FoundInTheMind

Background: 33 years old, 2800TT, 500 TPIC in a King Air, ATP. Flew about 800 hours in heavies in the AF Reserve, but due to airframe retirement, overmanning, and very little flying, I elected to go inactive (IRR) before upgrading to AC so I could pursue a good civilian job offer.

So here I sit 6 years after leaving the AF Reserve as a minority partner in a non-flying business that lets me fly the boss around in the King Air in addition to my office work. I do some part time CFI stuff on the side for fun. I have given up a lot of salary for the ownership position I have, but for the most part, I'm happy with the arrangement. Unfortunately, it is all hinged on the boss who is much older and obviously has different goals than me due to the age difference. If he retires (unlikely) or kicks it (more likely) anytime soon, I'll have a decent income from my ownership, but not enough that I can do nothing forever.

All the hiring talk has just had me thinking about alternatives, so here's the question: Where I sit now timewise, am I anywhere close to being able to get a job at a major, or am I still limited at this point to a regional job? I'll get 1000 TPIC where I am, but it won't be anytime soon on our current schedule. I'm not too interested in leaving what I have for 8 years in the right seat of an RJ. But if there truly is a "hiring boom" going on and I could get in soon, it would probably be worth more in the end than what I currently have.

Any insight anyone can provide would be appreciated. This is the first time in my life I've thought much about 121 flying, and I'm sure its a "grass-is-greener" situation, but it never hurts to consider options, I suppose.

Thanks.

Blanco

Your currency in the King Air is a plus, but without any recency of experience 135/121, the regionals are your best bet. I'm sure you'll find yourself bombarded with invites for interviews. Upgrades are happening way faster than 8 years right now too. Might not be all that bad...

eman

At first reading your post, I was asking myself why you would want to chase the airline dream, with what you have at the moment and the possibility of being set in the future. But then I remember how I and many others would love to end up at a major some day and it's something that's difficult to stop dreaming about!

Does your business give you the opportunity to work and earn more while pursuing the airlines? If so, then I would keep it going while working at the regionals and getting those requirements you're going to need. Without jet time, we won't get anywhere, so I would if I could. If not, it's going to be Part 135 flying and hoping you get your chance like some have. It comes down to being able to survive while you're earning peanuts, find a way and make it happen.

I have my 1000TPIC and less than 100 jet time myself and no one's bothering to call me unless it's part 135 with low pay or regionals that pay crap.

Good luck.

FoundInTheMind

Thanks, guys. I think that pretty well answers the question.

Yeah, e, I wonder what I'm thinking sometimes, too. It looks like staying where I am is the best bet. If we closed the doors tomorrow, I would have enough to live comfortably while making spare change at a regional, but if I'm going to do that, I might as well pick up some local contract flying, keep playing with the instruction, and sleep in my own bed every night. Thanks for getting me grounded back in reality.

rickair7777

I think some of the answer depends on the nature and scope of your current business. Does it provide growth opportunity in case you need/want more money later? Do you enjoy doing it? Is it something stable which isn't going fade away with changes in technology or social factors?

IMO the only (good) reason to own a business is to grow it into something which will ultimately provide you plenty of money and free time. If I just want a job, I'll work for someone else, less hassle, risk, and it's easier to find a job you like than trying to create one.