Regionals/bonuses or Legacies/seniority
12-13-2022, 10:05 AM
#1
On Reserve
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Dec 2022
Posts: 13
Regionals/bonuses or Legacies/seniority
First time poster looking for some career advice.
Flew at the regional level for about 8 years, then left for a Part 91 gig back in 2014. It’s been a great job until recently, as the flying has mostly dried up and pay is stagnant.
Looking to get back into the 121 world. Considering going the DEC route as I have a lot of 121 SIC time, but no TPIC as I never upgraded at the regional. The bonuses and pay rates at the wholly owned regionals (Envoy, PSA, Piedmont) are very tempting, although I do have concerns about stability over the next few years at the regional level. The bonus money would be good to pay off some debt I’ve accrued (won’t get into that), but needless to say it would help me get where I want to be financially quickly.
Ultimately want to be at one of the legacies, or FedEx/UPS would be interesting as well. With the hiring environment now I would imagine I could probably get an interview, maybe an offer at one of those. Unfortunately that does mean no bonuses and first year pay to navigate at the legacy.
So here’s my dilemma: do I jump on the opportunity at a regional, get some TPIC time? This would make me more marketable in a different hiring environment in the future, if things change, and open up possibilities at FedEx/UPS. In this scenario I could take advantage of the huge bonus, and jump to United or Delta after the bonus repayment contract ends, in two to three years.
The other option is apply to legacies and see what happens. If I can get on there, I enjoy the benefits of a hiring wave.
While the wholly owned does have flow to AA, I’m not convinced that flow will really happen in a reasonable time. My big concern with choosing the regional route is that I get locked into a multi year contract with the bonuses, and regret the decision as thousands get in front of me at the legacies.
Appreciate the advice. Here’s my numbers:
7,900 hrs total time
6,100 hrs TSIC
1,800 hrs PIC
Flew at the regional level for about 8 years, then left for a Part 91 gig back in 2014. It’s been a great job until recently, as the flying has mostly dried up and pay is stagnant.
Looking to get back into the 121 world. Considering going the DEC route as I have a lot of 121 SIC time, but no TPIC as I never upgraded at the regional. The bonuses and pay rates at the wholly owned regionals (Envoy, PSA, Piedmont) are very tempting, although I do have concerns about stability over the next few years at the regional level. The bonus money would be good to pay off some debt I’ve accrued (won’t get into that), but needless to say it would help me get where I want to be financially quickly.
Ultimately want to be at one of the legacies, or FedEx/UPS would be interesting as well. With the hiring environment now I would imagine I could probably get an interview, maybe an offer at one of those. Unfortunately that does mean no bonuses and first year pay to navigate at the legacy.
So here’s my dilemma: do I jump on the opportunity at a regional, get some TPIC time? This would make me more marketable in a different hiring environment in the future, if things change, and open up possibilities at FedEx/UPS. In this scenario I could take advantage of the huge bonus, and jump to United or Delta after the bonus repayment contract ends, in two to three years.
The other option is apply to legacies and see what happens. If I can get on there, I enjoy the benefits of a hiring wave.
While the wholly owned does have flow to AA, I’m not convinced that flow will really happen in a reasonable time. My big concern with choosing the regional route is that I get locked into a multi year contract with the bonuses, and regret the decision as thousands get in front of me at the legacies.
Appreciate the advice. Here’s my numbers:
7,900 hrs total time
6,100 hrs TSIC
1,800 hrs PIC
12-13-2022, 08:45 PM
#2
Prime Minister/Moderator
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Engines Turn Or People Swim
Posts: 39,224
Apply to all majors which you'd be happy with as a career destination, you'll probably get called. Probably for sure by second tier/LCC, so maybe apply to legacies first and see what happens.
12-14-2022, 05:29 AM
#3
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Sep 2022
Posts: 856
You don’t mention age or location preferences keeping you back from the majors.
In that case, you’re losing out every month deferred to your destination airline. Apply to the majors and (likely) pick between two or three offers
Even if you have a burning desire for ups you can upgrade very quickly at the majors now.
In that case, you’re losing out every month deferred to your destination airline. Apply to the majors and (likely) pick between two or three offers
Even if you have a burning desire for ups you can upgrade very quickly at the majors now.
12-14-2022, 05:41 AM
#4
On Reserve
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Dec 2022
Posts: 13
Originally Posted by Brickfire
You don’t mention age or location preferences keeping you back from the majors.
In that case, you’re losing out every month deferred to your destination airline. Apply to the majors and (likely) pick between two or three offers
Even if you have a burning desire for ups you can upgrade very quickly at the majors now.
In that case, you’re losing out every month deferred to your destination airline. Apply to the majors and (likely) pick between two or three offers
Even if you have a burning desire for ups you can upgrade very quickly at the majors now.
Live in the Columbus, Ohio area and am early 40s. Not set with staying in Ohio long term, but for the time being the family has roots here.
Upgrade times are fast right now at the majors? Thats good to hear…
