If the TPIC job was guaranteed and immediate, id agree with this 100%. However to chase pic time in the regionals by switching regionals is lunacy. Some of these guys are obviously out of touch with the regional world and upgrade times. - not directed at rick777

I've already posted this question else where, but would like it to have some more light shed on it. I've been offered a captain position in a metro flying 135. I have no previous tpic. I'm getting close to the 1500tt. So, stay and put up with the typical 135 issues or move on to a regional. Thanks in advance.

Take the pic if its that definate.

You could not be more wrong about 1900 time not getting you to a major! In the last 6 months we have had guys and gals pretty much go straight from a beech to United, Us Airways, Southwest and I just heard of someone getting Delta! It can get you places, it just depends on who you know!!

Couple things to watch out for. Its great that you have been offered TPIC position. Be wary of how much you'll fly and relying on the pay.

If it is a gig like Ameriflight where you'll fly xx hours a month great. If it's only on demand, give it time but realize you may have to go elsewhere if you're not getting much time.

Lastly, you may still have to go to a regional at some point after building your TPIC to get 121/glass/jet experience. Do not fall into the trap of not being able to take a pay hit for a bit if you need to.

Best of luck.

Thanks for the input so far. It's strictly on demand. I've had months where I flew 10 hrs and others I flew 65 hrs. The upgrade comes with a 18 month contract. It's a sallery position but is below national average. I still plan on going to a regional after getting tpic. I know some have bypassed them but those are few and far between I think.

Was probably me you heard about. I was hired at DAL in '07 with 700hrs of 1900 TPIC. I was in the right place at the right time, but also had a very diversified resume' & was a mid-life career changer. I went from 0 time to DAL in 3yrs 9 months. Networking, luck and taking charge of and mapping out my career instead of getting comfortable and afraid of making a strategic move. It paid off for me in the end and if I had it to do over I'd do the same. I'd take ANY direct entry CA job available right now, even expat in order to get the TPIC ASAP.

I'm not all that wrong. I know a lot of people and have a pretty good sense of the industry right now.

Never say never, but steam gauge turboprop people going to legacy airlines is the exception not the rule right now.

Exceptions are always available for affirmative action or excellent internal connections, but no need to talk about that because those folks know who they are and they don't need our help.

At the very least you'll want check airman experience.

At the time DAL was having bad experiences with new hires suddenly leaving for SWA/UPS/FDX.

Word on the street was they were targeting folks with more than 400 TPIC but less than 1000 TPIC. Sounds like you hit the sweet spot at just the right time, congrats.

This may be a silly question and I am sure I know the answer... Caravan TPIC is pretty much worthless correct? I have a few hundred of that and less than a thousand.. currently have a couple thousand 121 TSIC. Its prob best to stay at XJT and see where upgrade takes me; would it be worth looking for a direct entry TPIC gig?