Antney

I am close to returning to the industry, last flew with ATA Airlines (Chicago Express) back in 2004, I left back then when ATA was filing for bankruptcy (have about 3,200 hours), left and was fortunate to create a construction business and have done pretty well since that. I just need to be back in aviation (airlines) miss it way too much.

My question is what regional would be my best choice in returning, I have a family with 4 kids so upgrade and quickest time to major would be my number 1 goal (same as everyone), majors would equate close to the life style I have now salary wise. I am open to moving if that's the best choice, being in Chicago I would prefer to move somewhere more affordable since the pay cut will be substantial.

What I have researched and been out for sometime would be PSA (I heard they are heavy on FOs) or GoJets that have the quickest upgrade, if starting today. I do know how fast that changes, my second choice would be to find an airline in an affordable city that I could be comfortable for the next 7-10 years if had to be, I am 36 by the way so not a young chic anymore.

Appreciate any feedback!

Bell0805

I would like to tell you I know everything about the industry but I do not. I am new myself and will be starting my first job at a regional in about ten days. I will simply tell you to look at Piedmont. If any of what they are advertising holds to be true this company has a bright future. No interview required flow in 3-5 years which I would never look at it under 5. Upgrade around 18-24 months. That I believe will hold true. They have a great contract just check out there site. Good luck

pagey

Piedmont in my opinion offers the best career path right now. They are even more attractive with a hub base.

amcnd

What part of the country do you want to live??

Antney

I live in Chicago now but will have to sell my house to live off my equity to make up in the low regional pay until I get closer to a major. I am use to making over 6 figures so I have to make sure my happiness is not for my own sake and making my family unhappy with a sacrifice.

Living in a more affordable city makes more sense for me right now, Chicago is very expensive and honestly wouldn't mind the change from the high pace this city has. So to answer your question, I am open to anywhere.

Fast upgrade and to the majors is my main concern.

gsoflyer

One of the PDT domiciles is Roanoke, VA. I don't know how long it will last but it's quiet, inexpensive, and beautiful....

Smutter

Just don't come to envoy, no future here

Geardownflaps30

This would be the poorest decision you could EVER make!
Today's golden child regional is tomorrow's withered teat.
I would get on with someone with a Chicago base, see how you like the regional flying of today (you'll be there three yrs min) then decide if you want to make that big of a life change.
At best it would be five years until you made 6 figures again and that is being optimistic.
Take it from a guy on his fourth regional (they keep going out of business) and who has never seen greater than 60k in 15 yrs of regional flying.

nuball5

Just make sure you're prepared financially to stay at a regional for a significant amount of time. There are regional check airmen with 6,000 or more hours, TPIC time, with multiple job fairs and great resumes still waiting for a call. Even at a LCC like jetBlue, you'll need roughly another 1,800 hours(at least two years to obtain that) to reach their competitive benchmark for civilians.

Riverside

Get in line with the rest of us :-)