I've read a lot of good stuff on here about Cape Air. Does anyone know if they are good stepping stone to the Regionals? Also, is there any truth to this Cape Air to JetBlue hiring program? Any more info on Cape Air would be great, thanks!

 

Many Cape Air pilots have made the step from Cape--which is indeed a regional--to the jet-fleet regionals. Cape Air is a good company that produces good pilots that get great experience. So, yes, they are a good stepping stone.

A few have even gone direct to the majors, but I don't know how much of that will happen anymore with the over-abundance of RJ pilots available.

I can't speak of the JB program.

 

The JetBlue bridge program exists and is sending pilots direct from Cape Air to JetBlue. I don't know all the details, but you need to be part of the program from the beginning. "Regular" Cape Air pilots get no special treatment.

I know a lot of folks who went from Cape Air to jet regionals, or also commonly to private jet or cargo companies. Some went straight to a major, but as far as I know they've all had turbine time either from elsewhere or from Cape Air's ATR operation in Guam.

 

I went from Cape to a regional.

Great company. Are you looking to get hired as an FO?

 

Yes, I would be hired as a FO. Right now I'm in the process of separating from active duty military and I have about 600 hours as a CFI/CFII/MEI (27 ME but going to start instructing ME very soon). My original plan was to keep instructing, get my ATP in the next year or so (ATP written complete) and go to a regional. But now that I've read so many good things about Cape Air, I'm wondering if that might be a good route. I do have three kids and a very understanding wife (her Father flies for Delta, so she knows the lifestyle), so time at home is important, but I understand the industry I'm attempting to break into involves time away.

If you go from Cape Air to a regional do you essentially start over again at a regional making roughly 20K/year? Also, how much say do you have in your initial base out of training? How often do they require you to move? Do you have to move seasonally?(I.E. every six months?)

Thanks for all the great info.

 

Do you live in a Cape Air pilot base? Commuting at Cape is next to impossible.

You will start over at the regional. Everything is based on seniority. Your base both at cape and at a regional will be bid on by seniority. Generally in class seniority is determined by age, the higher age being the more senior. You won't be required to move unless a base closes.

 

Unless you manage to get to JetBlue, why go to a low-paying regional only to later go to a less-low-paying regional? If I were you, I'd finish the 1500 (or whatever you need) and apply at the primary regionals.

 

Go from a regional to cape it's gotta be better.

 

Going from anywhere to a regional is always the wrong answer.

 

I flew at 9k for just over 3 years and commuted for almost all of those to almost every region we fly. I don't have any kids and am very fortunate to have an understanding girlfriend. PM me and we can chat.