flydc

I just recently got a job offer from an Ultra Low Cost Carrier promising a quick upgrade and I'm trying to decide whether to take the job or stay where I'm at. I've only been a captain in the RJ for a few months and I'm concerned about leaving without 1000hrs TPIC. My ultimate goal is to be at a major.

4500hrs
500 TPIC
4yr Degree
No violations, failures, or criminal record.

What do you all think would be more attractive to a major airline... more PIC time in the RJ or an Airbus type rating? Both jobs require me to commute, but I am at least a line-holder on the RJ. First year pay at the ULCC is half of what I'm making right now. The ULCC is claiming 3yrs or less to upgrade in the Airbus. I've already interviewed with United and did not get the offer. My current airline does not have any flow-through or preferential hiring agreements with DL or AA.

Any thoughts?

seekingblue

Friends don't let friends go to Frontier/ Allegiant..... Just kidding :-)


Not sure about the other operators, but Delta has hired a TON of B6 guys. It seems that Delta likes guys who have put the time in, and taken the risk to move on from their regional.

FYI, if its any consolation, we had a guy in our B6 new hire class who was an Alleigiant Airbus Captain (that speaks volumes).

disco inferno

It's a no braainer. !00 billion RJ drivers are out there. They are pretty worthless as a general rule. Worst case scenario you end up a captain at a ULCC in a couple of years if you take the offer. Not a bad place to be really. Let's say your regional scales back flying or worse goes out of business. You'll kick yourself for not jumping when you had the chance.

If a legacy is where you feel you must be, I'd say you will be more marketable with an Airbus type and experience vs just another RJ driver.

ULLI

If you want to go to the majors (I am assuming you mean legacy airline, since all the ULLC considered to be major airlines based on revenue), I would get the 1000TPIC first.
Also there might be someone else that wants to the job and wants to stay there for a while, unlike you. If you stay put, in 3 years you will have close to 3000 TPIC, instead of just upgrading on the BUS.

All 3 ULCC are either negotiating or will be negotiating a new contract in the coming year. So pay will go up at all 3.

Rainbows

If all you want is a PIC type so you can go on to a "Major", dont waste our time. And no ULCC has 'promised' you a quick upgrade.

tom11011

Either way you will eventually be picked up by a major most likely. I say go for it as majors are hiring frontier, spirit, and allegiant pilots.

bababouey

I like the part where you called me and many of my colleagues worthless, I love this industry.


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disco inferno

Legacy management has dictated through regional contracts what they think you're worth. $22,000 is pretty close to worthless if you ask me. Relax you won't remain worthless forever though. (unless you stay at a regional) New guys in pretty much every profession are worthless. It's up to you to make yourself worth more than $22,000.

Beechnut

Don't be a papapusie.

viper548

I would go to the ULCC. If you don't get picked up by a legacy you'd be better off at the ULCC than the regional. Legacies don't seem to care much about the PIC time anymore.