I would try the King Air/ Hawker thing for awhile. If you don't like it, you can always go to a regional. They will be hiring indefinitely for the foreseeable future.

 

First off I am very new to all of this, but I had a quick question or two if anyone could help me out.

I am looking to apply later this month after I take the ATP written and get some of my other personal business in order. I have ATP mins but only 75ish multi (which will be steadily increasing starting this week).

Does anyone know if there will be any classes starting around the beginning of next year? Also what airframes are they hiring into? From the stuff I've read online Mesa is looking for a few new pilots.

 

The best life for your family is setting yourself up to get into a regional, get your time, and get out ASAP.

Those getting hired at CPZ today are particularly setting themselves up for quite the expedited journey.

 

I am considering going to Mesa as well, been doing 135 turboprop freight for the last 2 years but its all SIC and I have no idea what the deal is with the upgrade. Flying 300-400 hrs per year. Based at home. I took the job feeling the same way you do now about career goals.

The trouble is I'm not sure how valuable the upgrade would even be, I mean it would be more $ but thats about it. 300-400 hrs a year isnt much and TPIC aint the golden nugget that it used to be.

The captains I fly with would kill to get on with JetBlue or any major for that matter, but with all of the RJ guys out there they are at a disadvantage. They are trying hard and getting no where fast and they have been flying left seat in big turboprops for 7+ years.

I'm just saying from a guy who gave the 135 side a shot, the way I see it now, in the current hiring environment, for career gigs, 121 or otherwise, I truly believe that going to Mesa will open more doors faster. Mainly because of the equipment, hours and ops.

I may be going myself and yes it will be a pay cut, QOL will go down too (well a schedule does sound nice rsv or otherwise as I am currently on call 24/7/364 and they do call at 2am with no warning). Looking in my crystal ball long term I believe it will be worth it. Ill come back and tell you in 10 years.

 

We have well established differing views on this subject, no reason to rehash it all over again. It will be bittersweet in 10 years when I can say I'm still at a regional. My life will not be great but at least I can say I was right.

 

"So I got that goin for me... Which is pretty nice."

 

Sure setting yourself up for failure with that mindset, eh?

 

All the positive thinking, wishing, praying, etc. isn't going to make that phone ring any quicker.

 

A sex change could help...

 

...and will still have not lifted a finger to try to improve your situation because being right about your little dark cloud is more important than anything.