Fastest upgrade time? Does it matter?
 

Okay who has the fastest upgrade time out of the regionals

Air Wisconsin
PSA
Republic
Skywest
American Eagle?

Next question does a quick upgrade to captain to log fixed wing jet PIC matter much to the majors if you already have 3500+ Turbine helicopter PIC or do they really want the Fixed wing turbine PIC.?

If its the fixed wing turbine PIC they want then I need to select the regional with the quickest upgrade time first. I'll worry about QOL later when a major chooses me.

If Turbine PIC in any airframe (Helicopter or airplane)works for them (ie: PIC is PIC)where I don't need to worry about quick upgrade then I will chose based on QOL pay domicile availability etc.

Thanks all for your assistance and wisdom.

Fastest upgrade time? Does it matter?
 

You're obviously new around here.

Now that I've got some more time to type....

There's been a lot of RJ FOs out there getting hired at bigger and better carriers without the TPIC, so it's not as important as it once was. I wouldn't pick a regional just for the upgrade time because you think it'll make you more competitive. Is your Helo PIC single or twin turbine? Crew or solo? If you were on a twin turbine, 2 pilot IFR helo somewhere I'd think you'll be in very good shape, but even then, if you were just a VFR Jet Ranger pilot it's not like none of that time is any use to you moving forward.

As far as upgrades, of the regionals you mentioned PSA is probably the shortest upgrade time. You'll find a lot of PSA haters on here I'm sure but the reality is the contract has some decent QOL provisions in it (ask a PSA guy about SAP). Mesa and Compass would be other regionals with possibly quicker upgrade times as well.

All that said, your highest criteria should be finding a carrier where you can minimize commuting, which can really suck. Pick some places with bases where you want to live, network, network, network, and enjoy the ride.

Trans states just dropped their captain upgrades from 1 year to 6 months.....I'm sure they'll be hiring captains off the street soon.

Tallflyer,
I'm in the same boat. furloughed ACA in 2004. getting back in 3,200 TT, 1,500 CRJ (SIC) 1,500 turbo prop-DASH 8, B 1900, 99
Getting current, Forst Class Med etc. What's the straight scoop on whose hiring guys who don't have PIC but do have 121 jet time?
Any advice? Regionals or Nationals?
Thx

After careful observation, FO's are only getting called by LCCs. Legacies are only calling FOs if they are very well connected, or possibly affirmative action ticket-holders.

If you have no connections (other than a LOR or two), regional check airman experience seems to be what it takes for the legacies right now.



If you're very well qualified and/or connected in all regards except for FW TPIC, then better go for the fast upgrade...that's probably the only thing holding you back.

If you're running in the pack competitively speaking, then I would consider pay and QOL in case you get stuck for a while. Plenty of guys got a fast upgrade at some toilet bottom-feeder ten years ago...and plenty of them are still there, hating their lives.

Just to clarify, I'm just a lowly regional FO. I don't claim any special knowledge on what anyone should do, but as has been noted I'm certainly willing to share my opinion, one that is generally optimistic.
Your biggest obstacle is going to be currency. Some carriers are going to want to see a certain amount of hours in the last few months, etc. without that you may be dead in the water for a while.

Your best bet may be networking with some of your old ACA buddies and see if they can't get you an "in" somewhere.

Be careful trying to chase the festest upgrade, it changes a lot and quickly. Go somewhere you can stand to be for 3-5 yrs. That said, Compass orSkywest would be my 2 first choices

Adding to the TPIC debate, what about part 91 TPIC?

I had an opportunity about a month ago (didn't grab at it fast enough) to move to AUS and drop jumpers out of King Airs or Twotters. How is that TPIC? And what about 135 TPIC (Ameriflight, etc)?

Thanks. I reached out to buddies at PSA. Interviewing there 4.23. Picked up some time in friends Arrow and getting my IPC this weekend. Felt good to be back in the seat. Didn't realize how much I missed it. It's been fun prepping for IPC & interview, studying a ton.
I appreciate the assistance from the comments on APC.
Thanks.