mpilot153

Again, thanks for the info

I don't think any of the military guys jumping out at the 10-11 year mark will be to worried about losing pay from a regional. I can make more money staying at home doing nothing. I haven't heard of a first year regional pilot cracking 2k/month before taxes, and then factor in commuting expenses + food + crash pad, and you will be paying for the "opportunity to work."

I'm totally on board, especially looking at the end game (with the goal of the earliest seniority number available). Combined with my Reserve job, the regional might be the best resume booster I can think of. Wife and kids are on board with the plan - I just might have to wait until my house sells so that I can move closer to my reserve job to manage it.

kdrflyer

Thanks for the help and information. Still trying to make that call between the airlines (aka go interview with the several regional airlines that have offered interviews and pray for an offer) or go fly the pine. Any good stories of living on regional pay?

FreeBeer2morrow

I am a recently separated military guy (June). I didn't receive any calls for ANY job since I started applying 9 months ago. I applied for literally hundreds (1 a day EVERYDAY). Also a T-6 guy with a few more hours, but not incredibly more than you. Last week I had delta contact me and a major corporate outfit also. This week got a third interview. Hang in there. When it rains it pours. Here are my basics below...

Total time 3700
Pic 2000
T-6 1200
Multi 2000/ 500 Pic
Bit of civilian cfi to top it off

FreeBeer2morrow

My advice... Skip the regional if you can. I interviewed at 2 and decided I can't do it. Can get by on reserves until things get going. Use this time to apply, apply, apply. It's starting to pay off

DoubleD

Agree with skip the regionals if you can.

An ANG or Reserve gig will be the best place to be for currency and references for the Majors. Go Guard and skip the regionals.

I retired in '03 and the majors had thousands on furlough. Flying in the regionals kept me current until a great job came open. I got 2200 hours in under 3 years. It was tough low pay work but was a tremendous learning experience. It was a great transition to a great job. That said, now that the majors are hiring I would think of the regionals as a Plan B. If you do not get an interview at a major then do the regional thing until you get an interview. It will be hard but temporary. Excel there and you will be set up well for your interview at the majors.
Do not think of the regionals as being easier. It is harder because generally the training is minimal as many are run on a shoestring. They are set up to get your time and move on.

Within the next 6 months the floodgates will open.

kdrflyer

Thanks for the advice, I do appreciate it. I'm looking at FTS and then Reserve gigs and probably sit those out to build currency, might do the regional gig just for the extra money on top of the reserves. Always good to hear positive stories, thanks again brothers.

Rostam10

DoubleD--interesting post regarding your regional experiences. I may be looking down that same road soon. I'm a retirement eligible, high time, USAF pilot who unfortunately landed a desk job upon return from a flying, one year deployment. I have all the squares filled to make the transition but for one big problem--no recent flying the last two years save 20 or so hours of light civilian time...:-( I'll be happy to get back into any jet cockpit and if I can swing a regional job for awhile to regain currency...so be it...;-)

Grumble

Go get your CFI and start instructing or flying Part 135 part time, right now. You've got the squares filled, you just need recent experience and you can do this while still on AD, then be current when you separate/retire. If you'll only sit in a jet cockpit.... well that's a self imposed limitation.

Rostam10

Grumble, good advice on the getting the CFI while still on AD. I do have my CFI and CFII through the Mil-Civ conversion but only with the ME rating. Think it's time I buck up and get the SE "add on" so I can actually use my CFI. What's more, I'm in a C-172SP partnership and have two teenagers who'd like to get PPL's. I may as well be the one to instruct them whereby I can log IP while they log dual. Anyway, I'd love to hear from anyone who has faced the non-currency dilemma prior to separating/retiring from the military...I'll take all the suggestions I can get!

kdrflyer

Rostam, I am in a similar situation, not as much time and not retiring, but have been out of the CP for 1 year (thanks navy disassociated tour). I have my CFI/II and planning on going to higher power at some point to get the ATP/737 rating and build some currency in addition to other small quals and hopefully fly some students. Making the best of a rough spot. Lots of encouragement out there from several people, on the forums and off, that may need to only suffer the regionals for a year or skip altogether.