Looking for advice from those who have been there, done that....

I am currently employed at a regional that I've worked at for 4 years now, and have finally racked up 500 or so hours in the left seat. I have some PIC turbine from flying 135 before this. But, I am half way to being able to "check the box" on some majors 121 PIC requirements, and I'm beginning to struggle with where I should go from here. Meaning should I stay or should I go. I can stay here for another 6 months and get the rest of my 1000 Part 121 PIC, or jump ship and start building seniority at whatever legacy airline might take me.

I know that just because I start submitting apps, it doesn't mean the phone will be ringing off the hook tomorrow. And even if it did, I'd still have to do well in the interview and get the offer. I also know that just because you can check the box, it doesn't mean that you're going to get the call. But after watching friends around me with less time & experience get interviews and jobs, you just never know.

It's just that all this talk about mergers and consolidation and seeing what has happened to those before me---I can't help but be a little nervous about the "what-ifs." What-if I put it in and for some freak reason I get a call from Delta, NW, or UAL? I'd be dumb at that point not to take the shot. But what if whomever it is merges with someone and I'm on the street...it'd be nice to be able to check that box and have the option of applying at UPS, FedEx, SWA. With my views of the airlines having all changed, I don't really see any as truly better than the rest to call it my dream airline.

I also know you can't plan for everything, but I'd like to be as prepared as I could be. So, it would seem that getting the time would be the smartest thing, but is it worth passing on the potential seniority?? What would you do?? I know times are changing, but what did YOU do??

Thanks for your serious advice and opinions!

 

I really have no place to be giving in advice in this situation, but since you asked, I am going to tell you what I would do. I would apply as soon as you meet the mins, chances are it may take a while to get the call from the date of applying. If you wait until you get the 1,000, just think of the thousands of other people that beat you to the application process. There really is no perfect answer to this, if you leave with 990 PIC Turbine and you never get furloughed or merged, you made the right choice, but if your airline goes belly up, or you get furloughed your going to kick yourself for not staying to get the 1,000. But whos to say you would even be there if you stayed and waited until you got the 1000? I am rambling so Ill stop, but if it were me, I would leave as soon as my dream airline called, even if I had 999hrs PIC Turbine, but thats just me

 

Nobody can predict the future. Minimums are minimums, if you've got them then apply to carrier x, y, z. Waiting 6-12 months could cost you hundreds of seniority numbers. Start networking the majors and good luck.

 

Apply now. In most cases it takes many months to get a call, interview, wait on training etc. You will probably get the add'l 500 hrs in the next 6-7 months while you wait for the phone to ring.

Good luck!!!

 

Apply now. All they can say is no (not yet).

Stetson20

 

Ditto what REAL Pilot said.
And continue to update your filed apps as you get the additional hours.

Good luck.

 

I checked the "apply now" box, but if you want to go to UPS, FedEx or Southwest, you'll need to stick it out where you are. You should be at 1,000 within six months or so. When you're hired,there will ALWAYS be people senior to you and eventually there will be people JUNIOR to you too. As I'm typing this I've changed my mind and would now vote to stay put. Good luck to you, you'll end up where you want to be.
fbh

 

I would apply now but pray that noone calls until you get the 1000. I started applying as soon as I met the mins, got real jealous when people with less time than me were getting calls and then thanked my lucky stars later that noone called me before I got my 1000. Of course, in the end, noone called until I had well over 2000 PIC turbine but it all worked out for the best. Good luck.

 

Always apply now, keep copies, spend the time to make it perfect. If you ever get interviewed you will see that application again.

 

I would apply soon but not necessarily yet. I was furloughed TWA/AA and if it weren't for the 1000 PIC I wouldn't be here at UPS today. Think of the state of the industry. Any one of the pax outfits could merge tomorrow. If your outfit is the weaker airline the apes at the stronger airline start jumping up and down and will put you at the bottom of the list. I know a lot of pilots that I've worked with that are now stuck at schmuck outfits or that are waiting to be recalled at the all-time schmuck AAirline because they didn't get 1000 pic.

Also, think about being a check-airman. The HR people at UPS dig that (SWA too).