I've been at the airlines for 13+ years. I might see international widebody someday as captain. As for a 747 Captain, not very likely. It's a model who's days are numbered. My airline dumped them in the '90's. Many airlines are dumping them, so in the future, they might all be gone (by the time you can hold captain on it). The 777 & 787 (or Airbus) might be more likely. Shoot for "widebody", who cares about the model numbers. Flying is flying. If you want to fly, do it. Domestic is fine too. A 16 hour international leg to a city being attacked by terrorists is not so glamorous anymore.

 

That's what I'm thinking.

 

Maybe not to you

Things seem to come in swings so I wouldn't put it past anyone under 40 being able to hold it. Just a wild guess though. CAL may run senior with all then new hiring but AMR could be the most junior of them all one day. Kalitta at one point had a 2yr upgrade where guys under 30 were flying them around the world as CAs. Just depends on where you plan on dropping your hat and what sacrifices you're willing to make along the way.

 

I've got a similar dream my friend but I am very uncertain if I will ever be able to attain it. I've only been in the industry for a year and five months and I am already getting furloughed. It kind of sucks and the future looks bleak. I don't know what to do at this point. Anyways, best of luck to you.

 

Seeing as only two US passenger airlines fly the 747 (for who knows how much longer), I would re-ask the question in this way, "How long do you think it would take to get from being a co-pilot on a regional jet to being a captain flying a Super Premium Widebody Jet all around the world?".

Unless of course you are looking at Brown and Kalitta.

 

hmm, a certain group of pilots think only the 747 is a super premium widebody. So the vast majority of pilots will never get to be a super premium widebody captain.

 

And you wrote a GREAT book!

 

So was I when I started, but look at me now. I fly for a domestic only carrier, live in my base, my pay is great, and I wouldn't trade it for any 747 gig going.

Now if for some reason things didn't work out here I would be knocking on doors at these companies who fly the 74. UPS, NWA, United, Atlas/Polar, World, Kallitta, Evergreen, Cathay, Koren Air, and JAL to name a few. As you can see on my list none of these carriers are even hiring, some don't pay very well, or have a base where I live.

As you progress I think your priorities/dreams will change. You'll soon understand that it's not all about what you fly, it's about quality of life. There is a good chance that I'll never fly a wide body but my quality of life is second to none.

Talk to me in 10 years and let me know if you are able to do this.

1. Drive 20 minutes to work.

2. Never be more than 3 times zones from home.

3. Carry the local currency.

4. And speak the local language.

Good luck in your career

 

Good question. Maybe twenty years maybe never. But if you make it to an international pilot on a 777, 787, or the 797s or whetever planes they have then would be a pretty good gig. For that matter being a narrow body captain is a good gig too.

You sound like me twenty years ago. Since then, I have gone though a couple of furloughs, crashpads, stress and made it to be a B727 captain with a 200K salary. And soon I will be losing my job and will start all over. And knowing what I know, if I could go back in time I would do it all over again, except I would save more money.

You have the right attitude and you will make it. Remember to have fun along the way. I enjoyed all my flying jobs. Happiness isnt found at the end of the road but along the way.

I am not at all bitter. I knew what I was getting into twenty five years ago. It sounds like you know what you ae getting into too. And when I am your FO in the RJ we will have some good laughs. I have a lot of good stories to share.

 

1. Drive 20 minutes to work.

2. Never be more than 3 times zones from home.

3. Carry the local currency.

4. And speak the local language.

I would trade my 744 in for a 152 in a heartbeat if I could hook up that deal with a good paycheck and workrules.