Well, if things will continue with CR9s, E-170/190s, etc, there won't be any major airline jobs to go to...

 

Don't agree with you there. Being at the top of any regional isn't necessarily a must stay anymore. I know a several guys that made the jump from regional to major after 40. Thats still 25 years left. You might not be able to be CA on a 777 in the base you want but you can still have a good career. Also, being junior at a major is alot different then at a regional. I think the main reason people stay is because of the pay cut to first year majors. But in most cases in year 2 your making more than a senior captain at a regional. So if you plan for the first year pay cut it's definitely doable. I just talked with a friend of mine at Delta who worked over 9 years at a regional. He's 42 now and been at Delta almost 2 years. He's flying international on the 76 and couldn't be happier. He said it was a hard thing to leave a stable job at the top of a regional and as a line check airman, but said it was the best decision he's ever made.

As far as regionals go...Maybe Chatauqua(shuttle america) or ASA. they both have bases in ATL. I would stay away from the northeast commute. It can be tough and crashpads are more expensive. Or Compass if you can get on there. They have a flow up to Delta now. Good luck man. I can understand wanting to stay in AVL area. It's great up there.

 

Thanks for all the great input guys. It is not easy to figure out the best way to go...

 

Proskuneho - with your permission I'd like to rephrase your question.

"Which regional would make it possible for me to move on to the major/cargo/fractional airline of my choice the fastest which would then allow my wife and I to settle down in Asheville, NC?"

In other words, "where would I gain the required PIC time the fastest and maybe even be able to become a check airman/ioe/simulator instructor while still there?"

Needless to say, "Until I reach my final goal, my wife and I will try to live near my domicile to make sure we see each other more than once a month... "

I know this is not what you wanted to hear but do not postpone your progression for the quality of life issues - aim really high right now while you can.

While I am at it - since you like Asheville so much do not forget Pace Airlines based out of Winston-Salem - in the past they hired a few CFIs, I know things are different right now but it's a tiny company where connections mean everything, so start networking right now! I used to fly there and had a blast.

Good luck to you!

 

Had to add some more... I was only a few years younger than you are now when I started flying, I'm now at Big Brown and although I don't take anything in life for granted and realize things can change on a dime, overall I'm very happy with my career choices.

As a previous recruiter for a small regional I would like to ask you to re-read your above statement again.

You're so unsure of yourself and your true potential that you're willing to settle for "less" just so you don't 'get burned' later on. A low self-esteem attitude shines through a person during an interview; if that's your attitude in life it'll be very hard to fake it during an interview.
Listen - if you don't believe in yourself no one else out there will believe in you either! It's that simple!

So again, set your goals very high and make sure you do not limit your career choices with quality of life issues, worry about those later in life, you're young and have plenty of time to catch up on that! If your wife has patience and understanding she'll appreciate you even more later once you succeed, and succeed you will if you truly want it.

Just my 1/2¢ which equals 1/4 €¢, 1/8₤ or 2/17¥

 

Great advice!

 

i think i can sum most of it up, you have the total time S%!& or get off the pot! youll be fine dont let your dream get away from you

 

AV8OR and teamdothis -

You guys are right. I appreciate the honest and straight forward advice. As for your comment:
I understand what you are saying. I really have no doubt that I will be a great airline pilot. I'm certainly not arrogant, I am very teachable, and I do have a very positive work history and a drive for excellence. My only concern is that there MIGHT be factors outside of my control (ie the market, etc) that might make it more reasonable to stay with a great regional. One day at a time. Wherever I get hired next, my philosophy will be the same as it is right now - if I do my best where I am at, then reputation and benefits are the natural results.

Thanks again guys. Feel free to keep moving my thinking out of the box!!

 

I don't doubt you're "teachable" and have a positive work history. I know it's hard to stay positive, especially in today's environment - however, don't worry about things you can't change. Do your best, apply EVERYWHERE once hiring resumes and let others decide if they should hire you or not.

If they do, great!
If not, try again and again...

Persistence does pay off but worrying usually does not... I think you get my point.

Good luck to you, a few years from now you'll be glad you decided to give it a shot!

 

Thanks. I just hope I can afford the initial step!