ptarmigan

No, you need at least 1000 PIC turbine. Not waiverable. Get that, but if you can get it in something bigger, do that. Don't go for F/O time in something bigger unless you have WELL over that 1000 hours PIC. If, after 3000 hours or so, you get a chance to fly a widebody international, then it would make sense, but get that PIC square filled first!

STILL GROUNDED

I ain't fraid of no shtinking Skyhigh fool.

Hey, thanks for the input. Someone mentioned looking 5 years ahead. That's pretty much what I am trying to do while of course being flexible in the plan. Five years from now we just may beam boxes for here to Japan or more like Japan to here.

I meet ATP mins right now and that actually qualifys me to upgrade in the 1900. But I have been based in my hometown as an FO so I am going to hang out here for the winter.

Jetjok

I know a lot of airline pilots and I think it's fair to say that the vast majority of them, once they make captain (on anything) don't ever want to revert to first officer. The one exception I've heard of is when FedEx announced the A-380. A few of my very junior captain friends told me they'd go to the right seat, if for no other reason than to get the type rating. Personally, I think the real reason they wanted to bid that jet, was to get into the seat at the start of the program and then get bumped for training for the next 3 or 4 years. Full pay, all that time off, 3 takeoffs and landings in the simulator once a quarter, be available for draft flying at time and a half (thereby making it two and a half times pay (if you consider they were already getting paid for the bumped trip)), life is good. Then came the announcement of the cancellation of that order. Oh well, into every life a little rain must fall.

Get the PIC time and enjoy the left seat.

Freightpuppy

No kidding.

I agree with Redeye's advice. Also, if you have the choice between RJ PIC time and Beech 1900 PIC time, I would take the RJ. If the choice is RJ SIC or 1900 PIC, definitely go for the PIC time. Everyone had jet time in my new hire UPS class so the RJ PIC covers both bases there but I would not pick RJ SIC over Turboprop PIC....no way....never. Good luck!

Freightpuppy

I wouldn't hang out for anything.....you never know when that upgrade opportunity will go buh bye. Things can change overnight. Also, in the future, you would hate to have 960 hours PIC turbine and your employer goes out of business. Then you will be kicking yourself because you have to start over and you can't even apply at SWA, UPS, Fedex, flavor of the week airline, etc. Maybe I am slightly on the paranoid side, but that's how I think.

STILL GROUNDED

Oh I agree, trust me I have considered these things. My choice is something completely non-commutable and 4 days less off per month on reserve at the bottom of the list or line holder 6 blocks from the airport.

This place could go tits up in a minute, don't I know it. But if it goes today or next spring it won't make much of a difference. Though I may be able to hold a line by then.

Thanks for your paranoia, it keeps me level.

ptarmigan

Seconded, but it's your career....

GliderCFI

What about if offered two jobs...Air cargo carriers, offering a 10 month upgrade on a turboprop 135 job, and Expressjet, offering a 2-3 year upgrade on a part 121 jet? If it helps, I'm just now turning 21, and have a few connections at UPS, but a few is never enough. The ultimate goal is UPS obviously. Any ideas? Advice? Cause I can't really take a fast upgrade in a 121 carrier anyway. Nothing short of two years that is.

HvyJet

Delete,,,,,,,

flappy

Dude,

Enjoy flying gliders. If you are a glider CFI, you will have no troubles in your career, that is skillwise. This is the best training you can get, believe me.
Opportunitywise, I would go for the most exciting flying first and the location second. What kind of airplane/route do you want to fly and from where ?
I am saying that, because later in your career, you will have more restrictions, such as family.

Soar on, bro