downgrade for a line?
 

Hello,

I'm a regional captain with about 7000tt and 2000 turbine PIC. I'm thinking about downgrading in the next bid for better QOL. Would it look better to a major to be an active captain or does it not matter as long as you have the PIC?

thank you

I would think that would be an acceptable explanation but if you are actively searching for a job it might be best to stay in the left. Once the music stops after the next industry catastrophe, then it would make sense to look for a comfortable place to wait things out.

Since CA => FO downgrade is a common form of punishment for PIC transgressions, you would have to assure a potential employer that it was voluntary. Probably would want to make that clear in your cover letter so that don't make any assumptions before they talk to you.

Don't do it. For one thing, it makes you look like a "sport bidder". The majors look down on guys who bid around to collect type ratings. It is also proof positive that you would have no problem doing the same thing at the major. If you don't want to be on reserve, don't upgrade until you can hold a line. Unless you work for a company with an "up or out" policy, no one is forcing you to upgrade.

Fishfreighter-

Where did you get this info? At UAL it is not uncommon for dudes to have every type rating because of the bump/bid system so I have a hard time believing an employer would frown upon an individual doing this.

Just curious-

KC

Sport bidding for the sake of collecting type ratings has got to be low on the priority list for most normal human beings (well I might make an exception for the 74), bedsides he has a perfectly legit, real-world reason for biding back down (QOL) and he had a legit reason to upgrade in the first place (money, TPIC). The fact that hiring opportunities evaporated was beyond his control.

Being at a legacy, OR regional that has downgraded/displaced pilots is one thing. It's involuntary. The key word is his post was "regional CA", who is looking to move on.

I've been involuntarily displaced twice in the regional world, I'm pretty sure when I get get asked and I provide that information, there won't be much question as to why my log books have PIC time followed by SIC time followed by PIC time.

Now I'm making an assumption, the OP is thinking of down bidding to an FO spot. Whole different deal as if that's the case, as they're no type rating of actual value being given if down bidding to a fleet he hasn't already flown.

Man, that's a tough one. I learned long ago that you can't afford to pass up an opportunity in this career because you may not get the offer again. I'd hate for you to bid back to FO for a year and then be stuck there if your regional airline goes south and they don't need anymore captains.

Then again, if you're not happy, I'm sure there's some anxious FO who would gladly fill your spot on reserve.