Returning to Aviation?
 

Looking for some serious input please. 53yo ATP with 2400hrs and 121/135 experience. Looking to return to the aviation industry. Looking for opinions about what regionals are best as far as QOL goes. Also is it worth the money/does it matter to take a regional jet course with ATP flight school?

There really is no quality of life per se other than living in base. Not much has changed over the years, same bag of tricks just new people. But you have my curiosity, how do you personally define quality of life? The days of getting 15-20 days off at a regional seem to be over. New hires can expect 10 days off per month. The max I have really seen is 15 days off per month if you are senior. Maybe a few more if you are willing to drop trips.

In all seriousness, you do not want to do regional flying at 53. Find yourself a good Part 91 corporate job that pays a decent wage and will treat you well.

I've been at Mesa a little over a year and get 15 days off. We don't get screwed with by the company that much but we get paid pretty badly. If nothing else you could go get current in jets and get a type rating and some recent 121 experience then branch out to a different job if this isn't your cup of tea (I couldn't do it at 53 for these wages).

The only QOL that matters to me is driving to work, and not being at a stagnant or shrinking regional with endless reserve.

That is one way to look at it, you could just scratch an itch and then resign. Come back another time in life again if you feel like. There are those pilots who don't do this for the money, just hobbyists. If I could drop down below 65 hours to say 20-30 hours it would be an ideal job.

The other responses are unfortunately very correct.

The regionals treat the crews like absolute garbage.

Management looks to you not as a person, no human dignity, but as a necessary financial burden. You are no different than a can of coke, a tire, a gallon of gas. If they can find it cheaper, get more out of it, or figure a way to not need it, they will.

There is no shame in corporate greed from managements perspective, in fact it's expected.

I've been at my regional for many years, and it is amazing how much it has deteriorated.

I strongly urge you to think of something else to do?

If you have prior experience you shouldn't need the ATP course. It's geared towards CFIs who have never been inside an advanced aircraft.

Quality of life, we all have our own individual standards, but if you go for it, avoid commuting.

I'd avoid the regional jet course if at all possible. You'd be better served spending a couple hours in a 172 with an instructor practicing your instrument scan and getting back in the saddle. If you're committed, show a good attitude and honestly feel you can fly glass in a busy environment, any regional training department will probably work with you. That said, they are expecting you to be current, too many aviation "prodigal sons" wash out of training.

As far as the QOL... Well, 95% of us are bitter at how this industry has turned. 50%-60% of the big three's flying is done by underpaid, overworked regional partners. These regional airlines are nothing like their big brothers. They have significantly worse maintenance, dispatchers, services etc. Regional pilots are routinely disrespected by gate agents, managers, mainline flight attendants, you name it... All for NO good reason. If you can look past this, enjoy the flying, live in domicile and have fun, it may work out for you. It's still not the worst way to make a buck, but we are seriously being taken advantage of.

I wouldn't say for no good reason. If you can't respect yourself, don't expect anyone else to.

Endeavor has tons of lines with 18 off. I hold it every month.