Regional Airline or Copa Airlines....
 

I am fluent in Spanish and will finish my training soon. I plan to instruct for a while to build hours as I look for possible jobs. Sould I consider COPA or TACA? I heard the hire low timers......

Thanks in advance.....

Copa's application process is a pain, believe me I went though it, I had to get a Panama CPL and the processs is slow and nobody really knows how it is supposed to work, after a week in Panama and missing work in the US I finally called it quits and came back, I have an interview with a regional in a couple of weeks.

If you can get on with Copa and they can do the conversion for you then go for it, otherwise, stay in the US. Also dont expect excellent pay or travel benefits, and the employee treatment is better in the US than in Panama. And upgrade will take FOREVER.

It depends on what you want to do next. If your plan is going to a major in the US then probably a regional is a good way to go. If you're planning for an airline like Emirates, Virgin Atlantic, or anything like that then 737 time might be helpful. The only problem is that COPA has a pretty long upgrade time from what I know, so if then you're plan is to go overseas in some airline like the ones I mentioned you might be missing the TPIC time.

I am looking to go to Asia after copa, but I need the 737 experience and rating.

Where are you applying to Copa?

Bump.

Anyone know how to get in touch with Copa?

go to PPRune, they have a big section on copa on the caribbean latin america forum...

from what I hear, is that a pain in the rear the application process, they are underpay due to the rising cost in panama city, long upgrade plans, no travel benefits, etc.... most of the captains are leaving for jobs in the middle east(emirates/etihad) , india, and asia

They say is not a bad place to get a free 737 type rating, do some time and jumpship asap

nuestrohubdotcom

You can say that again!!! I flew for LACSA (TACA) in Costa Rica, and yes EK EH India and even the USA. Pilots are leaving!!!

COPA 95 hr montly 5800 USD on 737, TACA a bit higger!!!

India 115 120 hrs monthly 15000 TAX FREE!!!:rolleyes:

Please let me know how else I could build hours and go to ASIA. If I go to a regional, I will make less, and I won't be as competitive as having experience in a 737. If I have to pay my dues, which we all do, I rather gain as much experience as possible....