What are the regionals like?
 

I'm currently a student trying to become a pilot, my ultimate goal is to make it to the majors. But, I know that doesn't happen as soon as you finish flight training. I would like some insight on life as a regional pilot. I know pay as an FO isn't that great. How long until you become a captain. And how long until you get picked up by a major airline? Thanks if you can shed some knowledge :)

It's a giant **** sandwich and we all have to take a bite.

Read any thread on here, preferably several.

It sucks a big black....

It's actually a pretty easy job with quite bit of freedom and fun. It is nowhere as bad as what you see up here.

Ok real reply. I enjoy it, it is a great job, and I can't see my self doing anything else. It has its up and down, being a first year FO isn't anything close to fun in many aspects, bad schedules, bad pay, etc. if you are one of those who wants to fly " for the freedom and adventure" get your private pilot, and instrument and fly for a hobby. If you like to travel, then stick with it. That's my two cents. If you don't like traveling, same suggestion as above, the shiny jet syndrome wears off quick and after a while you're just tired a lot and exhausted from dealing with bs all day long. Regionals will be a lot different by the time you get here so watch the changes as they happen.

Do yourself a favor and avoid the regionals. Every Regional Jet out there should be flown by mainline pilots with mainline pay and benefits.


Good Luck!

I'm not liking it too much now that I'm about 8 months in... I've had far more fun flying different equipment for a different purpose. I do like the pace of some of the flying though. I'm not a fan of the lifestyle and many other aspects of the job. I'm here to get the time I need to move on to something better. At this point, I'm not sure that will be another airline.