Better look into their schedules...a lot of them fly an AM and a PM leg and spend their days in a trailer at an out-station. They might get 6 hours at home...from 2000-0200.

Majors prefer 121, glass, turbojet experience. Don't know what else to tell you.

Long-term regional growth is very uncertain...smaller regionals may be doomed, and larger ones may have to branch out into branded flying in the long run.

The good news is that retirements (and hopefully growth) may drive majors to hire more regional FO's. Some do not require TPIC as it is, although TPIC is very helpful.

Cop out. If your career plan is the majors, you should know to save a little money. It doesn't take much, second year pay at any reasonable major is going to be comparable to 5-8 year regional CA pay so you only have to cover the first year. Many folks who say that simply haven't been called for an interview...their tune would change if they did. I think it's more likely they just can't get off their butts to go through the process, or are concerned with a big QOL change. QOL is a legit concern, but if you want to go to the majors you have to plan on it.


That's just the nature of the industry...if you don't like it go to dental school. Entry-level aviation sucks because enough people are willing to put up with it.

There should be, and I think it will create opportunities for regional FO's to move up without TPIC time.

There are multiple possible paths to the majors, but regionals are generally the most reliable because you are doing the kind of flying the majors do in transport category aircraft, and you will meet a lot of people who will be in a position to hook you up later. A G-V is as big as an RJ, but you might only have 1-2 other pilots on staff...not so good for networking.

135 and 91 corporate could still get you there, but you will have to network like crazy and figure out if there is any particular airframe or company which seems to send more guys to SWA, etc.

Great points... and i agree with most of it.

I have had a lingering concern and i'm not sure which road to go down. I'm currently a cfi and the fork in the road is gonna come up eventually. Regionals or part 135. I love the look of part 135 companies (especially AMF)... but the "safe" regional route is attractive. I'm terrified of getting into a regional and being a FO for 8 years. I am most attracted to Eagle but of course their upgrade time is scary. Think it would be wise to bank on shorter upgrade times starting in 2012?

I was home every night from 8:00 P.M to 6:30 A.M. I know it's not very long, but still long enough to have a descent dinner with the wife, relax and have a social life. Plus the weekends off and major holidays off.

what was your next step then?

after AMF that is...

I (for one) will let you know when I get there and a job presents itself lol :)

I would like to get something that:
1. Flies
2. Pays

Almost an oxymoron for our industry isn't it lol

yeah it is an oxymoron at times. Do you have a family/wife? If not i see why you're not quite as concerned with it