Prop vs. Jet Time?
 

I currently have 1200 hours and I am flying the BE1900. I will most likely upgrade in about a year. I have friends flying RJs telling me that my PIC time will not be viewed as equal to Jet PIC time when the time comes to apply with a major. Will that be the case?

I am in my early 30's and not concerned about quality of life for the next three years. I just want to do whatever it takes to get to the majors as quick as possible. It is all about seniority.

Should I stay where I am and upgrade a year from now, or should I jump ship now and try to get jet time.

Also, where would be the quickest place to get that jet time.

Depends on where you're at and what your prefrences are i guess. Turbine PIC is turbine PIC, right? Then again- I only have very limited airline experience. Just pitching in my 2 cents.

Do you fly for Gulfstream, that with 1200 hours you are about to upgrade in a BE1900?

It might be the fact that you "are not concerned with quality of life" part that makes me think you work for them.

2 crew turbo-props usually are not bad time (Dash 8, etc...) the 1900 is technically a single-pilot aircraft. my two cents,

Presently I work for CommutAir. My airline experiences are limited, but I do feel the quality of life there is not bad. I am just willing to sacrafice that quality of life if it is going to get to the majors quicker.

The absolute worst source of info about airline expectations are other airline pilots!!

No one is going to be able to give you an answer that covers all the bases. Airline hiring is completely driven by individual company needs and 'culture'. Few companies are alike.

The only answer that comes close is one that says "It depends".

It depends on what company and the existing hiring conditions. The major issue will be your competition. If that competition is heavy with ex-military or civilian folks with considerable jet PIC time, then your turboprop time is not going to stand out.

Tough question. Here's a thought. Try to improve your appeal by moving on to larger and more complex equipment. One approach that some of your contemporaries have been taking is to look for a regional that operates Embraer 170/190 equipment. A number of the folks who flew this jet for a regional airline have been picked up by a major...the 170/190 is a significant step up from the typical 50 seater and may be a plus when you fill out that app.

TURBINE PIC is TURBINE PIC. Again it DOES depend on the competition.
Some employers look at how many jobs you have had recently. Jumping from place to place doesn't help.
Then to start at the begining, training, oe, etc, reserve.
I say stick it out. I spent two years at Colgan (similar to Commutair I think). Got the PIC and two types there, now working for an airline with "sexy destinations, and sweet new airplanes", or something like that.
Got two types here also.
What major are you thinking of? Any friends there, ask them what they think. They may get some inside info on the preferences of PIC time.

I think it would depend on where you want to go. Most majors just state turbine PIC. JetBlue is one of the exceptions I know of that requires time in turbine aircraft over 20,000lbs. ShortBus is right on target. PIC is PIC.

Prop Time
 

Well some Airlines view Turbo Prop time as exactly that Turbo Prop time! They prefer to see turbo jet time on the old CV!! But then alot of the guys out there say that they look for Turbine time its a difficult one. Personaly I feel that turbine PIC time be it jet or prop is good time!

So what someone else is flying a turbo jet and can go faster and higher doesn't make them any better than those of us that fly turbo props its really the same time all multi, turbine, 121!

to quote myself in the major forum
"turboprop PIC is turbine PIC unless its an otter"