Will airlines look down on VLJ PIC time?
 

With the VLJs that are and are coming out (Cessna Mustang, Cirrus Vision, Embraer Phenom) what do you think the take from the majors will be. Such as being at a regional FO now, if someone was to leave and get 1000 Turbine PIC in a VLJ, would a major look down on it?

Mostly just curious about the future of the industry as the VLJ become more popular and requires a type rating.

I think turbine PIC is turbine PIC. It will probably get you in the door, but if someone has 1000 turbine PIC in something heavy, that will count for more.

Most airlines won't look down on any turbine PIC but if you have been out of 135 or 121 currency for over ten years that tends to be a ding.

They will generally consider two things...

1. The operating environment

2. The type of airplane.

I suspect they might look down on on-demand VLJ time since the operating environment is so different from 121.

But since you have 121 jet time already, they should be comfortable with you. The VLJ has most of the speed, glass, and complexity as larger jets and operates in the flight levels.

Downside is that someone with 121 turbine PIC might be more competitive than you. With future hiring opportunities so uncertain I think the name of the game is get comfortable somewhere that you don't mind hanging out for a long time but that's just me.

Understanding the systems and flying turbofan is valuable, no matter the size. Airlines will parallel your knowledge and experience with what you need to learn to fly their equipment - what is the risk percentage of you successfully learning and flying their airplanes? So any turbofan time is valued. If you have experience in similar equipment to what they fly, obviously it's valued even more.