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10-30-2006 | 12:52 PM
#21
Prime Minister/Moderator
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 45,131
Likes: 797
From: Engines Turn or People Swim
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?
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
)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
), 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.
Last edited by rickair7777; 10-30-2006 at 01:02 PM.
10-30-2006 | 01:04 PM
#22
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,246
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From: WB Bunkie
10-30-2006 | 01:12 PM
#23
Line Holder
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
From: Lear 35
I was referring only to SWA on the SE Turboprop time. I would think that NetJets is more interested in ME PIC and, more specifically, turbojet crew ops.
11-03-2006 | 08:35 AM
#26
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,857
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However, there are a LOT of people leaving right now.
11-03-2006 | 10:16 AM
#28
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 363
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From: ERJ 145
11-03-2006 | 10:44 AM
#29
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,857
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Yessir. I guess they need us newbies pretty quick, because I got railroaded through the system. I finished my sim at midnight on Tuesday/Wednesday, turned my paperwork in on Wednesday afternoon, and was already assigned my first trip by noon on Thursday. Did a four-day and a two day for IOE, hit a 30-in-7 doing so, and already have another two-day assigned for this weekend. Looks like I may get trips far enough out that I don't actually have to sit reserve.
11-03-2006 | 10:45 AM
#30
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Joined: Jul 2006
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