Originally Posted by Sliceback

Get the 1000 hrs TPIC. Then look at the horizon - with 1000 hrs TPIC you might already be in the top 10% of candidates. What's the next biggest resumer fluff you can get? Part 121 CKA would be GREAT. That's not on the horizon? I'd chase a LCC and get more experience on a larger jet and a new type rating. That job can also be a 'destination job.' Keep you foot on the gas until you get to your final 'destination' job. I'd recommend pressing on to a Big 3 job for the option of doing w/b flying. Most try and those that can hold it with decent seniority often stay on it for years. Some guys do it for their entire career. It has i'ts downside (less seniority and sleep cycle issues) but the most common advice is "it's a different airline." It's LIGHT YEARS different than doing domestic n/b flying. Reread the comment about guys who NEVER do domestic n/b flying. Or the guys who take the Captain upgrade but say they're going w/b Captain as soon as they can. Former FO, who didn't care for 767 w/b flying, is chomping at the bit to give the 787 a shot. At worst he'll have two years on it and he can bid back. If he decides he likes it he's on the best fleet doing the best flying in the industry.

You're 27? So at least 2,000 hrs at a minimum. At least one type rating. At worst you'll be 30 w/3,000-4,000 hrs and 500-1000 hrs TPIC. That's a top 10% candidate on paper. They want to meet you to see if the candidate they see on paper is the individual that walks in the door.

If you got hired by AA at 28, based on today's data, you'd retire as #143. Hired on your 29th birthday? #256. Hired at 30? #385. 31? 515. Delta and United might have similar projections. Is one of the Big 3 within driving distance? That's your career goal.

Good luck.

Originally Posted by Pretzel

I also have no interest in wide body flying I can't sleep on planes

Originally Posted by Pretzel

I actually like doing the domestic and regional style flying with more legs.

Originally Posted by Pretzel

Currently, having recently upgraded at a major west coast regional with a convenient base location, my goal is to join one of the big 6 airlines, ideally Alaska or Southwest. Although I previously interviewed at Southwest and was turned down, I reapplied during the recent window, but they won't be hiring for a few months. Now, I'm debating whether to stay, accruing turbine PIC hours, or jump to F9 to avoid the metering. The downside of joining F9 would involve potential commuting and all-day trips, impacting my quality of life. While F9 has bases out west, uncertainties about future developments make it a consideration. On the positive side, joining F9 would mean leaving the regional for a major with accompanying benefits. However, the trade-off is dealing with commuting instead of waiting it out to gain valuable time as a captain, anticipating a call from one of the big 6. Despite my current reasonable quality of life, bidding for reserve grants most desired days off and some weekends. Would it be short sighted to not try at a ulcc just to gain turbine pic if that requirement does ever come back? I am fortunate to have 38 years left in this carrier as it stands now so time is not too much of a concer but I don't want to waste it.

Originally Posted by Pretzel

I have apps out at the big 3 plus AS and WN. Been trying to update after every chance. Also I do have a few meet and greets schedule at NGPA this month so hopefully that will help a bit.

Originally Posted by Pretzel

currently around 2200 total with 50 Hours TPIC so I'm not in a bad position I don't think but I also have no interest in wide body flying I can't sleep on planes and call me crazy but I actually like doing the domestic and regional style flying with more legs. Also I would love to do the checkairman thing because I do like the teaching aspect but rumor from checkairman I've flown with is they won't hire any check airman that are not lifers at the airline so I think that may be out of the question but you never know