So I have a little over 3000 hours PIC with 2200 TPIC all Turboprop. I am flying King Airs and love it. Now I am thinking of what's next and maybe its an LCC or if the planets align just right a major. I have had a few people look over my resume and they said it is lacking two things if I have any hopes of getting hired. 121 time (all of my flying has been 91 and gov't contract) and Jet time. I would like to get some opinions. I by no means have SJS and enjoy flying props. The question is if I have to take a bit of the turd sandwich and go to a regional does it matter if it is props or jets?

I don't want to start a regional bashing thread, just asking if the average Joe can get hired at an LCC with only turboprop time. I know there is always the exception that had 39 hours in a 172 that gets in but I am thinking more the rule than the exception.

 

I'd say 121 time for you would be key. Look at Compass.

 

If only this has ever been discussed on this forum before...It has, ALOT. If you search it, it will come...

Simple answer, yes you can. You just lower your chances with the lack of 121 experience and any jet time. Tons of pilots applying for that same job with 121 experience, turboprop time and PIC jet time.

 

Since you already have a couple thousand turbine PIC I'd suggest getting into a jet and get some 121 time to round out your resume

 

The people that looked over your resume said you lacked 121 and jet time. Seems like you need both. No recruiter is going to not hire you for a lack of prop time. Some will pass you over for a lack of jet time.

 

If you have to go to a regional, and your contacts told you that you lack the jet time, go for the jet time.
But you might want to tailor you decision on the targets you have. Different companies have different requirements (121 PIC, JET PIC, TPIC, etc etc)

 

Two choices.

1. Take a job with a regional that pays $27.00/hr;

2. Pursue a career with a corporation that has a mixed fleet which will put you in the right seat of their jet while not flying their T-Prop.

 

This. Civilian prop TPIC is not the ticket that it used to be...too many regional check airmen out there with glass/jet time.

 

Thanks for the input. I wanted to get a larger base of opinions. Some of my airline friends are FOs in the know but some are senior CAs and while they are great guys, they haven't had to look for a job in so long that they may or may not be a bit out of touch with what is needed these days.