Regional job prospects
10-27-2006, 06:13 PM
#1
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Joined APC: Aug 2006
Position: E170 CA
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Regional job prospects
Hello all,
I'm a CFI at ERAU, and I went to the job fair on campus this week. Several regional and cargo courier recruiters seemed to like me
I'm finishing up my MBA in about 6 months, and plan to move on then, which I told them....hopefully the doors will still be open. The folks with American Eagle and ASA called me the next day pushing me to get my app in to them. While this is all good news, before I go full bore into the application process, I was wondering if some of you regional pilots could give me some insight into the following: Am Eagle, ExpressJet, PSA, and ASA. I never thought I'd be able to pick and chose like this, I'm not even entirely certain the regional route is for me (I've always favored the 135 cargo/corporate side). This was pleasantly surprising...it looks like the industry is still in the upswing for the moment. When I looked for a CFI job several years ago, it took four months to get any response....this is alot different.
Almost all of the instructors I was hired with here have moved on, many to the above companies, so I have alot of information on the training, bases, pay, etc., but any info would be appreciated, especially on the general QOL. In short are you happy with your decision? I've been instructing for over three years now, and want to plan my next move very carefully...I'd like to find somewhere I can stay long-term, but with opportunities for advancement. I have a wife, but she used to be a flight attendant and is used to the airline life, and we're willing to move wherever necessary. I'll continue to research this on my own, but any advice would be appreciated. Thanks alot.
-Brock
I'm a CFI at ERAU, and I went to the job fair on campus this week. Several regional and cargo courier recruiters seemed to like me
I'm finishing up my MBA in about 6 months, and plan to move on then, which I told them....hopefully the doors will still be open. The folks with American Eagle and ASA called me the next day pushing me to get my app in to them. While this is all good news, before I go full bore into the application process, I was wondering if some of you regional pilots could give me some insight into the following: Am Eagle, ExpressJet, PSA, and ASA. I never thought I'd be able to pick and chose like this, I'm not even entirely certain the regional route is for me (I've always favored the 135 cargo/corporate side). This was pleasantly surprising...it looks like the industry is still in the upswing for the moment. When I looked for a CFI job several years ago, it took four months to get any response....this is alot different. Almost all of the instructors I was hired with here have moved on, many to the above companies, so I have alot of information on the training, bases, pay, etc., but any info would be appreciated, especially on the general QOL. In short are you happy with your decision? I've been instructing for over three years now, and want to plan my next move very carefully...I'd like to find somewhere I can stay long-term, but with opportunities for advancement. I have a wife, but she used to be a flight attendant and is used to the airline life, and we're willing to move wherever necessary. I'll continue to research this on my own, but any advice would be appreciated. Thanks alot.
-Brock
10-27-2006, 08:09 PM
#2
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Joined APC: Feb 2006
Posts: 781
The only one out of your group that I would be interested in is expressjet. AE is hiring anybody that walks in the door right now, I would avoid desperate companies as that brings in desperate people into the cockpit.
If you favor the corporate or 135 flying, you have to know a few people. For private companies it's the only way but at fractionals you still have a chance with no contacts, though hiring is slowing. That being said, you don't have to go through the regionals to get a great 135/fractional job, you don't even have to have turbine PIC. If you strongly feel that fractionals/corporate is your calling and don't have the SJS for heavy aircraft then forget the airline BS and start making contacts at the corporate side asap. Great pay, benefits, job security and not to mention you'll get to fly all over.
If you favor the corporate or 135 flying, you have to know a few people. For private companies it's the only way but at fractionals you still have a chance with no contacts, though hiring is slowing. That being said, you don't have to go through the regionals to get a great 135/fractional job, you don't even have to have turbine PIC. If you strongly feel that fractionals/corporate is your calling and don't have the SJS for heavy aircraft then forget the airline BS and start making contacts at the corporate side asap. Great pay, benefits, job security and not to mention you'll get to fly all over.
10-27-2006, 08:29 PM
#3
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Position: MD80
Posts: 1,111
I agree with Burflyer. I've heard from a pilot working at one of the most desired companies in the pt121 world and he says the best option for someone right now is to fly fractionals, not 121. If I was you I would go ahead and try the regionals unless you are 100% sure you want to fly corporate. If that's the case I would forget about the regionals and try to get a citation/learjet gig or get on a 135 cargo, then apply for something better.
10-28-2006, 04:58 AM
#4
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Joined APC: Oct 2006
Position: ERJ 145
Posts: 363
Originally Posted by BURflyer
The only one out of your group that I would be interested in is expressjet. AE is hiring anybody that walks in the door right now, I would avoid desperate companies as that brings in desperate people into the cockpit.
If you favor the corporate or 135 flying, you have to know a few people. For private companies it's the only way but at fractionals you still have a chance with no contacts, though hiring is slowing. That being said, you don't have to go through the regionals to get a great 135/fractional job, you don't even have to have turbine PIC. If you strongly feel that fractionals/corporate is your calling and don't have the SJS for heavy aircraft then forget the airline BS and start making contacts at the corporate side asap. Great pay, benefits, job security and not to mention you'll get to fly all over.
If you favor the corporate or 135 flying, you have to know a few people. For private companies it's the only way but at fractionals you still have a chance with no contacts, though hiring is slowing. That being said, you don't have to go through the regionals to get a great 135/fractional job, you don't even have to have turbine PIC. If you strongly feel that fractionals/corporate is your calling and don't have the SJS for heavy aircraft then forget the airline BS and start making contacts at the corporate side asap. Great pay, benefits, job security and not to mention you'll get to fly all over.
What corporate or fractional jobs do you know hiring CFIs without turbine experience, let alone turbine PIC. I was just hired at a 121 carrier, and too am thinking I would like to fly for a fractional someday, but it seems to me that starting at a regional is the best way to get the experience you need to be competetive.
10-28-2006, 05:19 AM
#5
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Joined APC: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,750
Flying at a regional will get your many hours of turbine experience rapidly. Some even allow for relatively quick upgrades.
But be selective. Today you can afford to be so. I would go with Skywest, AE, XJ, Air Wisconsin and a few others. There are some others that are probably best to avoid.
That said, I would definitely finish that MBA. That will also open doors for you later if you decide flying isn't what you want to do for the rest of your life.
In the meantime, I would keep instructing and getting as much M/E PIC time as possible. That M/E time is a biggie when getting hired.
Just my $.02.
But be selective. Today you can afford to be so. I would go with Skywest, AE, XJ, Air Wisconsin and a few others. There are some others that are probably best to avoid.
That said, I would definitely finish that MBA. That will also open doors for you later if you decide flying isn't what you want to do for the rest of your life.
In the meantime, I would keep instructing and getting as much M/E PIC time as possible. That M/E time is a biggie when getting hired.
Just my $.02.
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