J2092

I know this topic has been beaten to death, (repeatedly), but I was wondering if flying for Silver Airways getting turboprop time would be as beneficial as, say, flying for Republic or another regional. I know there are a plethora of other factors to consider, (QOL, benefits, etc.), but right now I'm just concerned about turboprop time vs. jet time at another regional.

Note: I could drive to Silver Airways at MCO but would have to commute for any other regional. Also, I'm a long ways off from actually applying anywhere, but I always like to plan ahead.

Thanks in advance.

PleaseComplete

I commute out of MCO to CLT and it varies all the way from no problem to this sucks the big one.

Clear as mud ?

DriveC208

Good for you for thinking ahead even though you're a ways off from applying. It's good to try to always have a pulse on the industry so that you can make the best decision when the time comes.

As far as jet time vs. turboprop time, I think the answer has changed over the past few years. Four or five years ago I would have said take the jet. Now, it seems like plenty of turboprop guys are getting hired at major airlines. As long as it's 121 multi-engine turbine time, I'd say you're alright.

Commuting is always a big question. I commuted for two years before moving to my base. I had a relatively easy commute and most of the time things went smoothly. That being said, there were still days that it sucked. Often times bad weather or early show times required that I commute to base the day before, costing a night at home. With seniority (and the ability to bid commutable trips) it gets easier. However, I think most would agree that it is like a whole different job when you don't have to commute.

Hope this helps.

chrisreedrules

I would commute out of MCO (or DAB, GNV, or JAX as they are all viable options if you live in north central FL) rather than work for Siver. They have a history of lots of instability.

Flyhayes

Turboprop time isn't an issue within the United States. In fact, when interviewing for a major airline, there is a very good chance that the pilot interviewing you is a former turboprop guy.

Having said that, I would commute vs that going to Silver. I commute to IAD from MCO and have never had trouble getting to work. Only twice have I had trouble getting home directly to MCO. For those occasions I flew into JAX and TPA respectively.
Personally, I don't find being a commuter that big of a deal in regards to QOL. But I am lucky in the fact that my Dad lives up there, so I've never had to worry about needing a crashpad. And my airline offers commuters 4 hotel rooms a month.

sflpilot

With respect to the turboprop time I know that may have been the case in years past but I have heard from current and former silver pilots that many of them have had trouble getting hired at the majors and even some LCCs. I think the best that most of them have gotten is some of the lower level cargo operators or maybe spirit and many have had to go to a jet regional.

J2092

Thanks to everyone for the reply! Sounds like the general consensus is to commute. If I got a position with another regional, I'd love to move and live in base, but my wife's family lives in FL so I don't see that happening! I've been looking at ZW for a while and they seem like a front-runner for me right now, (good pay and I hear excellent benefits). I've read about so many horror stories from commuters, so I'm glad to see it's not always bad (although I'm sure living in base is always better). Thanks for all the info, fly safe!

Cefiro

Mainly depends how important QOL is to you. If you have a family and being home is extremely important, then just go to Silver. If that isn't an issue, then I'd commute and go to a more stable company.

Flyhayes

I work at a turboprop operator and we have had no problems with people moving to mainline or LCC's... Perhaps the issues at Silver have more to do with the Gulfstream connection?

Starbucks

Along these same lines - does anyone have any ideas on what major hub would be the least painful commute from MCO? CLT? IAD?