Am I just being totally stupid?
 

So, here's the deal: six years ago, I got furloughed from Emery after working there like six months. Prior to that I flew Brasilias and 72's for a few years. The seven two job was with a charter outfit, though, so I don't have all that much time (2600TT, 950 PIC, 1200 ME, ~2000 turbine). Since getting laid off, I have been full time in the guard, sort of flying Blackhawks but mostly flying my desk (except for a year over there). Since getting home I am sick of my desk, and miss flying - so I'm thinking about going back to the commuters. I'm interested in a couple of street captain jobs - especially Big Sky 'cause I live in New England. Colgan, maybe, too.

The question is: am I an idiot? Should I apply to Xjet or the like even though the upgrade is long? I have good ins at UAL and AA, and wouldn't mind Airtran or JB. Big sky would be about a 50% pay cut - so would Xjet first year.

What does everyone think? Thanx.

I would think with your experience and military background, you shouldn't have too much trouble skipping the regional stage. Go straight for the mainlines. Xjet is hiring at 600/100. You might find it hard to get a regional job since you are over qualified. They know you will jump ship.

Try anyplace you want to work as you have nothing to lose. NWA used to hire lots of rotary guys.

Good background. Get a corp job getting a little more PIC...then apply for Legacy carriers skipping regional. Good luck to you.

Or get a good corporate job and stay there! :cool:

Another option is to hop onto a carrier that hires street captains and fly there for a year to build PIC time.

I think that with your total time and PIC you're probably going to have a difficult time landing a job with a legacy or other major simply because there are so many folks that have 5000-6000 hrs & 1000+ PIC at the regionals that are looking to move on.

That might change though as more carriers open application windows and start drawing from the regional ranks. The big thing working against you right now is probably recency of experience. Find a way in, and then work on landing a better job as you progress. It's always easier to find a flying job when you're actually flying.

I don't think you are an idiot but I am surprised SkyHigh hasn't reared his cute little head in on this one yet. :P

Good luck!

Thanks for the introduction!
 

He sounds like an adult. I am sure that he has already incurred the cost of his training and education. So long as he don't have a family in tow (and doesn't want one) at this point I would consider taking any one of those paths.

If you want a financially secure family life then I would look elsewhere than aviation.

SkyHigh

If you want a financially secure future I sugest you look elsewhere for advice.

I wouldn't go that far. You could always fly a helicopter for the sheriff's department. Or a TV station. You'd come home at night, have reasonable stability. That can't be too bad. You just have to be selective.

No. Go for street Capt and apply to the legacies,Airtran, JB etc. You may just score without a long wait. You already know the downsides, so you can confidentally disregard all naysayers (especially since I have not met any of my fellow warriors who got into the military for money or being home every night) My family is OK with it, lucky I know. Good luck is made by people to stupid to quit. :D