End goal is united, sooner rather than later.

Got back in the game in 2018 after a break from the industry.

Now at 3100tt with 600 Ejet SIC in last year. All previous time was 135 single pilot non typed stuff.


Should I slog it out at the regional with a good schedule and getting about 60 block a month...

Or...

Jump to something like JetsuiteX where I could immediately enter as a CA and start getting my Jet TPIC?

Does United (or other majors even) view 135 jet pic as less valuable? I’ve done the 121 thing for over a year now but just not seeing the magic TPIC near enough on the horizon for my current thought process.

Am I silly to consider this move?

Thanks for all insight.

 

Well since I can’t delete this, consider it answered. Staying put!

 

My 2 cents for ya. I have 6000hrs 121 regional time, 2500 of that PIC. I’m now at XO for better pay and QOL. I’d go with the job that makes you happier as United may call next month or in ten years.

 

You already have your answer but just to emphasize a few points let me add that United is hiring pilots with no TPIC nor 121 time. We have pilots that were sim instructors for Lufthansa that were working in Arizona (and more than one) and United is working on an Ab Initiio program as well.

Piloting at the entry level is working at night, on weekends, and every holiday. If I knew then what I know now I would never have chosen aviation.

For all you young folk be sure you understand that. The job is working at night, weekends, and holidays and if you’re unlucky enough to sign on at the start of an economic downturn then you could be stuck in that position for a decade or more. Not to mention that technology is marching quickly towards a one man crew and eventually a no man crew. My cynical old man sense says if you are under 30 then don’t go into aviation.

Alright I put my flame suit on and am ready

 

Traditionally 121 time, be it PIC or even SIC is considered more valuable if you are pursuing a long-term career in 121. Your total time is low also. If it were me I’d stick it out at your 121 and keep building 121 time. As soon as you get 1,000 hours of 121 SIC start applying and update your applications frequently.

I came to a regional after having some TPIC outside of 121. That TPIC didn’t didn’t really do anything for me. If you want to fly 135 or 91 go fly 135 and get some light jet type ratings and experience. If you want to fly 121 fly 121. The types of flying aren’t necessarily mutually exclusive but not much about one applies to the other.

 

This is an interesting and valuable perspective. I was under the impression that 1000TPIC is king.

And to the poster above. I’m neither young nor getting into aviation.

I’ll be at 1000 121hrs sometime around end of year. But my regional doesn’t seem to be upgrading, hence why I’m hunting for a faster path to some TPIC. My current qol is excellent with 15 days off a month and every weekend is a 3 day weekend at home with the wife and dog in a place I love living, in base, with no commute. So, who knows.

Appreciate perspectives.

 

Although the majority of new hires have TPIC, it's not really the same as pre 9/11 or that funny little hiring blip in 2007-2008.

More people are getting in without it, see below..

Try to get a union volunteer position, as well as some community service. Get into the recruiting/hiring team, become an instructor, etc. Try to add more and more recs to your app. They don't necessarily need to be from people you've flown with. It was said a few years ago that people that can vouch for you as a person and your character are just as good as those that have flown with you.

While you're waiting on upgrade those things will get you here faster than if you don't. The majority of the people getting hired without TPIC all seem to have some very commonalities. Those I listed are some of them.

 

Thanks for that valuable insight. I seem to be mistaken that a major simply would not call without 1000TPIC. I am actively pursuing those other aspects as well. My QOL is excellent so seems maybe I’m winning when I didn’t know it at the moment...

 

As mentioned, those without it make up the minority of a new hire class, in general. But that minority is bigger than previous hiring eras.

 

The last meet and greet I sat in on it sure sounded like at least 1000TPIC was the norm. I don't have any numbers per each class just what I have heard from CP and people running TK. Probably does not include the interns and son's and daughters routine that I hear about. JMO