Which regional airlines have the best training programs for someone going through 121 training for the first time? I am a CFI now and I am deathly afraid that when I make the jump I will fail training and my career will be over. Thats dramatic I know but thats how I feel. I feel like I am a capable pilot and I am ready to fly a big shiny jet, (Kidding) I just want to make sure I go to an airline that provides actual training and takes time to go over stuff thouroughlly and doesn't expect me to come into it knowing everything already. I've heard Horizon and Expressjet are good. Any thoughts?

In my experience, Air Wisconsin had very good ground training and excellent FBS/simulator training.

Mesaba. Read RJ85FO posts regarding Mesaba hiring.

I have to admit I feel the same way.

99% of the airlines will do the fire hose training method. Just dont open your mouth under water.

I went through mesa's training and XJT's.

Mesa's was a learn it your self type of approach, and a class of about 42.

XJT has classes of 16 thats it so personal time with the inst. basically , oh i can go on and on...

There are a few folks in the 91 world that can't get through 121 training on turbine aircraft. In 91 the training is often tailored a bit to the individual and extra training is usually available, depending on your employer.

In 121 not only do you have to be able to fly the airplane, you also have to be able to get through the process without a lot of extra training. This is strictly a money thing, the airlines don't like to spend any more dough than absolutely necessary when training pilots.

Mesa will hire anybody, but they have a 10-30% fail rate depending on the aircraft. SKW (and other carriers) are selective about who they hire and they have about a 1% fail rate. This doesn't mean their training is easier, but if you get past the interview and into training, your odds are pretty good at that point.


Read the Turbine Pilot's Flight Manual, that will help you to understand the systems.

I feel the same way guys. I think that will change when I'm done with 480 though.

If you do exactly what they ask of you, and stay focus, instead of trying to bang every F/A in training, you should not have any problems.

It was my first time, and I didn't have any problems...ofcourse that's a testament to the quality of the training, but honestly, study your @ss off, pay attention in class, go to bed early, be humble in the sim, and you will not any have any problems I promise you.

Gotta save that for the line . Just kidding.

After OE...is all fair game, and don't forget...."never jump without a parahute!"