Lifer at a regional... really that bad?
 

Given I'm in my mid-40s and just now applying to regionals, I'm wondering if any of you are, or know any "lifers" that actually don't mind it. I always say there are two frames of mind... a positive one and a negative one. No matter the industry, you'll have whiners and complainers, and you'll have those that make what they can out of it. I'm in the latter group. Plus, I don't have kids so I'm a little more mobile when it comes to having to relocate, and my cost of living is minimal.

Sure, I'm still not too old to make it to a major or legacy, but I'll never get beyond F/O, or if I do upgrade, it'll always be a junior domicile and/or narrowbody.

Any regional lifers who still have some self respect left and a decent QOL?

You're young enough for majors and should shoot for legacy/SWA. No question about that. If for no other reason than you won't have a job if you don't have an FO, and if legacies have to hire CFI's (math says they might) then there won't be many CFI's at regionals.

The only legit question is... what happens if I get stuck? In that case some things are under your control, others are not...

You can pick a regional which has base(s) that you like. Base(s) plural is better, since bases come and go.

You can choose a regional which is generally known for being "less toxic" than others, and generally has good QOL (although QOL is often totally variable depending base/seniority).

If legacies don't pan out, then look at LCC's. That will depend on their growth, contracts, and other issues at the time so there's no right answer on that today. Might want to do LCC, or might be better off staying at a regional. It will depend on where things stand at the time.

If hired at a legacy by age 50, you should upgrade and still have plenty of time to progress (retirements). Or you can hang out as a senior FO and still make good money (significantly better than RJ CA). For example... regionals might match 5% on the 401k, legacies will typically contribute 15% ish. Contribute, not match.

Bottom line, regional lifer, you won't know if it's a good idea until your 65th birthday. Especially given the uncertainty of the future of the business model, you'll be along for the ride and in suspense the whole way.

Bad things can happen to majors too, but you'll typically see it coming a long way off.

You still have PLENTY of time for a career...20 years!

Don't sell yourself short. Your career path should take you way past a regional...and yes, a major QOL is COMPLETELY different from a regional QOL!

Friends don't let friends become lifers. You are not old at all. Move on, brother!

All good points. I completely agree that a Legacy is WAY obtainable and even enough time to upgrade and build up a decent retirement.

That said, I have flown with several lifers at my regional that are absolutely ok with where they are and have no plans to try to move on. The pay is enough to live a decent lifestyle (depending on where you live) and once the seniority is built up enough to have more control over your schedule it can be hard for some to give that up. Is it the majors? of course not. Can it be good enough for the right person. Absolutely!

Frankly you have to get lucky to enjoy a comfortable existence at a regional to age 65. Too many things can go wrong, and we know one of them is coming for sure (pilot shortage).

There are definitely people doing it, but it's really hard to determine if you'll be one of them in 20 years.

There is nothing wrong with flying a regional jet for the remainder of ones career. I have known plenty who decided to do so even with having other options open to them. Every person is different in terms of what they want out of this job and only you can know what will work the best for you. No job is absolutely perfect (yes even the legacy one). Schedules, bases, equipment , money, job security, position (CA/FO) to name a few are all pros and cons one has to balance. This is necessary in order to find a perfect fit that YOU want.
If a left seat of a regional ends up working for you, there is absolutely no shame in staying there and enjoying the rest of the ride.

Thanks guys. Not to sell myself short, but I came from the days of post 9/11 and the Great Recession. So it's in my nature to be skeptical and cautious... not pessimistic mind you... just cautious. Some of my friends threw in the towel.. so did I for 10 years but I'm back in the game and flying never left my blood. I'm just going to see how far this takes me.

Could anyone tell me if any of the following airlines would NOT be good choices (assuming I live in base): Horizon, Skywest, Endeavor, Envoy, Republic, Air Wisconsin, PSA. None of these would be considered "toxic" right?

Definitely don’t sell yourself short, especially in this hiring climate. If you want wide body flying you have plenty of time for it. At the Delta expo a few weeks ago fleet planning mentioned that new hires could start going into the 330 when the 330 NEO’s start coming. New guys are already getting the ER’s in some classes. It’s probably not taking guys long to get wide body flying over at UA either. As far as regionals go The only place I would honestly avoid is Horizon. Things seem to be moving slow over there. The lifers at my shop are pretty happy for the most part especially with the new TA that may get passed, but they have been through a lot. I personally wouldn’t get comfortable at any regional. We’re contractors and if mainline doesn’t like how something is being done, or someone can do it cheaper guess who’s getting the boot. Just my .02

True, a friend of mine went through indoc @ Horizon...that was over a month ago, still getting paid to sit at home while he waits for a sim class. Seems there's a training staff shortage right along with a pilot shortage.

No sooner had I thought one of my chosen airlines was a good choice (starts with E), and first post in the thread someone is saying how bad the schedules suck, worst QOL in the industry, blah blah. Is there ANYWHERE that 's good? I'm thinking to heck with it... just go move to Alaska and make a ton of money in a Dash 8 100.