Career Progression
 

Hey All,

Just looking for some of your input here. I'm an American working in Canada and I just got my first upgrade on the Mighty Metro. I would one day like to move back down south and get into the US aviation world. I'll be honest, I'm kind of chasing the proverbial 'Delta carrot' (Depending on where things go with the current TA and future movement) but I'm not set in stone on that.

I am wondering what those of you in the know would counsel me to do from here. What is the best career path to get from where I am now to my ultimate goal-which at this point is a major. Keep in mind, I'm in no rush; I plan to go back to school part time over the next 3 years while I build my PIC time to finish my diploma. If possible, I'd like to stay flying the Metro for my current company while I do that because they pay and treat me very well. One thing is set in stone for me: I am not moving my butt until I get 1000 turbine mpic, but after that point would you advise me to try to get into a dash 8 or a jet if possible, or would you say I'd be alright if I stayed within the current comfort of my present job.

Any feedback would be great, feel free to send me a PM or reply here! Drop me a line if you ever overnight in CYWG (probably more applicable to you regional fellows who read this forum). Maybe we can meet up!

Cheers,
C. Canuck

I'd say your on the right track. The 1000 PIC Turbine seems to be the hardest part for most people. After that, make sure you get a 4-year degree and then go off to get some Part 121 glass turbojet SIC and you should be set. Network as much as possible and submit applications to the companies you want, even if you dont meet the mins, and update often.

Agreed. The only caveat would be that you should be able to log 80 or so hours a month there. If you can only manage 20 or so, I'd look elsewhere.

If you are an American, flying for a living in Canuckistan, you don't need any guidance from APC posters. How did you pull off landed immigrant status in aviation?

GF

As long as you're there, get 1500 hour TPIC...SWA has required than 1000 in the past.

Thanks for the replies everyone.

How does a 2 year diploma compare to a 4 year bachelor degree?

Galaxy: I am a dual citizen.

My plan initially was never to leave my current job unless it were to be to a major. But it seems like I may need some 121 jet time after I've got my 1500 tpic?

Thanks again everyone.

Two more years of "dating" hot chicks.

2 year is the same as no degree for the most part (ie not good). Exception is that SWA will hire folks with a 2-year degree and exceptional qualifications, such as good family connections.


My guess would be that you will need some jet time. The old-timers will tell you how they got hired with 1900 or metro PIC but that was before RJ's...there are now thousands of folks with glass/turbojet experience and a 1900 pilot will be at a competitive disadvantage for the most part. Not to say it can't happen, but you might have a long wait.

I think there are a lot of pilots in similar situations. Small turboprop PIC trying to avoid the regionals. Is it realistic to go to a major with only turboprop time? What if it was transport category turboprop PIC? I get the feeling that turbine PIC is everything, but a pilot is nothing without jet time, even if it's only SIC.

Is jet time just a box that needs to be checked, or is it something to get another 1000-2000 and 1000 PIC? I wonder if the 1000 TPIC really means 1000 jet PIC if you read between the lines.

Or if 1000 TPIC means you need SOME jet time at all. I know up here, guys are going straight from the left seat of the Metro to the right seat of Air Canada's EMJ-190s. I saw one guy go 777 RP, and another 67 RP. And these are fellas without degrees. It's a slightly different aviation culture. Which is why I ask these questions.

I could always try AC Jazz up here-probably could get on the RJ after a year of doing the Dash 8. Maybe even on the RJ right away if I'm lucky. The pay there isn't anywhere near as bad as regional pay. I'll do everything to avoid a regional-I refuse to fly ANYTHING (much less an RJ) for less then half of what I'm currently making now.