To the OP, quick upgrades and long reserve times go hand in hand like herpes and a girl named Alexus. You can't have the cake and eat it too.

And for the love of god, do not upgrade just because it's the cool thing to do. its amazing how many I fly with that are counting down the hours but can't properly talk on the radio yet. It's no joke, get some experience first instead of on the job training on the left seat with unsuspecting passengers.

 

Well said! To be fair, most I flown with know their limit not to upgrade yet. Just because your # is up doesn't mean you're ready to take on the responsibilities. For me, it was about my 4th year before I think I was remotely ready.

 

Hahaha, you don't know the first thing about me. However, judging by your but-hurt response, I'm willing to bet you were an ATP washout. What's the matter? Couldn't hack it in their program? Too many failed checkrides? That would actually make a lot of sense given the fact you work at Mesa, the bottom feeder dumpster fire of an airline. It's a good fit for people like you, who would otherwise be un-hireable at any other respectable airline.

 

Yea I agree with this also. You hear guys constantly talking about upgrading, and they haven't even learned how to be a good FO yet. No self awareness whatsoever.

 

Isn't being a good FO easy? "Yeah captain you're right, I think the fat one is really into me"

 

Having 20 years in the regional industry ive seen a lot of change. trying to pick a fast upgrade should be last on anyones mind as a 1500jr cfi. The amount of movment the next 10 years everyone will have quick upgrades.. Pick a regional that you will be close to home, Little to no commute, and enjoy were you fly.. A few are unstable right now XJT/Republic/Envoy.. I would wait tell things settle out there, maybe a year to see what there future truly holds.. Just my 2 cents...

 

LOL!!...yes, exactly!

 

I usually try my hardest to avoid threads like this, because there is a great deal of emotion and "my regional is better than yours" type of feelings. That said, I'll say my 2 cents.


I don't have any TPIC time and landed at Blue. We have a few people without TPIC at Blue, however, that is the exception rather than the rule. We hire for personality, community service, etc vs. flight time.

In a past life, I worked for 2 regionals and picked my regionals poorly. Here is my free advice-


1) Pick a regional that you won't mind being stuck working for. While everyone is moving out of regionals quickly, it could stop in an instant. Pick a regional based on QOL. QOL is based on (Commute, RSV rules, Pay, etc.) Do not base your choice on upgrade time. For those new to the industry, Comair was hiring a LOT of people with the promise of a quick upgrade in 2003-2005. Guess how well that worked out? There were people who lived in CVG that were still somewhat happy, because they were driving to work or sitting RSV from the couch. They were far happier than those who went to Comair for the quick upgrade and a cross country commute.

2) If you are a lifer FO, focus your time an energy on going to an LCC/ ULCC vs. chasing an upgrade at a regional. While no one wants to drop $$$ on a job fair (let alone be away from home more), it would be worth it to put a name with a face. Don't forget, that at most Major/LCC/VLCC, the recruiters remember when times weren't so good. People had 5-6 years Minimum sitting right seat in an RJ. They realize that, and doing what is best for your family is always most important.

I'll simply speak for Blue, since I'm most familiar, but I believe any Major will have a similar view. Anyone who has been at a regional and passed training will be just fine here. What we want is someone who is fun, has a good personality, has given back to the community, and someone who we can do a 5 day trip with and have a good time.

Good luck to all of you.

 

Someone gets it!

 

No joke, throw the River Visual 19 into that mix or the Expressway Visual.

Yikes.