Unless there is a formal bridge program with a specific airline, then the answer is no. Especially right now...regionals have 1500+ hour pilots with actual turbine time in their applicant pool.

Once you meet the mins I think it would help, you might get hired with less-than-average competitive times.

 

I would disagree. If he wants to go 121 he needs flight time in a real airplane, period. Once he gets hired by an airline they will provide extensive training on FMS, glass, CRM, and advanced systems.

If he wants the corporate track, then it sounds like something to jump on, especially with the networking opportunities.

 

It doesn't seem like this job (right-seat program) has to be an all or nothing program. I don't think the guy in my class wa giving up his instructing job. The right-seat program was just a part-time job. You could instruct all day if you wanted to and then take those C or D sim schedules. I'm sure doing that often would wear you out and probably make your QOL less than desirable. If you aren't moving anywhere in a hurry then what is the purpose of killing yourself to get those 40 (then 80) sim sessions. Just take them as they are offered, build your time toward SIC and PIC quals, make contacts, and move on when able to give the guy waiting for your spot the same opportunity.

USMCFLYR

 

I know a guy in a similar situation about 2 yrs ago. He was a right-seater at FSI DFW and instructed on the side at a flight school in Addison. Worked out great for him, he now is full time flying a Hawker 800XP. PM me if you want to know details, might be able to put you in touch with him.

 

I know he will need real airplane time which is why i said instruct as much as you can and do the sim thing when your not flying. When I was working at FSI I applied to ASA and for my initial phone interview all they kept asking about was glass cockpit experience, CRM, FMS experience and jet system knowledge. All they cared about with reguards to aircraft time was that I had the mins at the time.

 

ok so then heres my next question.... is it possible to go from corporate to the bigger 121 companies? I know theyre looking for past 121 EXP if possible and CRM, multi turbine pic time, etc etc etc. I have a feeling the BEST way to larger 121 companies is through smaller 121 companies

 

For a civilian, the fastest way to the majors is probably the regionals (unless you pick one with a ten-year upgrade, but there are tradeoffs there too). But that does not mean it is necessarily the best way to the majors...

You can certainly go from corporate to 121 majors, and you might even have better QOL and pay along the way compared to the regional route. The challenges might be lack of 121 networking opportunities and lack of large aircraft experience. If you get into G-V/Global Express flying you should be good to go for the majors, but if you are a career citation, king air, or caravan driver that might be a hurdle.

Also some corporate operators are kind of shady...if you get violated because your employer is breaking the rules that might eliminate your shot at a major airline (as well as better corporate jobs). Unless you work for a real bottom-feeder regional, 121 employers do not usually set you up to fail with regards to the FARs.

 

Plus the stability isn't there, nor the schedule... i hate the pro's and cons game. I think my current position is this, do simuflite as much as i can (to the point where i still enjoy it) and hopefully some cool king air job comes up where i can log some multi and get some time for the regionals. My massive problem is the multi. My school is notorious for having 3000+ hour instructors with no multi so i know i have to take it into my own hands.

 

I'd like to way in on this a little-- I've been with CAE Dallas for about 4 years. The SCP is a pretty darn good thing, and you don't have to give up a full time job elsewhere, you probably just need to take a week of two off to do the groundschool, and even then they might work with you. Go ahead and get a type out of the deal, doesn't matter if you are 121-bound or not. Another option, should you choose it, is that you can possibly work for CAE and get a few more types under your belt, if you so choose/ lose a medical/ etc..... pay is good and the hours aren't bad.
PM me if you have any more questions, and good luck!

 

Can somebody explain how one wold go about working at CAE or FSI. Im a little hazy on the whole aspect of the thread. You guys are talking about being a CFI and instructing on the sim as well, correct? Seems like a great networking op. Is it a difficult gig to land? How do these businesses operate? Is this something a pilot could do with 500 TT hrs or so? FYI: just a PPL looking to have all the ratings in a year.