Regionals Hiring Outlook for a low time Pilot
 

Hey guys,

I want to go to the regionals and I'm seeking some advice. Here is my situation.

I have 510 TT / 45 multi. Currently have an offer for an FO job at Cape Air with a probable September class date. For those unaware of the recent changes to the contract at Cape, they now require FO's to sign a 30k contract committing us to serving one year as a Captain, with no indication of when an upgrade will occur, though they claim it will happen at 1500.

I anticipate that will keep me at Cape for 2 years. 1 year to become CA and 1 year as a CA. I am skeptical of the hiring climate in the regional industry around 2018-2019 when I will be set free from Cape, provided I choose to go there.

I would like to fly for Cape because Caribbean flying would be fun and they have CASS benefits. Should I just stick it out the two years there and go to the regionals afterwards? Or take another job that will allow me to jump ship as soon as I have my 1500?

I don't know what to do. Thanks!

I'd just flight instruct at a large part 141 (that teaches Chinese students, not university) school and fly as much as possible. You're free to move to wherever during that time too if an offer comes available.

Not looking to become a CFI. Not something I can go do at this point. Financial, family situation etc. I need to either find another SIC 135 gig or hope regionals will still be hiring the way they are now in a couple years.

Financially? There are quite a few CFI jobs that pay as well or better than many part 135 SIC jobs...

Signing any contract at the moment is a bad idea IMO.

Regionals will always be there. If anything you will be in an even better position looking at the way pay is starting to trend upwards and upgrade times decrease.

I have friends who flew at Cape Air and they loved it. It's a good way to build time, make friends and connections and even do a little travel. Who knows, you might not even want to fly for a regional in 2 years. Maybe you'll get a job flying private corporate jets.

Who knows, maybe you'll want to hop on the ATR and fly out in Guam for a little bit. It's some real interesting flying out there.

Good luck!

Thanks for the replies, I'm hoping the regionals will always be there. I don't feel very good about signing a contract but at least I'll have a good amount of PIC multi time.

Eh, I flew out in Guam and Saipan for Star Marianas for a while. Been there done that. It was fun but I'm done with that place....

Cape will upgrade you as soon as you hit 1500. They need pilots. The good thing is that you know you'll get it as soon as you can. The downside is the three year bond. Keep in mind that as an f/o you are not required, and will be bumped if the flight is full. It could prolong your time before upgrading.

I was speaking more about the cost/time of training for the CFI ratings. I currently work full time in the Tech industry and cannot afford to not be making an income.

Good point. Yeah, that worries me. I don't want to spend so much time at Cape that I miss the hiring wave in the regionals. If I can find a better 135 opportunity, I will do that.