Advice: ACMI or Regional Captain???
 

I am looking for some advice on deciding whether to stay at my current job at a good regional in the top third of seniority or go to a pretty decent ACMI??? I am a little concerned with the volatile nature of ACMI and the softening economy... So, any help would be appreciated... Thanks.

RJ = glass cockpit I assume? If that's the case, I would stay there. It checks a bunch of resume boxes including PIC, glass cockpit, added seniority while you wait for a "major" opportunity. I don't see any advantages to ACMI, especially in this economy (with the exception of maybe "heavy" experience, and not very many jobs require that).

Plus ... most regional RJ jobs have union contracts and pay reasonable pay. There are a lot worse flying jobs out there.

"with the exception of maybe "heavy" experience, and not very many jobs require that"

That's what UPS was looking for last summer. While RJ guys are a dime a dozen. I'd take the heavy, international experience, job if it were my decision. But I was always in a position to be agressive with my career moves.

If you stay at the regional, I'd suggest you consider becoming a checkairman. That's another good way to set yourself apart from the pack.

If you're in the top third of the captains list at a good regional - I'd ride this time out at the regional level. If you cannot stomach the thought of that then try ACMI. There are positives to both. However, you must ask yourself: "If I get stuck in a job, where can I tolerate it the best?" "Who has the best business plan?" "Will this get me where I eventually wish to go?"

In my FDX class of 25, here was the break down by flight time:

12 Military Pilots - C130, F15, F16, P3, C5. (One from CAL and One from AMR)

10 Civilian/Regional CRJ, ERJ, DHC-8. ExpressJet, Mesaba, Comair, Mesa, Pinnacle.
In this group: two prior enlisted military (Army/Navy) One of this group was hired as a professional instructor.

02 Civilian/Corporate - G-III, G-V for Fortune 500 companies.

ACMI - 0

Maybe this will give you some insight. However, you shouldn't rule out ACMI because we do employ many former ACMI pilots. I know of a few Kalitta guys to name at least one ACMI from which we have hired.

Give it a few years and FDX will be back in the new hire game.

I second this. Almost all of my class had distinguished themselves in some manner. Whether they were a certificate chief pilot, regional chief pilot, simulator instructor, PC check airman, line check airman or IOE/OE captain - all did something above and beyond the regular line dog. This is an unwritten recommendation from your company and if you can qualify for these positions, go for it.

One piece of advice: Do NOT man a simulator or chief pilots seat until you have your 1000-1300 PIC TURB. You have the potential to get locked into those seats and not be able to get your time to eject when the hiring is looking better.

You can also look at it from the other prospective. What if I don't make it at my dream carrier? Would I rather be a senior RJ captain or a senior captain at an ACMI carrier for the rest of my life (at least till 65)?

Only you can decide;)

Hey mins- howz it? Another piece of advice here: if you do become a sim instructor, you will probably not become an IOE check airman either. But, crazier things have happened...

I completely disagree. Getting out of the commuters was a good move for myself. I prefer the 2 week on 2 week off sked and not flying every bloody day I am on the road. Its a completely different lifestyle. Not to mention getting to fly to just about every contient and have some interesting layovers.

If you already have you 1000 PIC turbine (jet) and are financially stable, I would seriously consider the move.

ACMIs aren't places to retire from but yet another stepping stone

I would agree that once you have the 1000 pic jet, the regional job is not enhancing your career.

Retiring from an ACMI may not be all that bad these days and going forward. I am not very encouraged by the trend in retirement benefits at the 'majors'. We have a retirement benefit program at our company, but as with any company these days, better to make your own arrangements...I know, UPS and FredX are different...things can change anywhere, for better and for worse.

The important thing, once you meet the competitive mins, is to work at a place you enjoy, doing something you enjoy.

Which ACMI are you looking at? That can make all the difference.

Cheers,
WG

Remain with the commuters and you will have the same experience as 10,000 other guys.

Fly a heavy will at least make you stand apart.