Beech Dude

Good luck bud!

John Carr

Bear in mind, we're coming off the most bizarre/bat shyte crazy hiring to no hiring and BACK to hiring in record time.

If, IF things get back to the pre COVID hiring and the regionals are scrambling for pilots like they were just 18-ish months ago, I'd expect the bonus/retention structures to return as well. I wouldn't bank 100% on it, but I have a feeling it's going to have to come back.

So simply in the realm of income, it may ease that sicking point.

Of course, that's tempered with commuting, etc. But reading threads of old in regional section and how much some pilots were making is a far cry from what I ever made in the regionals. Some made more in the FO seat than I did as a CA.

But NOTHING is gaurateed.

crewdawg

Ya man that is terrible, especially in times like this. Even our LTs start as GS-12 and our flight leads are getting GS-13.


Oh ya man, no brainer, go to the regionals. I did that and actually had a pretty good time, plus you likely won't be there all that long with the hiring about to kick off. Also, consider the cargo guys (Atlas, ATI, etc...) as they can be a great option as well...especially if they have home basing. Though, if the pax haulers are your target, I'd just stick with the regional route.

I believe it was 100% worth it. I was hired as younger 4-ship FL (NON-IP) with only 800 hours in my MDS and 1,700 total time (over half fo that civilian), while the normal fighter hire was only IP/EPs with 1,700+ in our MDS. The only reason I think I even got the call was because I was able to check the 121 box by having gone to a regional. A squadron mate with the same quals was hired FDX/UPS and interviewed at a pax carrier (circa 2015 or 2016)...we both believe because he was able to check the 121 box, on top of his mil time.

Nickanicus

Apparently I did well enough at the interview to get my first round pick of regionals. Thanks for the advice all, I'm taking the job.

Another benefit, I realized, is that the regional job will justify allowing me to live in a decent sized city with more going on than the middle of nowhere mil base. I'm bored out of my mind living near base with no women to chase and only high speed active doodie nerds to hang out with. So for anyone in my shoes reading this in the future... That could be another consideration in your choice (especially if your spouse has a career that could benefit from not living in the sticks).

rickair7777

Congrats, and have fun with it all.

Jetpower

Are you with Reserve or Guard? I recently graduated from UPT and was told that the Reserve put a stop to the TDART program for new hires. I am still about 400 hours away from meeting the R-ATP requirements so flying for a regional is currently not an option. Granted, I am still going through FTU and have seasoning to follow but I may need to look for a fulltime employment elsewhere to bridge the financial gap until I reach the minimum hours. Is anyone in the same boat as I am? I was really counting on the TDART program to provide financial stability for my family before I signed up for the Reserve but I guess nothing is guaranteed.

Nickanicus

Reserve. I was going through this conundrum riiiight as they were cancelling TDART. Pretty glad I went airlines as that GS position is gonezo and I likely wouldn't have gotten in before they pulled it.

Lots of dudes are in your boat. A few LTs at my squadron are desperately looking at low time flying jobs and/or CFI-ing. The AFRC really screwed some people over by pushing TDART so hard for years, then pulling it last minute.

BandDingOw

I'm not sure how to delete a reply.

BandDingOw

I think this is going to help the pilot shortage issues a little in the regional world and 135 world. Dudes want to fly.

tnkrdrvr

It might, or it might have the opposite effect as guys are no longer building enough hours to go straight to the majors. This could especially be a problem for the pointy nose community where flying hours have reportedly been dipping to 10/month. Hopefully, units get reasonable flying hour budgets that enable them to maintain proficiency and adequately train newbies. Either way, the regionals will be hurting.