Because it's much easier to discourage than encourage people to enter the industry. Too many people lose sight of how it felt when they first joined and how excited and proud they felt.

Also if he catches this hiring wave right and does make the regional a career, it could work out pretty good. Yes not having a degree will stop him from the majors but if he so chooses there is still time to finish that.

If the airlines are really where you want to be and you and your family are financially secure (wife works, investments, savings, etc) then do what makes you happy. There are too many jaded A-holes out there that won't hesitate to try to smash your dreams because things didn't work out the way they wanted. Good luck to you.

 

Bandito,

First off, there's a lot of opportunity out there right now if you are looking to get a taste of what the airlines have to offer. If you are in the position to make the move to a regional, and it is something you have always wanted to do, then go for it. From an outsider's perspective, it seems like if you know the "secret corporate handshake" and have a lot of prior experience, it is relatively easy to get back into that type of flying. That being said (and to Boomer's point), airline flying loses its luster quickly. However, it is still challenging and rewarding, and (in my opinion) beats a 9-5 job.

Also, there's a lot of other career options out there besides flying a 767 for Delta. For example, I fly for an ACMI/Charter airline (121 supplemental), and work with a lot of ex-corporate folks. It feels like an airline/corporate hybrid: One day you can fly a scheduled passenger subservice, the next day you can fly some soldiers half way around the world, and the next trip could be a sports team charter or a big-name band on tour.

Oh, and they even let you fly a big airplane without a college degree...

Good luck, and if you do make the jump, keep your eyes and ears open for all the interesting options that present themselves in this industry. My career path has not taken the path that I thought it would, but it has been more rewarding than I ever thought possible. And after 6 years in the industry, I still really love coming to work.

 

Nice to know some people still love what they do.

 

I would not recommend anyone who is in a stable flying job, getting Turbine PIC, to leave for the regionals unless money is not a concern in their lives.

If money is a concern, I suggest a person in that position wait until a non-regional (read: major, legacy, LCC, startup, whatever you want to call it) airline job is available.

I believe my post conveyed those suggestions. If that makes me sound bitter and ****ed off, then maybe I just can't type very well.

 

I don't think you come across bitter per say Boomer. All you're trying to do is give your opinion. I know a lot of regional pilots who feel the same way. Your view point is very valid. You're just trying to emphasize that quality of life or pay is a factor in the decision. Some people have a more positive outlook. There isn't a right or wrong answer for his question. There has been a lot of information given for the subject. And in the end only he (Bandito in this case) can determine what's best for him. You have to respect your candid honesty here. It's not always greener grass on the other side of the fence so to speak.

 

Okay, you asked for opinions, and I will give you mine.

A bit of background on me: did the 135 stuff for 8-9 years, corp for 1, am 46, single, no kids. I left the 135 world about six months before I would have lost my job due to my employer's shrinkage. I came to what was at that time a "bottom feeder" regional. Since then, I have upgraded, gotten a decent contract, can hold a decent line, and have as much job security as anyone can have in aviation. I am quite happy being a "lifer" at my regional because I don't want to go back to being the FNG with no seniority even if I will make more.

First off, why do you want to go to the airlines? Travel benefits (not what they used to be)? Better overnights (maybe, but probably not until you get to the mainline)? Better pay (at a regional, you would need to be about a 4-6 year captain to make what a King Air CA usually makes)?

So, you are 43 and have no degree. The lack of a degree pretty much prohibits you from going to a major (there are exceptions, but in general, you are stuck). As a regional FO, you will make far less that you make now, and upgrade times range (realistically) from 3+ years to 5 years (with some companies approaching infinity). So, for the sake of argument, you go to a regional, spend 4 years in the right seat, then upgrade. Now you are 47, probably still have no degree (junior FOs don't have much time for school), and are just getting back to what you earned in the King Air. A year or two and you should be able to hold a decent line. Life is pretty good especially if you live in base. You now have the choice of staying at the regional or, if you have gotten your degree, going to a major...... and going back to the right seat and crappy schedules.

The advantage of an airline is you have hard days off. The disadvantage is you may have to commute, or if you live in base, your base may be closed. Admittedly, if your base is a hub, the odds are better that it won't close.

I don't know what your current schedule and on the road time is. At a regional, unless you live in base, you better figure on four days away and three days off. As a junior guy, those three days might mean you only have one day at home due to the commute. As a senior guy, you could actually be at home all three days.

I know being on call sucks, but if you are working for a decent company with a reasonable schedule, the odds are you are better off there that at a regional. Another benefit to 135 is when you lose your job, you can find another with comparable pay a QOL, whereas in the airlines, you go back to square one.

So, the short answer is this: unless you REALLY hate your job, I would stay put.... but keep looking for other 135 or corporate jobs. The 135 guys I know are on average happier than those who switched to a regional. Especially the over 40 guys.

If I were still in the 135 world, I would probably stay there. Were I to lose my job now (Saab CA), I would probably go back to 135. I had no turbine or jet time before I cam to my regional, but now I do. And I know I could find a "better quality" 135 job now.

If you DO go for a regional, chose one you could be happy retiring from (average or better contract and a big base where you want to live). Just like marriage, there are no guarantees, but at least you will have made a bet with the odds in your favor.

Good Luck,
j

 

FlyJSH has provided some good advice relevant to your situation.

The big variables are finances and spouse/kids...if you have them, the first few years at a regional are going to be bad news unless the spouse has a good (and portable) job.

 

Good post FlyJSH, that's exactly the kind of input we need around here.