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Originally Posted by fr8av8r_66
(Post 74822)
Please excuse my naivety, and hopefully I won't get flamed by an ERJ full of folks for the thought, but what is the motivation to get a job with a regional carrier... no matter the cost? I'm currently flying freight in the Baron, Navajo and Caravan. I'm building quality Multi and Turboprop PIC time, and making as much, if not more, than a first (or second) year regional FO. If I took a Caravan only run, I could meet SWA turboprop mins within 18 months (they will take Caravan time). If I take the Learjet upgrade path (which I'll be eligable for in about 3 months... 14 months after starting in the props), I'll be logging jet SIC time... and I could be in the left seat logging jet PIC time in a about a year after that. A year to 18 months of jet PIC time should get me an interview with FDX or UPS. Total time to a major... 18 months to 3 years.
What are the current upgrade times at the regionals? Where are guys going after they put their time in? Quality of life Travel and other bennies for the family Safer equipment and operations (I have a family) Occasional good layovers Somebody to talk to (this can backfire on occasion :eek: ) 121 experience does help with the majors. Some majors want "large" turbine > 20,000# A decent fallback position if the majors don't call. Few light cargo operators would make acceptable lifetime emloyers. SWA might interview you...but they often hire 2-3 in 18. If you're on of the 15 OTHER guys, then what? FDX or UPS is only going to work if you know someone well placed and do well on the interview. If you are well connected and are willing to take a real chance, go for it! It might pay off big time. I'm not knocking it, I have done things like that in the past (you only need to score big once :D ), but at this point in life a good regional is a better "plan B" for me. Upgrade totally depends on the company and the timing...anywhere from 4 months to 8+ years (eagle). SKW is really low right now, because a lot of guys are going to SWA, FDX, UPS, CAL, etc. Basically people go anywhere that is hiring. BTW the "single engine turbine PIC" thing is not there for caravan drivers..it's for the Viper guys! I'm willing to bet they are the only ones who get to take advantage of that. |
Originally Posted by fr8av8r_66
(Post 74831)
I've also talked to NetJets pilots and hear that they are more than happy to talk to freight dogs who meet mins.
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Originally Posted by duvie
(Post 74842)
Last I heard Net Jets doesn't count Caravan time as PIC turbine time. I could be wrong, but it might be something for you to check in to.
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I just talked with a buddy of mine today whose in STL right now for training and likes it alot so far, he said its a good compnay and seems like a great group of people/pilots.
Best of luck |
Thanks A&F. I think its a question of attitude from what I can tell. I love to fly, so I'll make the most of it wherever I go.
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Originally Posted by AV8ER
(Post 74693)
By the way, I've heard upgrade time at TSA right now is about 3 years, and they're expecting it to go down soon, since the majors are starting to recall, and hopefully hiring soon. I guess the key words there are expecting and hoping, so who knows.
However, there are a LOT of people leaving right now. |
POPA you done with IOE yet?
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Originally Posted by POPA
(Post 76465)
Three years is wishful thinking right now. Before the upgrade times go down, we have to re-upgrade all the guys who got bumped back to the right seat.
However, there are a LOT of people leaving right now. |
Originally Posted by BoilerUP
(Post 76466)
POPA you done with IOE yet?
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Originally Posted by AV8ER
(Post 76517)
How many were bumped back to the right?
Are you starting this coming Monday, or have you already finished your first week? |
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