medfly

I gave up a job with a descent regional to drive a desk so I could make more money and be closer to my kids. It hasn't been like I thought it would be, and I think about flying every day. It would be great if some of you RJ drivers could give me some feedback on the companys you are currenly with. Pay, upgrade time, how commutable the schedule is, especially out of FL. Any positive input is greatly appreciated.

rickair7777

Mesa is not well regarded for some things but they have an ERJ base at MCO and will be opening a CRJ900 base in CLT. You wouldn't have any problem commuting those two from FL. Upgrdade is historically better than average. And they are hiring.

Many airlines will rehire alumni into the first available class, no questions asked assuming you left on good terms and can pass a background check. It might be easier and quicker to get back with your original airline.

On the other other hand, with previous 121 time, you could get into a premium regional like AW or SKW. That might be worth a commute.

SkyHigh

You have a family to think about. Thank yourself for getting out early and try another line of work or go to trade school. The regionals are a dead end. You probably can't get back in anyway. Every company that you interview with will ask the same question "why did you leave your last flying job"? It will be difficult to answer and when they start calling references they will get the true story and that will be the end of it. It takes time to effect change. I would push your flying longings out of your mind and keep trying to make the desk work.

SkyHigh

FlyerJosh

How does being miserable at home because you miss flying (and probably spreading the misery to your family as a result), hurt your family? If you have an understanding family (like mine is), then go for it.

Like I've pointed out before, flying is for some folks and not for others. If you and your family feel that you can handle it, by all means, return to the line.

If you're worried about what any potential employer might think, don't. It's perfectly normal to leave and then want to return. Be honest. Tell them you wanted to be closer to home, but you miss flying, so you're trying to balance the two of them. I know more than a few people who have returned to flying after furloughs or leaving for family/personal reasons.

Laxrox43

Hey boss,

Depending on where you live, Delta has TUNS of routes throughout FL. I used to live in Melbourne, and they have direct flights into Atlanta - their main hub. ASA is a pretty good company to work for - they fly CRJ200/700. They are owned and operated by Skywest Airlines. Obviously there will be time away from home, but wherever you live, there is a Delta flight of some sort flying out of an airport close to you. My 2 cents.

D

SkyHigh

Starting over as a new FO at the regionals is unfair to a family who is use to eating and having a father around. There are many impulses that we all have throughout our lives. Most we don't act on. As a father we enter an agreement that we will work in the best interest if our families. Often that means squashing ridiculous selfish wants for the benifit of the family.

As you mentioned being on furlough or quiting due to a forced transfer is diffrent than voluntarily leaving a flying job to pursue a career outside of aviation. It is a career death sentence in the minds of HR people. If he left the airlines once before the odds are strong that he will do it again. As we all know things haven't gotten any easier at the regionals. A desperate regional might take him on but a major wouldn't touch him. To quit a flying job without having another better one in line is right up there with having a few DUI's, it is the end of the line.

SKyHigh

atpwannabe

Medfly:

I say go for it. I, too, left a part of the aviation industry, airport mgmt & ops, after spending some time there and really made the effort to get back. Well, unfortuately it hasn't worked out. The aviation community is a small, close knit community. Once you're in, try to stay in; if not, you might as be pulling alligator teeth...it'll be easier and less stressful. Btw, I'm looking to become an FO with a regional and then on to the majors myself.

Best Wishes and Much Success!!!

Skywest....dude, you're brutal!

atpwannabe

I meant Skyhigh... dude you're brutal

I need to start proofreading!!!

Uncle Bose

Here, here. I see quite a few older men leaving their jobs and moving across the country to attend my flight school with childlike aspirations of a career in aviation, because it's "always been their dream." Really? What about providing for the wife and kids? Continuing to be a part of their lives like they've become accustomed to? Not a dream of theirs?
It ****es me off...I wish they'd be turned away.

SOUND advice for a someone with a family.

atpwannabe

Uncle Bose:

I'm not advocating that he deprives his family of his presence and ecomonic stability. There are many factors that have to weighed. We both know that.

Everyone's circumstances are different. We all have different reasons as to why we want to fly. And yeah, at age 44, you damn right I'm going to give it shot. I don't want to be that 70 or 80 yr old man saying, "I wonder what it would have been like..., or I wish I would have tried...!"