Regional F/O's with no ATP/PIC..Are we hosed?
#21
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I love it when obtuse people start crap just for the sake of starting crap. And are not even smart enough to know the difference between a complaint and an experienced criticism. I readily admitted I was venting and being complaintive and I'll add even whiny about my career...but you just had to chime in with your own brand of whining didn't you...
For all I know Compass is a great place to work, once you get through the ridiculous starting pay ( I made more my first year flying a 37 seat TP)..In that regard I have no experience, but my crits are legitimate. I work for a wholly owned and I won't do it again. And a big sign that an air carrier is being competitive within the race to the bottom is one that won't even put trainees up in a hotel.
My number #1 priority is upgrade, plane size and such things? Really, I didn't realize one could have more than 1 #1 priority. And thank you for thinking for me, since you seem to be so completely in tune with my mindset then would you mind flying the four day for me I start tomorrow while I stay home and drink beer?
My NUMBER ONE PRIORITY is Quality of life..perhaps you in your infinite experience have come across that term before. FYI Mr. Telepath..I could care less if I'm flying a Piper Cub or a fracking 747 as long as I am paid properly to do it. And for anyone that wants to pretend upgrade isn't important to them may want to consider a career in used car sales. I want upgrade for the PAY! If I could earn a livable wage that will enable me to retire before I'm crapping dust as an F/O at a company that treats me like a human being tell me who they are and I'll shoot'em a resume. Being a Captain comes with a whole new level of BS and liability that is simply not worth what you earn as a jr. regional captain.
I want to work for Cathay because I am very fond of the Asian culture and have had a long time desire to live in Hong Kong as I have been there many times and LOVE that damn dirty city! Cathay also pays one what they are actually worth for this insane career...
For all I know Compass is a great place to work, once you get through the ridiculous starting pay ( I made more my first year flying a 37 seat TP)..In that regard I have no experience, but my crits are legitimate. I work for a wholly owned and I won't do it again. And a big sign that an air carrier is being competitive within the race to the bottom is one that won't even put trainees up in a hotel.
Or when the #1 priorities are upgrade, plane size and such things, it's what I've grown to expect from CMLs.
Personally it's rather ironic that many people I know who went to Pinnacle because of the "quick upgrade" are sitting FO and probably going to be furloughed sooner or later while people who went to Eagle are slowly progressing up the seniority list, funny, considering everyone convinced me that you NEVER upgrade at Eagle.
Personally it's rather ironic that many people I know who went to Pinnacle because of the "quick upgrade" are sitting FO and probably going to be furloughed sooner or later while people who went to Eagle are slowly progressing up the seniority list, funny, considering everyone convinced me that you NEVER upgrade at Eagle.
My NUMBER ONE PRIORITY is Quality of life..perhaps you in your infinite experience have come across that term before. FYI Mr. Telepath..I could care less if I'm flying a Piper Cub or a fracking 747 as long as I am paid properly to do it. And for anyone that wants to pretend upgrade isn't important to them may want to consider a career in used car sales. I want upgrade for the PAY! If I could earn a livable wage that will enable me to retire before I'm crapping dust as an F/O at a company that treats me like a human being tell me who they are and I'll shoot'em a resume. Being a Captain comes with a whole new level of BS and liability that is simply not worth what you earn as a jr. regional captain.
I want to work for Cathay because I am very fond of the Asian culture and have had a long time desire to live in Hong Kong as I have been there many times and LOVE that damn dirty city! Cathay also pays one what they are actually worth for this insane career...
#22
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From my experience I'd say it's actually more about crew and command experience, such as what Cathay wants, in transport category a/c vs. jet time with most employers. Thankfully most of the jet snob CP's are in the corporate world vs 121. Those guys for some odd reason seem to have forgotten that it does actually take some skill and competency to fly a TP especially an analog one with no auto-pilot. Flying the Dash with an autopilot, I'd never win a contest in holding precise altitude and heading against a 1900 driver...Those guys end up with a scan like a cyborg.
#23
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Apr 2009
Posts: 936
Isn't true that only the second officers are based in Hong Kong. Everyone else is based in the states like KSFO, LAX, ANC, ORD, ATL, and JFK. If you want to live in Hong Kong you have to be an SFO.
#24
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I don't know. I wouldn't think so considering Hong Kong is the company's main hub. But it's possible I guess. If so, that makes Cathay less desirable to me.
#25
Many of those ahead of you got there because they didn't come in with low time and were able to upgrade and move on. You happen to be building time at a regional, while others had to spend years doing it in general aviation or 135 before jobs at regionals opened up.
When the upwards movement starts to happen again, your seniority will better and you'll be able to upgrade and gain your ATP and PIC time like those ahead of you.
Some are more lucky than others but the vast majority do not just spend a few years at a regional then go to a major. There are regionals out there who have upgrade times around the 10 year mark. It takes time and will not be handed to you.
In the meantime, do your best to enjoy life. Try to take opportunities that present themselves which would better or further your career. If there are none available that you qualify for, then that means the position you're in is the best one you can currently obtain and be happy with it. Try to work to live, not live to work, and things will sort themselves out.
Please don't take any offense by this, I mean none. I'm just trying to say that sometimes this industry is tough and theres not much you can do other than keep working hard and see what happens.
When the upwards movement starts to happen again, your seniority will better and you'll be able to upgrade and gain your ATP and PIC time like those ahead of you.
Some are more lucky than others but the vast majority do not just spend a few years at a regional then go to a major. There are regionals out there who have upgrade times around the 10 year mark. It takes time and will not be handed to you.
In the meantime, do your best to enjoy life. Try to take opportunities that present themselves which would better or further your career. If there are none available that you qualify for, then that means the position you're in is the best one you can currently obtain and be happy with it. Try to work to live, not live to work, and things will sort themselves out.
Please don't take any offense by this, I mean none. I'm just trying to say that sometimes this industry is tough and theres not much you can do other than keep working hard and see what happens.
#27
Guest
Posts: n/a
You are 100% correct...again..I was just doing some venting but thanks for being encouraging vs. snide such a couple have been on this thread. I suppose some good words of encouragement was what I was really wanting to get out of this discussion.
#28
From one Dash to another, go find that job flyiing boxes and work your way into a turbine PIC spot. I know what you're going through with the shrinking regional thing. If you absolutley must get PIC, Cargo is the way to go. Good Luck
#29
Gear handle manipulator
Joined APC: Jun 2007
Position: B-737 First officer
Posts: 246
#30
As far as Cathay and Hong Kong - I guess you could REVERSE commute
Good luck.
USMCFLYR
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