VTPilot31

Lori,
I was wondering if Eclipse 500 (VLJ) flight time attracts major airlines such as JetBlue and Southwest, or if airlines like experience in heavier aircraft such as the RJ's. Any idea?

TPROP4ever

It should definatly count as some experiance in turbine and jet aircraft, but things are so competative at the majors that the fact that it isnt a transport catagory aircraft is going to hurt. Id say good on a resume for regional someday, but for a major definatly not. I could be wrong though...good luck

rickair7777

It would definitely make you more than competitive for a regional job. As for a major...

Corporate pilots do get hired by majors, although a regional guy will probably have a better shot if all else is equal. This is not so much because of the type of aircraft, but the type of flying. A regional guy obviously is more familiar with 121 operations.

However...during the last hiring wave several majors (JB was one of them IIRC) actually required experience in aircraft with a certain gross weight, I think it was around 30,000 Lbs. This would include almost all military aircraft and most airline turboprops...but not citations, king airs, 1900's, or VLJs.

If you can get into a VLJ with low time (or are furloughed and have nothing better to do) and fly as PIC, you might as well try to get 1000-1500 hours. I suspect that will not get you to a major, but if then go to a regional and get some 121 time you can probably get to a major without upgrading. I think at least some majors would be fine with a combination of 121 SIC and VLJ PIC.