bradthepilot

As a ~1500 hour pilot with CP-ASEL/IA credentials, I’d never given much thought to an airline career. I’d thought about it back around 2000, but I had all of 250 hours and a desire to build a plane that could do aerobatics, X/C, and so on and doing so seemed something of a challenge on Jr. FO pay. Plus, new family at the time and didn't want to miss out on that etc.

Fast forward to present day. I built and flew an RV-6A, do IAC aerobatics with it, fly it to visit family/friends/etc. in most kinds of weather (ice is a no-go, as are thunderstorms, but I have no problems doing an ILS to mins or hand flying it from St. Paul to Dallas and back IMC for example). I’m going to do an ATP instead of a BFR this year - getting the ATP has always been my plan once I had the hours. I may do the multi since the CTP test prep course would be new information and would be interesting.

Most of my friends are 121/135 pilots (UAL A320 FO, DAL MD88 CA, 135 CP, etc.); they are encouraging me to apply at a regional if I’m looking for a career change. When I point out that my flight time might be lacking because I never did the instructor route (no interest), they’ve suggested that the 800-sh X/C hours and 300-ish instrument hours are applicable and relevant. I am kind of burned out on the software industry (not software - I still hack on a regular basis - just the industry).

Those guys are good friends and well meaning, however, and because of that I’m wanting to solicit a less biased answer or perspective especially from folks who are closer to what’s currently happening at the regional level.

Thoughts? Run away as fast as I can? I appreciate any and all comments and perspectives…

Thanks!
Brad

bradthepilot

Doh - I screwed up the post. I actually have a multi-rating (not single as I posted) and about 50hrs of ME time.

Dubz

If you have the mins for an ATP or can get an ATP you will absolutely be hired at a regional.

CODs4ever

Agreed. If you have an ATP and a little multi time, it will be super easy to get hired at a regional. Just be prepared for the sticker shock when you get your first paycheck. Unless you are unemployed, whatever you do now for work probably pays more than first year pay. And maybe even more than 2nd, 3rd, 4th year etc.

*** Just read you work in the software industry. Prepare for much lower pay at the regionals. Do your research and run the numbers by your family before you jump ***

bedrock

If you're ready to submit to the regional circus, I believe most of them will even get you the ATP on their dime.

CODs4ever

In addition to giving you a signing bonus in some cases, to try and ease the pain of taking a 75% paycut from being a software programmer, or any other of many fairly-compensated professions. You might only spend a few years at a regional before a major, or you could end up as a lifer. Be prepared for either scenario. Good luck.

bradthepilot

Thanks for all the responses - they're quite helpful!

Yes, the financial aspect would be ... noticeable. I've built a spreadsheet figuring out what the first through fifth years would look like and fortunately have enough savings to bridge for that long.

Beyond that, I'm anticipating I'd still have time to write apps for iOS and Android as I do now outside of work, especially after the first year, so that will be helpful. That's still a pretty hot market where the key helping someone to build their dream app as opposed to building your own - if you help someone else build theirs, you get an hourly amount no matter how good or bad their idea is.

A key piece of this is that I can't give up the RV - acro, formation, etc. is just too much fun.