reputation/quality of a regional really matters more for your QOL, especially if you get stuck there for an extended period.
Very occasionally there will some labor issue associated with a regional which infuriates certain other regional pilots who may hold a grudge if they get into a position to make hiring decisions (rare but it's happened). I'm not aware of any of that going on right now.
