Blackbird

I did the 90 course that ATP has and I'm fast approaching 500 hours, I would like to go to express jet in light of everything going on. My question to you guys is, is it worth paying $2,000 to $6,000 to do the RJ course and does it help you get a job?

smoke

my opinion
it doesn't help to get the job, but it could help in training.

Ellen

I don't think it's worth it. In fact , with your time you would probably be better off getting a job with a Beech 1900 or other turbo prop carrier to gain real world experience on a variety of levels.

1) Part 121 operations
2) Handling increased speed of airplanes
3) Operations in larger airports
4) Complex approaches and departures
5) Real world x-ctry flying

Look at Colgan, Big Sky Airlines, Great Lakes, Air Midwest (also Skyway), Gilfstream.

Everybody knocks these guys, but they have some really good pilots, plus you actually really get to fly vs. having the auto-pilot do it. After 500-1000 hours at anyone of these places, you are a shoe-in at a regional. I have just seen too many people wash out with your experience. (Not to say that you won't)

Also, DO NOT forget, if you was out of a 121 program, it goes on your pilot record. Then you'll be very hard pressed to get a job for a few years.