PasserOGas

I'm a recently separated mil guy, 3400TT, 1700PIC, all turbine, ATP complete, all the other boxes checked.

I have had my apps in at all the majors that will let me, but for months the phone has been silent. Due to this I recently applied to one of the regionals. I live in one of thier domiciles, so I figured I could earn some extra money (along with my AF reserve gig) and some experience in the 121 world without commuting.

It didn't take long for the phone to ring...

This long story leads to my question. If I accept a job with a regional, will it hurt my chances for an interview and/or hire with one of the legacy carriers? They are supposed to pick up hiring here in the next 6 months, and I think I'm somewhat competitive. Will they look at my recent hire as a negative (loyalty problem)? Or could it be viewed as a positive (121, recent training)?

CaptainCarl

Mostly seen as a positive. Do it.

CrakPipeOvrheat

If you complete the training at a regional with no problems it would be a positive. Recently completing training at a 121 would give them even more confidence in your trainability. The only way it would hurt is if there is an agreement between that regional and the major they fly for that limits the number they can hire from that regional. If you goto a delta connection carrier represented by alpa it may help because the delta pilot contract says they have to hire a minimum of 35% new hires from those regional partners.

Ottopilot

I'd hire a regional pilot before a military pilot.

PasserOGas

Isn't that in seniority order? I'm not looking to spend 10 years here. After the better part of 8 years deployed I kind of feel like I "paid my dues".

atpwannabe

Absolutely by no stretch of the imagination am I an expert, however, from the above responses, I think that you've gotten your answer and given your experience, 1 1/2 to 2 yrs tops at a regional and you should be as right as rain. JMO though.

Totally different kinda campaign soldier!




atp

rickair7777

It is but that doesn't preclude you from submitting an app as a "free agent".

Regional 121 time will enhance your resume...in addition to military flying skills, work ethic, etc you will develop an understanding of 121 operations and gain experience flying with non-military pilots. Basically you'll be more well-rounded in aviation.

There have been times in the past, during high pilot hiring demand when certain regionals have asked their major partners to not hire too many of their pilots. By all accounts the majors have complied in at at least some cases, shifting their hiring emphasis to the competition's regional feeders.

CrakPipeOvrheat

No, it's not in seniority order.

JoeyMeatballs

too good to be a "regional pilot"......oh the arrogance. The only other thing you could do to really annoy me any more with your post, is use the term "puke" when referring to people. I cringe everytime I hear a military guy say that....

Also you didn't "pay your dues", you served your country and I thank you for that, but you got a lot in return......

PasserOGas

Did I say I was "too good"? Heck, we have a bunch of regional guys in my unit and they are fine pilots. Also, I believe I applied to a regional so...

That being said I believe I'm competitive (not entitled) for a legacy interview should hiring pick up. Sorry you have a problem with that.

As for not paying my dues.. 9 months a year in a trailer on lockdown doing preflights in 160 degree cockpits is paying your dues. Not to mention the stuff i had to go through just to GET a pilot slot. You ever been spit on while marching around a college during ROTC (pre 9/11)?

Sorry your time at home drinking beers after flying was so tough. I also believe you were paid for your time as well. (Exactly what do you think a young military pilot gets paid anyway?)