What do the majors look for...
 

Hi guys,

I am at a very fortunate but tough decision, I've been offered to fly Dash8's with a 2 year upgrade or E170's with a 6-7 year upgrade that's supposedly dwindling down to 4-5 year upgrades. I already have 800ish hours in jets and 1000+ PIC hours mostly in light single and twin pistons. However, I am trying to set my self up for whatever is best 3-5 years down the road when applying to a major. Would it be better to have the heavier jet time with a glass cockpit in the E170, probably around 3000 hours worth after 4 years or the 1000+ 121 PIC turboprop after 2 years?? Now both would most likely provide the base I want, however the Dash pays $7 an hour more first year. I am hung up on what the majors would prefer more, the glass cockpit jet time or 121 PIC time?? Thanks for your input!

I can't answer your question, but I will let you know that whatever they told you for upgrade times is most likely a load of crap!

Well, I know the Dash upgrade times are accurate, I have 2 friends flying for the company and both at 25 months are in upgrade classes.

I think what was meant was that upgrade time today has little or no bearing on upgrade time a year or two from now. Upgrades were less than 2 years when I got hired at my current airline. My number didn't come up for nearly 6 years. There are just so many variables that affect upgrade time, making it very much a moving target.

In 2007, when I was at XJT, they were telling new hires that they'd be captains in 18 months. 6 years later, they were still in the right seat. It's 25 months AT THE EXACT MOMENT IN TIME. Things change. I'm not trying to discourage you. I'm just interjecting a little reality. Pick a place you want to go, not based on the upgrade time, but a place you can afford to be stuck at for a few years, if you have to be.

Its interesting the questions you ask and, more so, the questions you haven't asked. Based on what you have provided as information regarding to different employers and the upgrade expectations you present, you are assuming this will be a transitional job to the majors. IMHO, this is a mistake. You should assume that either of these jobs could be your last employ in aviation.
This is not to dash your hopes and dreams, but look at these two opportunities and assume you will stay with them a lot longer than getting the minumum PIC you need to get on with Delta. It may answer the question for you. If not, ask on the regional forum and be more specific about who you have offers from.

Best of luck!

The first box to check at many majors is Turbine PIC (could be changing in the future.) I would seriously consider the quickest upgrade time all other things being equal. Even if all the majors eventually drop the turbine PIC minimum, having 1000 hours or more will make you more competitive than SIC jet in my opinion.

It seems it has to be spelled out fairly regularly for those seeking employment. Do not choose a regional contractor based upon what you've been told upgrade times are. Once again, you've been warned. :)

Pretend you got both jobs. Write a resume as if you took either job. Compare the resumes 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years from now.

I think you'd like the Dash 8 PIC resume more.

At the end of the day, with either job, you will still be "just a regional pilot". I used to have the same train of though as you, however there is no perfect scenario. One thing is for certain though, things change. Do you have at least a bachelors degree? What type of degree is it? What is your GPA? Any sports or extracurricular activities in college? Do you volunteer anywhere?