1000 tpic
 

Hey everyone,

Current 135 pilot here about to upgrade to captain on a twin turboprop. Coming up on a crossroad of either leaving at 1,500 hours to get jet time at a regional or stick it out until I get 1,000 TPIC. With UPS being my long term goal, is the 1,000 TPIC in a turboprop worth it or should I get to a regional and upgrade there? Thanks!

Read the next post “career advice needed” I believe you will find some good advice.

I read that post, and it was really helpful, but i've heard of airlines not counting turboprop time and/or preferring jet time. Wasn't sure if UPS cares between the two.

Get the TPIC first, THEN go to a regional to check 121 and jet boxes.

With UPS having two different programs with Ameriflight, I don't think there will be much 'bias' against turboprop drivers.

Consider, too, how much you're flying. If you're flying 350 hours a year at your current company, and 850 hours/year at a regional, you might get farther faster at the regional.

I’d also say get the TPIC first. You’ll always be able to get that jet sic later and you’ll have the pic box checked.

Of the few recent turboprop-only new hires, it seems like they’ve been flying C-130s and -8s, so they’re bigger airplanes. I’m guessing UPS won’t hire you with 1,000 PIC in a Metro. It wouldn’t hurt to get it and then move on either.

I would suggest going to a regional and getting some PIC as well. Being able to check the extra boxes (Check Airman, sim instructor, etc) will help you stand out even more.

Good luck.

I am in the pool and at the time of my interview invitation, my turbine time was all turboprop (king air). I believe there were other factors that helped me get the interview, namely the type of job I had and the type of flying it entailed.

I am currently at a regional checking the jet and 121 boxes as I wait for the call. Get the TPIC and good luck.

Can you share these details with the masses?

Government service, non-military, mostly in foreign countries (Latin/South America, Mid-East), both transport and operational missions. I only wrote this to support the statement that turboprop time is considered and add that it doesn’t need to be heavier aircraft.

Total time: 7500
TPIC: 4000