Been Thinking about Regional Hiring......

BuickCFI · May 2nd, 2008, 12:12

And come to the conclusion that now probably isn't the best time to try and get in. I have one more interview coming up in a few weeks with AWAC, but I am highly debating canceling it and either stay where i am now instructing for another year, or get on with a 135 carrier (i am sending a resume today). I applied recently at 2 other regionals that have pretty much quit hiring for the time being and i didn't get hired, i am not frustrated about it, just seems like not the best time to get in.

what do you all think? I don't want this to turn into a bash fest of regionals or "go apply here, they are hiring" etc. just looking for some insight on what i should do.

p.s. if you are wondering, ~1300TT/235Multi

cptnmarcus · May 2nd, 2008, 12:32

It depends on what your goals are and if you need money now or can live on FO wages. There are jobs available. Turbine experience is a huge plus in the world. You can always leave a 121 job and go to a 135 job. I did a few years back and it was a great move. I wouldn't ever cancel and interview or stop looking for a 121 job if that is what you want to do. If you have responsibilities that you can't meet if you take a 121 job, then do what you need to do to make ends meet. That is my advice.

meritflyer · May 2nd, 2008, 12:37

BuickCFI,

I did the regional thing. I should've done the 135/freight/corporate thing. I have a friend flying a PC-12 as a corporate co-pilot who's home every night, making $50K, and got hired with 1500 TT. No commuting, no overnights, no typical BS.

777forever · May 2nd, 2008, 12:38

get in now, get a seniority number as fast as you can

kellwolf · May 2nd, 2008, 12:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by 777forever

get in now, get a seniority number as fast as you can

Unless you get furloughed. At some regionals, if they don't recall you in 90 days, you're done.

JaceTheAce · May 2nd, 2008, 12:53

I'd recommend getting into a regional and see how you like it - it sounds like you might have some regrets if you don't. If you don't like it, move to a 135 operation.

OldTownPilot · May 2nd, 2008, 13:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by kellwolf

Unless you get furloughed. At some regionals, if they don't recall you in 90 days, you're done.

Where is that the case? Pinnacle, I take it?

av8sean · May 2nd, 2008, 13:09

If your goal is 121, then do it asap. Even if you get furloughed, you'll still be ahead of the hiring curve when things pick up again versus people without any 121 experience.

Pilotdude3407 · May 2nd, 2008, 13:14

come on to AWAC!! We would love to have you. These guys are right, turbin time is at a premium so to get it is golden. Good Luck, where are you interviewing at for AWAC?

vikingair · May 2nd, 2008, 13:25

I'm wondering the same thing and if the regional lifestyle is what I really want. I'm at abut 650tt and after a few not so great experiences I'd decided to go back to instructing, build the time for 135 and go that direction. Just finished packing and getting ready to clean out the apartment so I can make the loong drive from Ohio to California to instruct at Sierra. Was hoping to leave this weekend but this morning I get an email inviting me to interview at Comair on Wednesday.

Sounds like I can make so decent money CFI'ing and while I'll be worked to the bone at least I won't be living in a suitcase sitting reserve. But I always thought 121 was where I wanted to be.

jtrain609 · May 2nd, 2008, 13:37

I thought where I wanted to be was a 135 freight company. I got there, found out I was wrong, and moved on.

That's life, you do what you think is right and if it doesn't work out, change it.

pedro · May 2nd, 2008, 13:40

I would at least go to the interview if they are paying for the ticket out there. It'll give you some airline interview experience and if you do get hired you can still decline the offer.

flyguy · May 2nd, 2008, 14:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by meritflyer

BuickCFI,

I did the regional thing. I should've done the 135/freight/corporate thing. I have a friend flying a PC-12 as a corporate co-pilot who's home every night, making $50K, and got hired with 1500 TT. No commuting, no overnights, no typical BS.

What's wrong with overnights? Some of the most fun I've ever had has been partying with my crews on overnights.

meritflyer · May 2nd, 2008, 14:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by flyguy

What's wrong with overnights? Some of the most fun I've ever had has been partying with my crews on overnights.

No doubt about it!

But, when you're away from your home, kids, dog, and family the overnights can wear you the F out.

wheelsup · May 2nd, 2008, 14:31

AWAC is hiring into a pool, so even if the interview has a good outcome you still will have some time to poke around. Also keep in mind there is no training contract, so you can leave "at will" if you think you aren't happy. A lot of people do. To be honest, unless you foresee hiring at the big leagues in the next 2-3 years I personally wouldn't go to a feeder right now. If you were to go to one I would focus on those that run nextgen turboprops, such as Colgan. They are likely to see the most growth.

The only way you move up is if people move on, and if no one is moving on you are SOL. I would say find a comfy seat that you think will work for the next 2-3 years, preferably with the ability to get into a TPIC position ASAP.

Screaming_Emu · May 2nd, 2008, 14:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by pedro

I would at least go to the interview if they are paying for the ticket out there. It'll give you some airline interview experience and if you do get hired you can still decline the offer.

Yeah absolutely. If nothing else go get the interview experience.

SmoothLanderJ · May 2nd, 2008, 15:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by flyguy

What's wrong with overnights? Some of the most fun I've ever had has been partying with my crews on overnights.

True that. Just do what you think is best. Who knows what can happen in this crazy industry right now.

Off Topic: "flyguy" I love that quote. "Back to the Future" (1,2 and 3) are some of my favorite movies of all time.......

Qgar · May 2nd, 2008, 15:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by flyguy

What's wrong with overnights? Some of the most fun I've ever had has been partying with my crews on overnights.

That's one of the best thing about regionals...the crews (for the most part) are tight....

BuickCFI · May 2nd, 2008, 21:33

I only wanted to go to a regional for the following reasons:
1. Easier for me to find a job and commute than for my wife to relocate.
2. Turbine Time.
3. Try it so I can at least say I did.

My Ultimate Goal is corporate(always has been for the last 8 years when i decided i wanted to fly)or UPS or FDX(but as i don't know anyone......). I have zero desire to ever fly for a legacy.

I actually make pretty decent money where i am now and am home every night. Getting hired then furloughed would be a good possibility i would think right now, we have bills to pay so furlough is not an option at the present time. the paycut sucks too, but could be managable for 1 yr.

FSIPILOT · May 2nd, 2008, 21:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by cptnmarcus

You can always leave a 121 job and go to a 135 job.

For what its worth some 135 operations steer clear of ex-121 guys, sometimes its too different of a world to transition into. Basicly you've got to beat a dog from a pup, then its use to being beaten, try beating a full grown dog and it just might bite back! hahaha

kellwolf · May 2nd, 2008, 21:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldTownPilot

Where is that the case? Pinnacle, I take it?

I misread it. That's for probationary pilots, I think. For ALPA members in full standing, it's 48 months. If you're furloughed for 4 years, you've got another job anyway.

If it were me, I'd worry about jumping into the regional rat race right now if I didn't have a solid back up plan that could be switched on in a matter of two weeks.

v1valarob · May 2nd, 2008, 22:40

A friend is in SIM right now with AWAC. He said the May 12th class was canceled with no further dates. His sim instructor has been there for 3 years and he said they are making him go fly the line. Anyone in upgrade training right now will finish, but no new upgrades right now.

His words, not mine.

-Rob

kellwolf · May 2nd, 2008, 22:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by v1valarob

A friend is in SIM right now with AWAC. He said the May 12th class was canceled with no further dates. His sim instructor has been there for 3 years and he said they are making him go fly the line. Anyone in upgrade training right now will finish, but no new upgrades right now.

His words, not mine.

-Rob

Wow. Good timing for wheelsup, then. Barely made the cut.

BuickCFI · May 2nd, 2008, 22:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by v1valarob

A friend is in SIM right now with AWAC. He said the May 12th class was canceled with no further dates. His sim instructor has been there for 3 years and he said they are making him go fly the line. Anyone in upgrade training right now will finish, but no new upgrades right now.

His words, not mine.

-Rob

see that has been the case of everywhere i have applied in the last month. i should have done it about 3-4 months ago, but i didn't. hence why 135 looks a lot better now

v1valarob · May 2nd, 2008, 22:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by BuickCFI

see that has been the case of everywhere i have applied in the last month. i should have done it about 3-4 months ago, but i didn't. hence why 135 looks a lot better now

This industry is going down the ####ter. Its pretty funny because last year when even a private pilot could get hired on with a 121 carrier everyone from Doug Taylor to Joe Schmo was saying "it comes in waves, this wont be the way it is forever." Damn sure enough the wave hit the beach, and hard.

-Rob