So, this is going to sound like a very strange question for most. But let me explain...


I am trying to decide between direct entry captain with a regional and Kalitta Air. Here is my dilemma.

Kalitta, while being a VERY good company to work for, is not my most preferred place to go. I could however see myself working there until I retire. That being said, I'm in my upper 30's and still have plenty of time left before I do retire.
Direct entry captain regional... While I do have over 1000 hrs TPIC, none of it is part 121 and most of it is in turbo prop (king air).

The legacies are putting more and more emphasis on TPIC, check airman, etc etc.

My ultimate goal is to get on with one of the legacies as I have more emphasis at this stage of my life on retirement benefits and maximizing my time at home with my family.

If I did go to Kalitta I would not be getting any TPIC for at least 3 years possibly longer the way things are going. By the time I'd upgrade at Kalitta I might as well just stay there and enjoy life as a captain. However, 16 days a month for the rest of my career, minus vacation of course. Not the end of the world, but not the most desired at this point and yes I could be very happy doing it.



What am I missing? What would you do? Thoughts? Or am I an idiot for even posing the question and just take "the obvious choice."

 

Well, for starters, do you meet 121 PIC requirements from 121.436? Specifically, was your King Air PIC time under either 91K or 135?

 

What niner said.

And if you have TPIC that qualifies for 121 upgrade, I would suggest Kalitta for the type rating. 121 CA time will have a diminishing return as you already have TPIC time and it may eventually hurt you.

 

Yes I do. I have 2300 hrs part 121 SIC in EMB 145 and CRJ 200.

 

And you have a CJO from Kalitta?

 

Regional captains are a dime a dozen unfortunately and it’s tough to breakout from the crowd. In many cases International experience and wide body types (plus PIC when you upgrade) over the next 2-4 years will open more doors for you than RJ PIC over the same period of time.

 

Not at this point. My interview is coming up soon. I have been prepping for it and going to give it my all. Hoping to have a CJO soon.
I’m the type that likes to think two steps ahead and plan as much as possible, hence the question.

 

You mentioned retiring at a place like Kalitta, so what's the end game?

 

Do you have ANY 121 time? If you have 1000 121 SIC time, probably no big deal. But your odds of getting a legacy with no 121 experience at all, or even getting your app pulled for an interview, are NOT good.

The extra type rating is a nice to have square filler but I think the 121 square counts more in the scoring, all other things being equal.

 

I do have over 2300 hrs SIC in part 121 ops. I am currently flying as an FO for an on demand cargo operator, part 121.




The end game is to have a good career that I can make descent money, put away for good retirement, and spend as much time with my family as I possibly can.