Fastest upgrade time? Does it matter?
03-07-2014, 07:34 PM
#1
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Joined APC: Feb 2014
Position: E175 F/O
Posts: 29
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.
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.
03-08-2014, 03:46 AM
#3
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,484
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.
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.
03-31-2014, 11:42 AM
#5
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Joined APC: Mar 2014
Posts: 45
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
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
03-31-2014, 01:43 PM
#6
Prime Minister/Moderator
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Engines Turn Or People Swim
Posts: 39,286
Originally Posted by TallFlyer
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.
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.
Originally Posted by TallFlyer
I wouldn't pick a regional just for the upgrade time because you think it'll make you more competitive.
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.
03-31-2014, 03:44 PM
#7
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,484
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.
Originally Posted by db1968
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
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
Your best bet may be networking with some of your old ACA buddies and see if they can't get you an "in" somewhere.
04-11-2014, 05:04 AM
#9
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Feb 2006
Posts: 584
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)?
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)?
04-11-2014, 05:14 AM
#10
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Joined APC: Mar 2014
Posts: 45
Originally Posted by TallFlyer
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.
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.
I appreciate the assistance from the comments on APC.
Thanks.
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