Airline Pilot Central Forums - Career Timeframe

Airline Pilot Central Forums (https://www.airlinepilotforums.com/)

- Flight Schools and Training (https://www.airlinepilotforums.com/flight-schools-training/)

- - Career Timeframe (https://www.airlinepilotforums.com/flight-schools-training/3349-career-timeframe.html)

Career Timeframe

How much do most regionals pay? How likely is it that you could one day move from a regional to a major? If so, how many years do most pilots spend on average at a regional?

I would say it depends on upgrade time. Average is 4-5yrs roughly depending on airline. That changes frequently, than a few years as Capt and you should be able to move on. Though if come on with somebody and already have 1000PIC time after you spend a year or so with the company and have a 1000jet or turbine I would start applying for CAL. If you look at their minimums its 1500TT 1000pic and 1000turbine or jet. No 1000hr pic jet or turbine time requirement.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoomy

How much do most regionals pay? How likely is it that you could one day move from a regional to a major? If so, how many years do most pilots spend on average at a regional?

Typical career path, including costs, salary and estimated time at each step (your mileage may vary):

Earn Ratings (PPL, IR, COM, ME, CFI, CFII, MEI): 6-10 Months full time, cost = $30-40K.

Work as CFI: 1-3 years, $8K-30K/ year

Regional Airline FO: 1-12 Years, $15K-40K

Regional Captain: 2-8 years, $40-100K

Major FO: 2-20+ years, $25K-100k+

Major Captain: $100-250K

Also expect to get laid off at LEAST once for 1-4 years.

Moving from a regional to a major is hard when the industry is troubled (right now!), but a few folks get lucky or have connections. When pilot demand is higher, it can be fairly easy. You often need 2+ years experience as a regional captain to apply for a major.

These numbers depend on many, many variables, including who you work for and the industry health.