flightmb35

What do you guys think about the current state of the industry and what is better the turbine PIC or jet time???

I used to think turbine PIC was better but the more I think about it the more I think either Jet time is better or its a crap shoot....

If the hiring boom happens in 3 to 5 years don't you think there will be a surplus of pilots with RJ jet time? And you might say well what about the ones with PIC and Jet time? Well most of those guys will be 5 to 15 year captains at most regionals and probably will stay there for the better pay and QOL given by their seniority number...So I am debating right now what would be better for the long term, stick it out at Lakes and upgrade or get in with a good regional (not a sub par one like colgan or pinnacle) and just gain total time and enjoy the better QOL....

If the retirement numbers at Majors end up being true then I think it won't matter what type of time you have, but rather what total time and how much 121 experience...

Insights?

lakehouse

Thanks for the good info, I would assume a move to DEN/FMN would be almost required, I will have to commute from EWR for at least the first few months till this lease on my house runs out, I think I can get out early though. If most JR CA is almost 2 years, why does APC list it as Nov 09? I guess this really is a no brainier, if I get no other offers, I would be an idiot to turn this down for my 182 jumper gig, even if I will take a 5,000/yr paycut, and take my commute to work fro m10 min to far.

With all the darn regional out of EWR/LGA that are ALL BEING COMMUTED TO!!! Why is the only job offer I could get in DEN . I wish my 1000ttl 55me could get me a bite from somewhere else. I am just so scared because everyone is saying avoid GL! But I am not sure what I am avoiding it for.

flysooner9

im in the situation where Lakes is the only airline that would probably even look at me now with 39ME hours. The shcool i teach at has no real ME potential. Im slowly building it now by riding along sometimes in a C414. For me to really get to 100ME in a decent amount of time would be to spend the money to time build in a light twin. We all know that would run close to 10k.

So for me assuming i eventually get called for an interview and get an offer. Its stay at my current CFI job making probably 15k a year, getting only a trickle of ME time from outside sources. Or go to GLA make about the same amount first year but building ME and TT and potentially becoming a captain right when i turn 23. Which could potentially depending on retirements and all that jazz, put me in the majors by my mid 20's. To me i think it would be worth the hard years at lake in the long run for my career overall.

Cruz5350

I can't believe what I am reading.

Luv2Rotate

Agreed.

rdneckpilot

Same here.

babs

I'll add one more "Agreed" onto that

DayTripper12

I believe it, you know what they say "desperate times call for desperate measures"

uvuflyer548

Could some of you guys who "can't believe what you're reading" share some insight as to why you feel that way? It seems that most of us posting here are just on the cusp of beginning our aviation careers and we're looking for some direction from those who have gone before. For example, if you went to Lakes, share your experience. The good, the bad, and the ugly.

What

Quit the 1,000 PIC B.S. Look around at the industry, over 90% over major carriers have pilots on the street waiting to be recalled. There is allot of other guys out there with thousands of hours Jet PIC, in airplanes that are over 45,000 Lbs with complex systems and a College Degree.

Great lakes training no pay, it will last 2 months
First 3 months = $1,200 (including training)
First 6 months on the job = $4,800
The rest of the first year = 7,200
First year with the company = $12,000
Second year = $16,000
First 2 years on the job = $28,000

American Eagle, Sky West and other regional airlines (a few) will pay around $2,500 during training
First 3 months = $4,300 (including training)
First 6 months = $10,000
The rest of the first year = $11,250
First year with the company = $21,250
Second year = $30,00
First 2 years on the job = $51,250

Great lakes is subsidized by the Government they fly less than 1/2 loads. The Government is making huge budget cuts, they are flying Beech 1900 that other airlines are parking because they have to much time, they treat pilots like sh!t. Look at the numbers above, maybe the 10K to build twin time is worth it, maybe you will learn a thing or two. PIC is worth allot in this industry but not at the price of running the profession into the ground. The numbers above are not exact but give you a good idea of what lies ahead. You will not be the pilot called when the majors are hiring, it will take at least 6 to 10 year for those of us who are just starting to make it to the "majors" if they are still around because of people like you. Do me a favor and ask your chief instructor to smack you in the back of the head for me, better yet... the rest of us!!!

Ok I am done!!!

I forgot to mention that Great Lakes will own you for 15 months, try again a year and half because the training contract doesn't start till you pass your check ride after 2 months of training, if you are sent packing before that time and they recall you... you need to come back if not you owe them 7,500 that they put into training you... Have at it!!!!