Md5drivr

Hey everyone! New member and first time posting!! Looking forward to some great gouge here.

A few months ago I decided to make a quasi career change and leave a firm where I was an Airport and Flight Ops Manager (running a flight school and helo tour company). I'm thinking about going full time into 121 but I have few questions to those of you who see the reality of the situation and not just the recruiters.

I'm 26, am ERAU grad and eligible for the (R)ATP.

I have:

927 TT and my commercial multi, single and rotor (instrument FW)
No instructor ratings
55 hours in multi.
225 xc.
780 in PIC.
160 night.
100 IFR (20 actual)
50 turbine (most in helo)
High performance, complex endorsements
ATP written not done.

So the million dollar question is, "are these realistic numbers to start shooting apps around the regional industry?"

And is the helo PIC time any good towards regionals?

Will the lack of Instructor ratings hurt me?

Thanks for the help in advance!

prex8390

Lack of instructor ratings won't hurt you. Throw some apps in where you wanna work and see if you get a call. Eveyone is hurting

GravyRobber

I don't think you'd have a problem basically picking the company you'd like to work for. My biggest suggestion is to avoid commuting at all costs. IF you must commute, pick the easiest one you can (short flight to a close base, company metal if possible, etc...). Other than that, realize that pilots are in high demand, so choose wisely. Don't go for a company that doesn't value you as a much needed asset. There are a few respectable regionals out there that aren't terrible to work for. Good luck, its a good time to get in.

Future Cpt Kirk

If you would do a little research and read some of the boards on here you'll know that all of the regionals are desperate for pilots. All of them will take you if you're qualified for the R-ATP and you interview well. Some will take you with out even interviewing (just a "phone screening"). Extra time or the helo time doesn't mean anything.

Do some research on what airline you want to go to. Some are pretty good these days.... Some are terrible. And there are many in between. A lot of change is happening right now. You have the opportunity to make 55k as a first year FO, with immediate upgrade at mins and guaranteed flow or interview to mainline at some airlines. People would have laughed and called you crazy just a few years ago if you would of said that'd be a reality now.

Do your homework, stay instrument proficient (most of your interviews will contain mostly instrument based questions), and try to select an airline with an easy commute or one with a home base. QOL is everything.

Skittles9E

Endeavor will interview you with 10% less than any of the required ATP mins, contingent upon you have the hours when you go to class. PM me if you have any more questions

Md5drivr

Awesome! Thanks for the info!!!

I'm going to audit my hours today and verify everything.

I have read that commuting is the worst possible QOL scenario but unfortunately my personals situation will probably demand it. Not that this will be the only factor in my decision making but, that being said, anyone recommend or have experience out of PNS?

VIRotate

I'd say Envoy out of Texas or PSA out of either CLT or TYS is your best bet. PNS isn't the best for commuting unfortunately.

Md5drivr

I dropped my app for PSA today. Do you data on a PNS commute?

Dubz

Look at Passrider.com for info on commuting. I have a friend here at PSA who is commuting to CLT from PNS, he makes it seem like no big deal. If you are going to commute keeping it to 1 leg is a priority, just as important is frequency.

Best of luck...

Md5drivr

Thanks, mate!!! Awesome site!