RidgeRun

I was not really sure what to post this under so here it is.

I’m just looking to possibly get some insight from people in the industry or bounce some ideas around that I might not have considered.

I recently was told after 2 days of Ground School to go home because the company was canceling all FO classes and we would be called back for preferential hiring when classes start back up in July/August (take that with a grain of salt).

I have my old job as a CFI available but am thinking about going to another company until I get the call (when ever that will be) to go back to class. Options are Commutair or something similar, a fractional company, or potentially the Guard.

I realize CFIing is the safest and will not burn any bridges and the Guard is a major commitment.

Any thoughts on how bad burning bridges would be to go train at a 121 company just to get some experience in a 121 operation flying turboprops and glass as a transition to jet when the original company starts hiring again. (The 121 or fractional would be done with the idea that as soon as I get the call from the company that just canned me I would go back with them regardless of where I am in training unless I really like the company)

Just throwing ideas out there and looking for feed back. Thanks.

DorkFromFL

I think staying a CFI would be the best decision because:

1. There is a major demand for CFI's, I am sure you can make as much as you would make as a regional F/O so your finances are pretty secure.

2. (depending on which flight school you teach at) Your time is flexible meaning you do not have to commit to any contract and you have the opportunity to drop everything (to a certain extent, get your students helped before you leave ) and go back to the company.

3. You won't have to explain in the next interview why you left the other 121 company so quick and had the company spend their money on someone who just got the free training and left.

Just some thoughts....

flyguyniner11

what do company were you oriiginally hired with?

flycrj200

Forget about working for RAH. Apply at Comair and stay. I would not move from one Regional to another.

SuperPilotJesse

Yeah Comair... I only have one person under me right now. haha

UCLAbruins

You want to go to a fractional until this regional calls you back??? what "fractionals" are you talking about??

just curious

BoilerUP

Its rather difficult and time-consuming to apply, interview, and compete for an ANG pilot slot...let alone the 2+ years of training you go through, AFTER going through the whole medical process and getting assigned an AMS date. To be competitive for an ANG pilot slot you'd better have a good GPA, a stellar resume and a much better reason for joining than "I got terminated from a regional airline after two days" or "I heard Uncle Sam has a really sweet flying club!"

The only fractional you'd likely be remotely qualified for is Planesense/Alpha Flying...and they wouldn't look kindly on somebody bailing after 4-6 months to go fly an RJ. Also not sure you'd be able to afford the pay cut at that point...

Sorry to sound negative, its not my intent. You'd be better served going to another 121 operator, or if there is a delay there flight instructing until you have enough time to go 135, either as a passenger turbine FO or for a company like AirNet.

RidgeRun

I was thinking Alpha Flying

rickair7777

First off, if you are talking about a guard pilot slot...DO IT! Unless you have family issues or a lack of enthusiasm for the military mission, the guard is a great deal for somebody off the street. This would be a great time NOT to be at the bottom of an airline seniority list, and those military wings and connections will sure come in handy when you apply to FDX. There are many nuances regarding this, do some research (see the military forum).

Important question...you started ground school, but did they give you a seniority number? They should have, and if so you can go do military for a few years and when you come back you will still have your original seniority..ie quicker upgrade.

Other than that, if you have < 1000 hours total, I'd probably go CFI until you hit 1000 or maybe 1500...this will open up yout options with all regionals. If you already have plenty of total time, then I'd say go get some lower-tier 121 turbine time if the geography is not a great hardship to you and your family. If it's going to screw up your life, then just stay home and CFI...not worth it for a bottom feeder.

Don't worry too much about burning bridges at low-tier companies...as long as you give them 2 weeks notice they can't really penalize you. But since you started ground school, that will need to be reported as an employer o n your PRIA paperwork, so any new employer will know that you were furloughed, with possible recall rights...they might ask you about your intentions.

RightSeatDude

Hey Rick... I'm in the same boat, same class date and everything. I specifically asked about seniority. We do not have a hire date nor seniority. We were told we'd be given "priority" when classes start back up. I'm not bashing, just stating the facts. It was clear the HR people felt terribly about us quitting jobs to come up there for what ended up being two days. The interaction I had with the Republic people was all very positive, and I support them in these tough times.

I'm in probably a worse situation. I have 1393TT, with 1100 of that on the E145. I'm not a CFI, and don't have my single engine commercial- just comm multi/inst. I'm also too old to join the guard, or I'd do so in a heartbeat (not to mention I only have an AA degree). I'm in the Dallas area and am going to try to find something local. I'm certainly open to suggestions.