Jumping Ship...
 

We all know there are a lot of regionals FO's making lateral moves to "better and bigger" regionals, usually for quality of life reasons. What do you guys think about how a major, legacy, or charter/fractional operation will view this when you go in for an interview. Do you think that interviewers will question loyalty when they see that someone only worked for 5 or 6 months at so and so company, and then jumped ship at the first opportunity for a better place, only using the first company for a little flight time? Do you think this will reflect poorly on the individual and hurt his chances, or do you think the interviewers would view this as everyday business? Would love to hear your thoughts, especially the bros at the majors already.

Well, I'm not near the majors, but my first instinct tells me they would probably ask you about it in an interview for a major. Most important is how you answer. I would think an answer something like this would work well: "I changed jobs in order to better my quality of life and to build more valuable experience in the airline industry. I understand this can be viewed as less-than-loyal, but at this point in my career I'm interested in settling into my position here at [insert airline]. I'm not just doing this job to build time, this is my ultimate goal as an aviation professional, and look forward to staying at [insert airline]."

I'm not sure how helpful this is because it's just speculation - and perhaps a bit too optimistic. Maybe some other guys who are more knowledgeable about the hiring process at the majors can offer some more specific points of view. Interesting question, nonetheless.

I interviewed at XJT yesterday, and they asked me the same question. My answer was that as my wife and I near the age where we want to settle down and have kids, I want to be with a stable company. My current company has no future. Management has outright said that they don't know where the company will be after 2009. They said they know that ML has a plan for us, but they're not aware of what it is. I can't take such an irresponsible position when trying to support my family, and for that reason I'd like to move on.

They liked that answer. I got the job.

Depends, if you go from Colgan to XJT, the majors know why, Colgan blows, but if yoo go from XJT to CHQ, then to Eagle that may throw up a flag, Commutair, Colgan, Mesa usually stepping stones to better regionals

nearly 9 years at eagle REALLY helped me at the big brown interview. but, who knows 4 sure.

Nine years in any 121 outfit should get you anywhere you need to go (except maybe GoJets)..

Seems like 3 years at GoJets and some of those guys are going just about anywhere they want to also!

I'd be interested in where you came by this information, considering the "airline" hasn't even been in operation for two years yet.

One lateral move at the regional level shouldn't be a problem, there are all kinds of good reasons for that: Geography, better compensation, faster upgrade, etc. Any explanation is good except being "asked to resign". Most pilot interviewers know who the real doo-doo regionals are, and will respect you for not taking their crap any longer than necessary.

In the business world, the ideal tenure is 5-7 years. Much less and they will think you jump ship too often...any longer and they suspect that that you are lazy, complacent, and tend to stagnate, unless you have continously advanced up the ladder.

My apologies, 2 years!! I was just throwing numbers out there....

I really dont care, dont work for anyone associated with them, just find it humorous that people blast them all the time meanwhile those guys are getting hired just fine.