91 job to a regional?
 

Hello all,

Current 91 pilot here, flying a large cabin biz jet in the Northeast. What was a pretty good job has gone down the toilet due to a myriad of issues. I also am growing weary of a lack of standards, profiles and flows. I had that back when I was a fractional pilot, and would love to get back to a place that has it. So I have decided that I want to move into the 121 world. I have 5500 total time, just over 5000 turbine, 2500 jet, 3300 PIC. Two type ratings, and 800 hours in a 48,000+ airplane.

My primary target is JetBlue, mostly because of their Boston base. I'm an hour or so away from Logan. I have two internal references there, but 0 121 time. I have also applied to United, with one internal ref, and Delta, with zero internal refs. Obviously I would have to commute if U or D offers me a job, but I think that is a long shot.

One thing I have been mulling over is applying to Republic. It would be a foot in the door of the 121 world and give me some schedule stability. The problem is that it will be a MASSIVE pay cut. My wife works, and we have a lot of money in the rainy day fund, plus no children, but it would be a pretty big change in lifestyle for the both of us. My wife is extremely low maintenance, so I don't have any worries about there being marital issues, but we enjoy nice things, so it would be a bit of a bummer. But all that being said, if going to RPA would give me more of a chance of getting on with JetBlue, it would be worth it. I would also assume that my experience MAY give me a chance to upgrade soon-ish? In no way would I be comfortable being a 121 captain right out of the gate, but after a year or so I think I'd have a fighting chance at being able to handle that.

So what does the peanut gallery think? Just keep on doing what I am doing until the place I really want to be calls me, or just jump into the 121 world with a move to RPA?

The money stuff only you and your wife can decide.

Upgrade requires 1000 121 SIC time, and you have none, just like a new CFI. Otherwise upgrade is based solely on seniority, so your bizjet time won't help there.

On the other hand, 3000 multi-engine turbine PIC is very competitive for the majors. Will checking the 121 box be what it takes to get you an interview? No one can tell you that for sure. Will COVID-21 shut down air travel in 2022? Will you be one of the many who inexplicably never get the call? Go somewhere you believe you'll be happy, and be prepared for the music to stop.

I thought 1000 hours of 135 PIC (which I have) also counted towards being able to be a 121 PIC?

Nope, I ran into that same issue.
”Scheduled” 135 is what the reg says.
So you’re back at zero as far as the 121 world is concerned with a minimum of 1000hrs for upgrade so bite the bullet and get 121 time with Republic.
With all due respect, don’t thing they’re waiting for you as they’re most definitely not.
Your problem with Part 91 is also their problem with Part 91.
Your chances would have been better if you’d stayed 135 and didn’t switch over to 91.

I know many pilots who in the last 5 years went direct 91 to 121, one to Jet Blue, 4 or 5 to FDX. Once hiring starts, you’ll be fine without the stop at a regional.

Your times should be competitive for a major or legacy, assuming 1000+ TPIC and all other required quals like degree, etc.

I know a number of similarly qualified pilots hires by UPS, FDX, Delta, United, etc.

An intermediate stop like a ULCC or ACMI to check the recent 121 experience box is another option.

I do have a 4 year degree, and 1000+ TPIC.

I don't really want to go into the ACMI world due to the amount of time away from home. A ULCC would involve a commute, but perhaps that's not the end of the world.

Thanks.

You can skip the regionals. Unless your jobs is truly awful/unsafe and you just can't bring yourself to go to work for one more day, stick with it and keep applying to Jetblue and the others. Plenty of guys here at B6 who came directly from the corporate world, and I have quite a few buddies who went straight 91 large cabin to Southwest, United and Delta. It's not uncommon at all.

Hiring is just starting up again so don't feel bad if you don't get a call ASAP, but there is zero reason with your credentials to go sit right seat in an RJ and take a huge pay and QOL hit in the HOPES that a major airline calls you. You're competitive already with what you posted for all the major airlines. Hit every job fair, meet and greet and networking event that you can find.

My .02 would be, if your job truly sucks, start looking at other part 91 gigs while also working on Jetblue and the others. If you're flying large cabin biz then you have marketable type ratings and skills that could get you another corporate job with similar or even better pay and QOL than you already are enjoying. Worst case, JB and others never call but you found yourself a better biz jet job. Best case you get a call from the majors while also getting offered a new/better 91 job.

Apply to everything 121 above the regionals. Take whatever calls first. Then keep applying for what you want

As a previous 91 & 135 pilot, take my opinion and stay corporate or charter. 121 flying sucks. You turn into a robot, and you can kiss all your fun flying goodbye. Hang a left and take your seat in the cockpit. B O R I N G.