I'm currently flying part 91/135 corporate and end goal is United. I took corporate job flying a citation XLS over a regional because of pay and QOL it offered at time because of having a young family. Now I'm debating whether to stay or head to regionals to build time faster. Currently I'm away more then I'm flying if that makes sense. Total time is 1800 Hrs, SEL turbine 680 and Jet time 275. Any advice is appreciated. Just been trying to do what is best for my family and obviously going to a regional would mean a BIG pay cut.

 

Going to a regional doesn't guarantee anything. It may give you a better chance but no one really knows and understands the HR algorithm. It does seem you need to check as many boxes as possible. So going to a regional, upgrading fast, become a check airman, chief pilot, ground instructors or anything else to set you apart will give you the best shot. Best case you are still at least 5 years out as of now. Lastly choose carefully, do your due diligence and try to make sure your regional of choice will be around long enough for you to get out.

 

None of us will be able to offer you anything you don’t already know.

1) your total time (and presumably your TPIC time) are too low for the majors to call.

2) getting some 121 experience on your resume will assuredly increase your marketability with the majors.

3) networking and job fairs are a good idea

4) have a 4-year degree

5) clean background

6) accomplishing the things above won’t guarantee you anything as you know, but it’ll get you moving in the right direction.

Good luck!


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If your goal is to be an airline pilot...start by being an airline pilot. You didn’t really mention what your timeline was...do you want to get there sooner vs. later. You won’t be competitive flying your Cessna for many, many years. If you bite the bullet now and go to a regional that will make you a PIC in short order...I highly recommend doing it. I know a family adds to the complexity of a decision like this. It’s a great time to break into the airlines. The music won’t be playing forever, though.

 

I would also recommend looking into trying to get on at a LCC if that’s a option for you. I know of a few pilots who made it to a major faster than me because they went that route.

 

If you have decided that you want the airline career then get it started. I left a 91 Gulfstream V job to a regional because I knew that’s where I wanted to be. A month after that I was in Indoc at UAL. Full disclosure though I had a lot more time and experience then you have currently.

You will build time and experience much faster at a regional. Don’t forget to network as much as possible and go over your application meticulously for errors and ways to showcase your talent and experience.

FWIW I am extremely satisfied with my switch to Legacy from Corporate flying. Good luck!

 

That's great to read that you are extremely satisfied with the switch to a legacy from a 91 GV. What was so bad about the 91 gig / is so good about the airline job that makes you extremely satisfied? Thanks.

 

IMO

Get a regional job yesterday.

Low-time 91 in a light/midsize jet can be a trap; compensation tends to be a bit better and QOL often better, but flight time builds FAR too slowly for typical career progression. Today, regional compensation is much better than it used to be even 5-6 years ago.

You’ll need another 3k+ hours total and at least 1500 TPIC to be a competitive applicant at a legacy...one way will get you there MUCH quicker than the other.

My career progression:

121 regional from 1000-2400tt (23 months)
91 light jet from 2400-5000tt (6.75 years)
Major 121 cargo 5000tt-today (5+ years)

What’s better for me? Schedule, vacation, pay, retirement, health benefits. The 91 gig was nicer/newer equipment, platinum AMEX for expenses, and working for great people.

Over 30 years, staying put would have cost me 3-4 million dollars in straight pay, with no consideration of retirement worth another couple million at least. Not a hard decision to make...

 

Same for me. Corporate was fantastic but in the long term it doesnt compare. I have 17 days off in september after 1 year at UAL, a guaranteed raise coming and I can control my schedule. Yes corporate was more exciting when I was at work, but with a wife/kids/friends I’d rather have control and flexibility with my schedule to be part of the lives of those that matter most to me.

Regional 1000-5000tt (no upgrade in sight)
Large Corp PIC 5000-6500
Regional PIC 6500-7200tt (street captain)
Now 400 hours in the almighty guppy

 

Must be nice to want to go straight to a Legacy carrier with bare minimum flight times.

No offense but wouldn’t it be nice to say “Legacy now, skip the regionals”

You need the regionals. You want the prize of a Legacy, build the 121 experience and total time.

1800 TT is nothing when you don’t have military or something special with it; 91/135 doesn’t help you, possibly hurts you without 121 time.

Find a regional, deal with the financial hit, and network.