Current industry state: jet or turboprop?
#1
Gets Weekends Off
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Joined APC: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,219
Current industry state: jet or turboprop?
Saw this thread on another forum and wanted to see what everyone here thinks. "I've searched the threads and found some answers. However, I would like to get fresh opinions on this with the current state of the industry. What is more valuable... turboprop PIC or jet SIC?"
And to piggy back on that, lots of guys I fly are avoiding certain regionals because of the off chance they'd get stuck in a turboprop. Their argument is that it isn't beneficial for career advancement. My opinion has been 121 twin turbine is 121 twin turbine no matter which way you cut it.
And to piggy back on that, lots of guys I fly are avoiding certain regionals because of the off chance they'd get stuck in a turboprop. Their argument is that it isn't beneficial for career advancement. My opinion has been 121 twin turbine is 121 twin turbine no matter which way you cut it.
#2
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Joined APC: May 2009
Position: Another RJ FO
Posts: 1,272
The turboprop check airman who did my IOE just went to United. It doesn't seem to be making a noticeable difference.
What will make a difference is someone with an "I'm too good to fly that little plane" type attitude walking into an interview with a major. People notice the arrogance.
What will make a difference is someone with an "I'm too good to fly that little plane" type attitude walking into an interview with a major. People notice the arrogance.
#3
The turboprop check airman who did my IOE just went to United. It doesn't seem to be making a noticeable difference.
What will make a difference is someone with an "I'm too good to fly that little plane" type attitude walking into an interview with a major. People notice the arrogance.
What will make a difference is someone with an "I'm too good to fly that little plane" type attitude walking into an interview with a major. People notice the arrogance.
Sarcasm aside... domestically, no difference. As far as PIC Turbo Prop vs SIC Turbojet - officially right now it does not matter. United and Delta do not list it as their minimums. Until the pilot shortage starts to take effect however, turbine PIC time will be worth more than non PIC time - turbo prop or jet. 2 people with 3000 hours, one of which has 1000 Turbo Prop PIC time and the other 2500 hours of SIC turbo jet, at least for now the Turbo Prop PIC will probably win.
So if you have the ability to get PIC turbo prop time without selling your soul, left kidney, first right of refusal on your spouse, and a 51% equity steak... you should go for that. If anything, you might make more coin that way (save for Great Mistakes).
#4
In the US...
Turbine PIC is almost always better than jet SIC. The only time it's not is if it's non-military ASEL TPIC...in that case get 1000 and then go fly a jet, don't hang out in a 'van and hold your breath for the majors.
But depending on the potential employer, bare-bones turbo-prop PIC (ie king air, B-1900) might not be enough...they might also want to see glass, jet, heavier aircraft, etc.
Overseas...
It depends on the airline in question, many require jet time or time in a specific type. If you're applying for a foreign ATR job, than ATR time would be better than jet time.
Turbine PIC is almost always better than jet SIC. The only time it's not is if it's non-military ASEL TPIC...in that case get 1000 and then go fly a jet, don't hang out in a 'van and hold your breath for the majors.
But depending on the potential employer, bare-bones turbo-prop PIC (ie king air, B-1900) might not be enough...they might also want to see glass, jet, heavier aircraft, etc.
Overseas...
It depends on the airline in question, many require jet time or time in a specific type. If you're applying for a foreign ATR job, than ATR time would be better than jet time.
#5
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Joined APC: Feb 2013
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Turbprop PIC. Ask some of the 8 year + guys sitting in the right seat of a RJ this question. They (not all) were contemplating this awhile back, let them give you an answer. It's not as glamorous for the time being, but I say go for the turbo prop PIC. Good luck dude.
#6
Are we there yet??!!
Joined APC: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,010
In my experience,
RJ PIC > Turbo prop PIC.
Even though props are harder to fly, they have a stigma attached to them.
Some folks, including interviewers can/have turn up their nose at turbo prop guys. Yes I have had it happen, the 'ole if you just had some jet PIC or just flat out jet time.
In any event
Turbine PIC > SIC
RJ PIC > Turbo prop PIC.
Even though props are harder to fly, they have a stigma attached to them.
Some folks, including interviewers can/have turn up their nose at turbo prop guys. Yes I have had it happen, the 'ole if you just had some jet PIC or just flat out jet time.
In any event
Turbine PIC > SIC
#7
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If its multi-turbine PIC then yes. But like the previous poster said props do have a stigma attached to them and while some high ranking prop guys will find work at a mainline, unlikely to see a prop FO go to a mainline like RJ FOs have been doing .... Notwithstanding PDTs hiring agreement with mainline.
#9
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Joined APC: Apr 2008
Posts: 199
I've seen several pilots go from the Mighty Beech to Fedex, Airtran, Southwest, Spirit, and very recently my buddy got hired with United. TPIC will imho make you a better candidate than say TSIC. So flying a prop might be looked at as inferior however mainline recruiters know that TPIC is TPIC regardless of jet or prop. Know overseas it might be different, but most of those overseas companies want their cake and eat it to so...
#10
A lot of Emb-120 Captains at Skywest are getting hired at mainline carriers without a problem. Most junior Bro Captains at Skywest were RJ FO's first, so they have some jet sic and a lot of turboprop pic.
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