jrav8er

I have a career move question. If lets say I was Hired by regional airline XYZ, then within 6 months of starting work with XYZ I was offered an interview at ABC. Since ABC is the Airline I really want to work for but don't meet their requirements just yet. How does that look to ABC when you walk in the door willing to jump ship for their airline. And how does that look to all other airlines in the future when they look at your resume?

My dilemma I am faced with is If I don't take something now then my currency will dissolve as the months go by waiting. I have heard a lot of career counselors say don't turn down these other jobs just because the one you want is not available right now. I cant put all my eggs in one basket awaiting an interview with ABC because what if they never call, But then again what if they do?

ClarenceOver

Who do you have offers from?

Cruz5350

I literally did exactly what you said. Was working at a bottom feeder regional hoping to get on with Skywest so I could move home. In the mean time I always wanted to move out West and fly for Horizon. I got the offer from Horizon and loved every minute of it. Once I finished IOE I finally got the call to interview at Skywest something I waited years for. I told myself I really need to give Horizon and the West Coast a good chance so I don't have any regrets. Like I said I loved every minute of it but eventually I decided moving to my base with Horizon was something I no longer wanted to do so I interviewed and was hired at Skywest. Still zero regrets and and enjoyed my time at QX immensely. SKW didn't mind me leaving and the interviewer understood my situation. I think any future Major would understand if you had a solid reason for why you did what you wanted to do. Just put some solid time in at the second regional, you can always explain an upward move but it's kind of hard to explain the lateral moves.

Rama

It seems that companies would rather hire someone with a flying job than someone without one.
Kinda like women, you seem more desirable when you are with someone else.

jrav8er

Interviews with
ExpressJet, AEagle/Envoy,

Offer from PSA

Would like Compass, or Republic.
Eventually would like to work for and retire with JetBlue

Here is the thing. I have looked at all the regionals and their union issues. Bottom line is the pay sucks at all of them period. As far as regionals are concerned I am a very high time Helicopter pilot (4000+) 10 years part 135 experience etc. But low time fixed wing pilot making the transition to the airlines. My fixed wing time is right at the minimums that all require but nonetheless meet the unrestricted ATP mins.

Flying for the airlines is the dream that got me into aviation. However I took a very curvy path to get here. We will leave that topic for another discussion however my thoughts are this. I am leaving the helicopter industry because I have topped out on salary. I now live where I want and for the most part I am home in my own bed every night, working a week on week off schedule. Life is good but the pay is stale, very stale. So if I do this I am going to take a huge pay cut for the first few years. I have planned for this and have set aside finances to carry me through those first few years to make life a little better not much but at least a little. What I am left with is: (If I have to endure the suck I might as well endure the suck flying something enjoyable or that has that big airliner feel.) Yes I am the one being lured by the shiny new planes the EMB 175's that Republic and Compass Operate. I want to fly that type because I feel it may help my or my resume in the future trying to get on with JetBlue since they operate the EMB 190's. Am I being ridiculous? Should I just take the CRJ200/700 opportunity now? Or hold out for Compass or Republic?

jrav8er

Sorry Typo "Help ME or my resume....."

"I feel it may help my or my resume in the future trying to get on with JetBlue since they operate the EMB 190's."

ClarenceOver

Are you really having to hold out for republic? I ask because we have the same asiprations. I want to go to republic and eventually jet blue.

jrav8er

No I'm not holding out for republic. They are my backup plan. I would like Compass Airlines first. I have read here that the general atmosphere at compass is very positive and that employees actually enjoy working for the company. However. I'm not going to lye in wait for compass either. If I get the interview with republic in the meantime I will gladly accept the interview. Whichever company hires me first (Compass/Republic) I will stay with them until I get the call from JetBlue. I really don't want to bounce around the regionals and mire my résumé to look like a job gypsie. I'd rather fly the EMB 175 for 10 years at a regional then a CRJ or 145 any day of the week.

BUT I really can't wait for either of them also. If you know what I mean. I have a solid offer now so I feel I should just jump on it and if I get the call from Republic or Compass in 6 months maybe longer I know I would make the switch without hesitation. I just wonder how it would look to Compass or Republic knowing I was only with the loosing airline for such a short time. Would they even care?. What will JetBlue think seeing the switch in my job history? I don't know if compass or republic would ever call me in for an interview in the first place. I only hope they do.

TallFlyer

I'm positive there are plenty of guys getting hired at both JetBlue and Airways without the 170/190 type so I wouldn't let that hold you back. If you're willing to spend ten years at a regional your priority should be finding one where you don't have to commute.

As I type this I'm staying with family in BOS for the weekend and have to work tomorrow in IAD. Every flight on United is oversold and I've got no way to check loads on anyone else flying to IAD or DCA. So I'm headed to the airport to spend the day there trying to get on the JS to get me down there. How the guys that commute every week do this is beyond me.

Beyond that, size does matter to a certain extent, the 700/900 and 170 might have a bit more stability than a 50 seat carrier, and they may not. Having the "heavy" RJ time on your résumé may also be good if you ever decide to go overseas as well.

If they're the only offer you have go to PSA. You may like it and decide to stay if you got an offer from somewhere else. If you take the PSA gig I'd scratch RAH off your list as you'll upgrade faster at PSA and have a much better QOL overall as your seniority will increase faster over there as well. Compass seems to like prior 121 time some maybe spending some time at PSA will finally make Compass call you.

In any event, don't chase the 170 time because you think it'll make you more competitive for jB. Plenty of CRJ and 145 guys get hired there as well.

Slats

Do you think going to Republic helps your chances with JB? I only ask because we've had numerous FOs leave for JB from OO. If it's the 170/175 you seek "SJS" OO has them too, starting May this year. My advice, go somewhere where there's a decent contract and makes your commute tolerable.

PS JetBlue ain't all that and a bag of blue chips either.. There's a reason they're offering FO retention bonuses....