Regional vs. Charter (AWA vs. Republic)
11-25-2015, 08:53 AM
#1
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Regional vs. Charter (AWA vs. Republic)
BLUF: Looking for advice from those who have been there on the regional vs. charter issue and thoughts on Air Wisconsin and Republic.
Long version: Retired military (not a military pilot), but just picked up my ATP, just over 1500 TT (~650 of turboprop time). Been flying a MU-2 for the last four years while working at a tech company. Got laid off and looking at other options.
Submitted applications to a variety of regionals that operate around DC (I live in Northern VA). Next day (today), got invited to interview at Republic and Air Wisconsin (December interviews, presumably for January class dates). Also interviewed at a local charter operator (operates a Cheyenne, some Citations, Challengers, Falcons and some big Gulfstreams).
Charter operator looking to hire me to fly the Cheyenne with immediate Citation type rating, indicates I'd move up to the Citation in about 3 months and then move up from there (they are losing pilots left and right to the airlines).
I don't have the inside industry knowledge this board has. Would appreciate thoughts on charter vs. regional as well as thoughts on Air Wisconsin and Republic. Overiding factor for me is that we live in Northern VA (near IAD) and I'm not overly enamored with the idea of commuting, so being based out of IAD or DCA would be my number one desire.
Long version: Retired military (not a military pilot), but just picked up my ATP, just over 1500 TT (~650 of turboprop time). Been flying a MU-2 for the last four years while working at a tech company. Got laid off and looking at other options.
Submitted applications to a variety of regionals that operate around DC (I live in Northern VA). Next day (today), got invited to interview at Republic and Air Wisconsin (December interviews, presumably for January class dates). Also interviewed at a local charter operator (operates a Cheyenne, some Citations, Challengers, Falcons and some big Gulfstreams).
Charter operator looking to hire me to fly the Cheyenne with immediate Citation type rating, indicates I'd move up to the Citation in about 3 months and then move up from there (they are losing pilots left and right to the airlines).
I don't have the inside industry knowledge this board has. Would appreciate thoughts on charter vs. regional as well as thoughts on Air Wisconsin and Republic. Overiding factor for me is that we live in Northern VA (near IAD) and I'm not overly enamored with the idea of commuting, so being based out of IAD or DCA would be my number one desire.
11-25-2015, 09:11 AM
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Good points and I appreciate the feedback. The reason most of the guys are bailing is simple...it's a small charter operator and they are looking to move up to the majors flying big iron...they want a career and not the on-demand charter lifestyle. I'm a bit different...older, already had a first and second career (Navy and then VP at a big tech company). I'm looking for a place where I can enjoy flying, make at least some money (although all of these options pay significantly less than what I made). In that sense, while younger than him (I'm 48), I'm similar to Dick Karl (flying magazine)...an older guy who's looking to do some flying for pay after a non-aviation career.
In industry, you'd interview multiple places and get a chance to see what was out there before having to accept an offer. Similar in this business? No harm no foul in interviewing at both Republic and AWA (interviews would be about a week apart) or do they really want immediate responses to job offers?
To be honest, I was surprised at the quick response from the recruiters (less than 24 hours from website submission to interview offer). In industry as an executive, it was sometimes 2-3 weeks between first contact and an interview....
In industry, you'd interview multiple places and get a chance to see what was out there before having to accept an offer. Similar in this business? No harm no foul in interviewing at both Republic and AWA (interviews would be about a week apart) or do they really want immediate responses to job offers?
To be honest, I was surprised at the quick response from the recruiters (less than 24 hours from website submission to interview offer). In industry as an executive, it was sometimes 2-3 weeks between first contact and an interview....
11-25-2015, 09:40 AM
#6
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What do you want to do? Be a corporate pilot or airlone pilot? Going to a regional with hopes of a major or legacy is one thing, going to a regional just to fly is another. If your just wanting to fly, I'm sure the charter gig pays more than the regional! All depends on what your 5, 10 year goals are!
11-25-2015, 11:48 AM
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Originally Posted by Riverside
Tsa, mesa, and commutair. Iad based
11-25-2015, 12:10 PM
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Appreciate the feedback. TSA just called and offered an interview for next week, class start date would be 14 December. Apparently they have a large influx of planes coming in, prepping to open base in RDU as well as expand DEN and IAD.
Comments on charter vs. regional are very helpful and exactly the kind of feedback I was looking for. Appreciate all feedback as I make this decision. Any thoughts on downside to interviewing at multiple carriers? Downside to declining an offer to take another one?
Comments on charter vs. regional are very helpful and exactly the kind of feedback I was looking for. Appreciate all feedback as I make this decision. Any thoughts on downside to interviewing at multiple carriers? Downside to declining an offer to take another one?
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