Av8tor0773

I know this type of question is often asked and debated - I've read every thread in here and haven't found the answer based on my situation - so, I thought I'd ask and hopefully I'll get some solid advice.

I'm about to start interviewing for the regionals with an available for training date 1 Nov 2020 - so i'm basically 11 months out. I'm retiring from the army after 26 years.

First, what I think I should do - go to a regional with the shortest reserve, the most flying, quickest upgrade, and the best bonus. Here's my reasoning. I have 4700TT, roughly 2500 airplane, and 2200 helo. 1350 PIC/1975 TT in King Air 200. All but 525 of my FW time is military, the 525 is GA time. I have a masters degree and I'm a CFI/CFII/MEI. I would think that getting some 121 time would make me pretty competitive at the majors, but I really don't know.

My buddy tells me, go to Envoy or PSA, they have Flow and great AA travel perks. But, I just can't imagine not getting to a major before I would Flow. I will have to commute regardless of who I go with - I live in Austin and can't relocate right away.

Envoy is only a 2.5 hour drive to training, and I guess it's possible I could get DFW (although, from reading, it doesn't look likely). My other primary considerations are TransStates, ExpressJet, Republic - will consider anyone if it makes sense.

Both TransStates and Expressjet have large bonuses. TS-25K completion of IOE and 15K more at one year anniversary. XJT - 27K completion of IOE.

Republic/ExpressJet possibility of IAH (only 2.5 hour drive).
TS multiple direct flights to DEN, ORD, IAD - likely would get one of them.

TransStates almost no reserve.

One thing I really DON'T want to do is commute to reserve and not fly.

so... I'm hoping to get some legitimate advice. Thanks in advance.

Cyio

Well first off thank you for your service and congrats on all your accomplishments. If I were you, I would get to a regional that will fly you the most right away as I "think" you will most likely be able to get picked up pretty easily off the street at a major, assuming they value your time like other military fixed wing time.

Envoy has a wide spectrum of time building their first year and a lot depends on base, aircraft, luck and time of year. Some people barely scratch out 200 hours while others manage nearly 500. Your mileage may vary.

I dont know for sure how majors look at turboprop time vs jet time, especially given yours is all military. Hopefully someone can hop on here that knows that aspect of it and help you out. Best of luck.

sigler

I think your start date is too far into the future for any advice you receive here to be meaningful. The industry is dynamic, especially at the regional level, and what is true today in terms of how long you’ll sit reserve, how much you’ll fly, how long it will take you to upgrade, etc, will most likely not be true one year from now. If I were you, I’d spend this year watching the industry, try to note what the trends are, who’s growing, who’s shrinking, etc, and in 9 months or so you can start applying to your regionals of choice. Good luck!

CaseTractor

I’ve got some perspective with both companies (Envoy and XJT) from looking through a prior military lenses. Both are Mil friendly, Envoy is more appreciative of Mil.

Honestly, it’s a wash between the two, and not a bad fit for your situation. XJT has great training and movement is starting to pick up over there. Envoy has a ton of Army folks, so that is a support system that could be considered beneficial. RTP guys seem to do fine here. The movement at envoy is good too. I don’t see TS as stable enough to commute that far.

XJT offers a shot at an early UAL interview, Envoy offers the insurance plan of the flow. I feel either place would be great while you build 121 for OTS legacy interviews. Envoy will get you the 121 PIC faster which could be important to supplement the king air time. Both offer some bonus money. Both require considerable contract improvements.

I can’t speak much on republic, depends how likely you can get the iah base, if there is one.

Overall I think XJT is better QOL still over Envoy.

Good luck and enjoy the transition!

at6d

Why the regionals?

Av8tor0773

I do intend to apply to the majors/LCCs but I’m not sure how they look at my time. Some people tell me I’ll likely get a call from a major, others say I need the jet time. Also, I don’t have my ATP yet. I do have the written done, and will probably get the practical knocked out on my own. If it seems like the regionals are needed, then I want to make sure I approach that with the right goal in mind.

ninerdriver

This. Don't box yourself in now.

Urban achiever

Sooo... you have military PIC turbine time and a masters? If anything go to a regional with low reserve times, prove you can pass a 121 program and get your ATP, and enjoy getting picked up at mainline. That’s what a buddy of mine did but he had actual jet time flying harriers. Was at a regional for maybe 7 months when he got hired at a major... but there’s a VERY good chance you’d be hired at a mainline carrier to start with.

Id ask around in those forums of what the odds are and how competitive your times are since you have the hours and military training. American tries to take as many military guys as they can get.

havick206

11 months is a long time out. Check back around 3-4 months prior to your separation date as to a realistic snapshot of what’s going on.

at6d

Had a guy with similar history in my class at SWA (a CW5 with similar length of service). If the ATP is your only check box to go, get it done and shotgun the apps.