AirTahoe

I have researched the mins. but what are the competitive times for regionals that are still hiring, SKY, Republic, Mesa, Mesaba, Eagle, etc.? I know there are a lot of guys moving laterally from regional to regional with turbine time that would make my hours look minimal.

I am sitting around 1300 TT and 110 ME with all my certificates to MEI

What is the usual wait time to hear from a company once you have submitted your resume?

Thanks

higney85

I will only say this much WITHOUT answering your question....

Don't look for somewhere that only offers quick upgrade. QOL is huge. I am at a regional that has some major labor issues right now but DOES have a quick upgrade. While the TJPIC is important having to wait an extra 6 months to upgrade but having a good QOL and a FAIR wage is worth it for the 2-3 years you plan to at the airline. Also- commuting is horrible. Only my words and I will sit back and stop squaking 7500.


Look for a quality company. I looked for upgrade and a home base and I wish I had moved to somewhere cool (DEN/SLC come to mind) that had a better contract. 16-18 days off is nice though....

bored

I wouldn't get caught up with turboJET PIC time as opposed to turboPROP PIC time. In the end... it's all still turbine PIC and that's what counts. If I had a crystal ball as to which airline would be the best bet long term, I'd be rich and not a pilot.

Pick an airline that appears at face value to give you the best quality of life for you and your family... ie bases. insurance, employee from day 1? Then pick based on who has the best mx, training and benefits. Don't pick an airline based on its fleet. In the end... an airplane is an airplane and the SJS will wear off. And by all means do not only focus on pay RATES alone.

In general... competitive minimums will go up, when there is less demand. While some airlines are still hiring, they may not be hiring the numbers they once were. If that's the case the company can be more selective. This is the case as well, if classes are filled into the future.


BEst of luck.

AirTahoe

Thanks for the input guys.

I can see what you are saying about QL over quick upgrade. BUT, at this point with not much of the west coast regionals hiring, my only option is to probably move where they are hiring (midwest and east coast). I am not happy about that, but I will make the sacrifice if it allows me to move up later on. I am not tied down by anything, but have my roots and friends in CA. And I could care less what I fly as long as I can build Turbine time.

It is either that, or hang out and CFI until the west coast companies begin to hire again. Who knows how long that will be. And I don't know how many more stalls and practice approaches I can handle day after day.

groovinaviator

competitive mins if you know someone...

1. Applicants with a pulse are more likely to be hired than those without.

ExperimentalAB

Since you are flexible, try your luck with an East operation for a bit - when those out West open the doors again, decide then - you can always throw yourself overboard...just know that at SkyWest, for example, your best bet at the West coast quick is on the Bro!

TheProfessionalPilot

Comm/IFR/ATPw

Danzig

People keep saying this, but I wonder how realistic this is. It seems that the average class at any given "low-time regional" is 500+.

TheProfessionalPilot

Well maybe that depends on the company. At mine, if you have a pulse (and I quote groov) you are hired. No kidding. They will even force you through the training program and give you multiple chances to succeed, no matter how badly you bombed it.

Needless to say, I was surprised at the pass rate of my class. Those crj crash courses aren't worth it, in my opinion, in case you are looking into it.

My understanding of it, Eagle and Republic have been fairly consistently well spoken of throughout this forum. Take that into consideration when choosing which airline you "mass mail" to. I would be afraid to be offered an interview at most. Just my $.02

ImEbee

I have seen a few comments about people who have "roots" in a certain area, namely the west coast. I moved from my roots in Seattle to Denver and really could not have made a better decision. I think there is a lot to be said about giving up at least one of your days off just getting to and from work. Bidding is easier, you make new friends and with jumpseat privs you can visit "home" whenever you like. Unless you have serious roots (ie. Wife with a good job and kids) and not merely grew up there, move to your domicile. I think you will find the rest of the country is not as bad as you think. And if it is you can move back.

JMHO