What would you do? Returning to flight
 

So, been reading and interacting here since I decided to return to flying. I have been trying to decide what is the best route for both QOL and pay; (121 or fractional). Here is the background/stats, what is your opinion?

39 years old, family (2 kids in elementary school)
Will be taking a pay cut to go back.

ATP
Former Colgan Saab FO and 135 King Air pilot
2519TT
206 TPIC (King Air 200)
1082 turbine
1577 PIC
Left pro flying in 2015 to be around for the baby stuff, eager to get back in.

Thanks for your opinions

Depends on your ultimate goals. If the big leagues, nothing will be quicker -or more cost-effective - then getting back to a regional and getting 121 TPIC. You have a good running head start to be competitive when legacy hiring ramps up in the next few years that way. Fractional flying is far more iffy as a path to the majors.

Your Colgan time might count toward longevity at Endeavor. That'd mean better pay and vacation from day one. They offer the same deal to former Pinnacle pilots, even if they aren't return to work folks.

Where do you live??

Got a degree? With Degree: 100% yes. Within 3 years you could easily go to an LCC and make really good money, maybe even Major who knows.


Without Degree: IF you love flying, go to PSA and Piedmont, decent money to begin (at your age a little less than you expect but ok, $50/hr and 18k bonus). But Flow to AA. Takes about 7 years I think.

I live near IAD

I do have my Master's right now. Majors/LCC will probably have the best schedules for pay and family life I guess?

Yes, but you're not competitive for the top tier. You might be able to get a nibble from a LCC if you were currently employed at an airline. So I think you'll need to get a job, probably regional. If you pick one with the right demographics you might be able to upgrade early since you have previous 121 time.

Then you could take any offers you might get from a lower tier major, or build more time and hold out for one of the big ones with lots of retirements coming.

Oh yeah, I didn't mean that I could make a straight shot there, I meant it more as an end goal, sorry I wasn't clear.
Which regional gives me my best shot you think? At 39 I am not really looking for 10 years between now and a major/LCC.

You might consider a direct entry captain at CommutAir. IAD and EWr bases, $45k sign on, CPP to United and really good training. I did DEC and started in Oct. Happy to share details if you’re interested.