AtlCSIP

Unfortunately, it would appear that the most important thing to a pilot looking to move to a major, any major, is Turbine PIC. The second most important thing is that the Turbine PIC be acquired while flying Part 121. This being the case, a quick upgrade at any regional would be the best thing that one could hope for, which means that the criteria for selecting a place to work has less to do with QOL and more to do with logbook entries. The thinking being that the 1000 hours 121 TPIC would be the ticket to open doors. I don't think most of us really want to live that way, though, which is why this is such a difficult issue. What's better, living in base, making 42k per year as a senior FO, and having a tolerable QOL, or commuting for 29k Captain pay at a different regional flying 10 legs a day, but getting 121 TPIC time?

paxhauler85

I think your taking my posts the wrong way. I wasn't trying to be rude, just offer some advice of one way to better your situation. Compass isn't the only route; but I was throwing the facts out there in case its something you want to pursue.

The rest of the post was simply to motivate you to make a change. Someone did it for me, and I'm happier because of it.

Again, best of luck to you.

dojetdriver

With all due respect Zapata, I don't think you read deep enough into what I wrote. It wasn't about the money, it was about taking a job at a shop that was created for the SPECIFIC purpose of undercutting a pilot group under the same company. IE; Gojets, or Freedumb when that was an issue.

Luv2Rotate

I know ALOT of guys that flew for Ameriflight in the Metro and 1900 that went on straight to the majors with zero 121 time. Ameriflight would be the better bet compared to a regional... Your advancement in airframes in a lot of ways is up to you. If you're willing to move around you can be in a BE99 in 6-8 month. I knew guys at AMF who got on the BE1900 after 1yr...
So, you can either stay at AE, Skywest, Horizon ect for 8+yrs as an FO or go fly boxes and have your type and turbine PIC time in 1-2yrs...

SD3FR8DOG

Bingo! That and the fact that at the time, S/O to F/O was going upwards of 4 years due to the fact they were hiring Direct Entry expat F/O's ahead of you. I was told 4 yrs and then about 5-7 to hold a base in the USA, Australia etc on the cargo side. I like the fragrant harbour (and lovely fresh air) and the opportunity to fly for one of the worlds best airlines (if not the best) but this was a deal breaker for me. That and the most important thing in my life wasn't up for it. Plenty other opportunities to live overseas.

PBSG

Jetblue dropped their minimums to allow FO's at slow growing regionals to apply right before the recession and Deltas minimums arent out of reach either. I think if you keep plugging away at the TT, keep your record spotless, do some volunteer work, and continue to build the resume you will be fine.
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They drop their minimums to get their sons/daughters/nephews/friends hired on. It had nothing to do with feeling bad for senior regional FOs.

AtlCSIP

I agree with you, but it may not be for everyone. I turned down an opportunity to interview with Ameriflight because I couldn't move to the bases they were hiring in to, but I think it would have been a great place to fly. Everyone I have talked to there enjoys what they do, and make better money than at a regional!

Zapata

I understand that and I agree that the creation of GoJet was nefarious and the initial hires that signed on to circumvent TSA seniority had questionable ethics. However GoJet has a union now (albeit with a "young" contract) and there are far more people there that didn't sign on for said reasons. Since there is no regional today that hasn't undercut another in one form or another, in my mind, today's GoJet is no different than any other regional.