Le Bingo. Read the above twice if necessary and GO. Do not collect 200 dollars.

 

Agree with most of these guys ... go the 121 route . Yes many great pilots can go from 91/135 gigs to a major but it is def a smaller percentage than regional / ULCC routes.

Bite the bullet know it will pay off wayyyy more than what your making now .

 

I got onboard United from a strictly corporate/charter background. I couldn't afford the regional pay back on the late 90s. I always thought the regionals needed cheap labor more than we needed them.

That being said, use the shotgun approach and apply to every airline that you think you'd be happy at. Then wait and see who calls. Also, triple check your applications for errors. Then double check them again.

 

Joefly

Did you look at the cargo operators? Many pay ~$80/hr to start and some have quick upgrades. Although QOL at some are poor if you get stuck at least the wage is livable and you are flying bigger jets. Some have home basing. It’s not a walk in the park but then again neither is a regional but the money side will be easier to live on. Good luck ( from a former part 91 Capt to regional to LCC to UAL guy).

 

The 91 job wasn’t awful, just not ideal for family life.

The advantages of 121 is a predictable schedule, ability to manipulate my schedule most of the time, pay is better (FO pay is better than CA pay at Corporate) for sure even without factoring in retirement (which is better). The ability to just be a pilot, not wearing 5 hats. The likelihood of long term stability, (not 100%) but better than my experience in Corporate for sure. Knowing that I’ll always have that seniority #. Knowing that I can just be a #. Having a union was more important than I thought, pilots are definitely able to bargain better as a group rather than as individuals. Flying with a lot of different people has been better experience than I thought (because of stronger adherence to SOP’s).

I could probably list a lot more but you get the point. It’s been 4 years since I made the switch and I’m still excited and proud to be here. I’ve never looked back and thought maybe I should’ve stayed. All that being said what’s right for me may not be for everybody and I’m sure that some will find the Corporate pilot lifestyle suits them better.

 

It sounds like you may have backed yourself into a bit of a corner early on in your career. At least you didn't claim that United has always been your end goal but rather is currently your end goal because if had "always" been the goal, you would have made different choices out of college and maybe delayed the family thing etc while working for an airline or going the military route. You are at a bit of a crossroads here. The easy path would be to make the decision to stay corporate for the duration of your career. You could take advantage of the opportunities that are presenting themselves by so many jumping to the airlines. Some good jobs to be had in corporate. The pay can reach senior narrobody first officer pay or even wide-body first officer pay down the road ($250,000 plus). If you want more than that and the ancillary benefits that accompany a legacy job (UAL/DAL/AMR), you will have to take a lateral move (or slight to significant back step paywise) asap to get the traction required to make the leap to a legacy (or FDX/UPS/SWA). My advice is no different that what you have read above. Bite the bullet now and get a regional job where the hours will come much quicker and start peppering the LCC/Majors with applications which are updated each month. Network and attend job fairs etc. Guy in my new hire class well over a decade ago had all corporate time but he was the exception. He also had about 7,000 hours and 5 or 6 type ratings. Best of luck.

 

Just wanted to thank everyone for the advice and suggestions. I bit the bullet and will be heading to Republic Airways. It offered me QOL and I live close to 2 bases within driving distance.

 

Hope to see you in the system...

Good luck!


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3 months from when you first asked the question. Bravo for moving quickly. This time next year, you may very well be at the Doubletree enjoying your welcome party. Keep us posted.