View Poll Results: What is my next step SHOULD I get an offer?
Stay at my current position and build well rounded experience?
55
83.33%
Take the offer! After all, it might be my only chance.
11
16.67%
Voters: 66. You may not vote on this poll
ASA interview leads to big questions.
10-08-2010, 11:33 AM
#32
Line Holder
Thread Starter
Joined APC: May 2010
Position: BE200
Posts: 99
I will be getting several hundred hours per year at my current gig. I have already received one type, and I have one more scheduled already. Yes there is a good ability to progress here, and raises will come with time.
10-08-2010, 12:13 PM
#34
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2005
Position: DFW A320 FO
Posts: 586
Unless you absolutely want to be an airline pilot right now, at any cost, I'd recommend staying put. The regionals will be hurting for qualified pilots very soon and you should be able to snag a job at a regional, if not a LCC, fairly easily. Can you get to a major from your current position? Sure, network and build that turbine PIC.
The good side of regional airlines: with some seniority you can get a good schedule with lots (relatively speaking) of planned days off. The bad: pay.
The good side of regional airlines: with some seniority you can get a good schedule with lots (relatively speaking) of planned days off. The bad: pay.
10-08-2010, 12:47 PM
#35
What's A Weekend?
Joined APC: Jan 2009
Position: Big...So Big
Posts: 803
Intriguing title isn't it?
Hello all,
I am a fairly fresh college grad with a full time flying position, in production test and company transportation, with a major airplane manufacturer where I get turboprop, jet, and piston time, type ratings, and PIC time. This is much needed as I am sitting with 900TT/250ME. Ok, there is my background.
Anyhoo I got called today by ASA. The gentleman provided me with the opportunity to travel to ATL for an interview this next week. (oh and for those wondering about flight times, the latest resume ASA had showed me with around 800tt, 200ME, and 30Turbine.) Obviously I could show up and botch the interview, I realize that. BUT this brought a few questions to mind.
ASA was my number one choice regional airline back when no one was hiring. Since then I became VERY lucky to receive my current position. This is a position that will give me lots of experience, and after many years, a GREAT base for corporate flying. On the other hand I have always wanted to try airline flying, because if I didn't try it, I wouldn't know if I might have really liked it. But with my low time, I don't dare give up a good job, for a MAYBE good job with half the pay do I?
My next thought is this, If I were to continue in my current position and later in life wanted to fly for an airline, are the days of going straight to the majors gone? Or would that still be a feasible path?
Either way I will be interviewing with ASA, and will make my decision should that become necessary, I just wanted to hear the comments that you all could come up with.
By the way, my resume was delivered via Airlineapps.com and No I had no internal recommendation.
Hello all,
I am a fairly fresh college grad with a full time flying position, in production test and company transportation, with a major airplane manufacturer where I get turboprop, jet, and piston time, type ratings, and PIC time. This is much needed as I am sitting with 900TT/250ME. Ok, there is my background.
Anyhoo I got called today by ASA. The gentleman provided me with the opportunity to travel to ATL for an interview this next week. (oh and for those wondering about flight times, the latest resume ASA had showed me with around 800tt, 200ME, and 30Turbine.) Obviously I could show up and botch the interview, I realize that. BUT this brought a few questions to mind.
ASA was my number one choice regional airline back when no one was hiring. Since then I became VERY lucky to receive my current position. This is a position that will give me lots of experience, and after many years, a GREAT base for corporate flying. On the other hand I have always wanted to try airline flying, because if I didn't try it, I wouldn't know if I might have really liked it. But with my low time, I don't dare give up a good job, for a MAYBE good job with half the pay do I?
My next thought is this, If I were to continue in my current position and later in life wanted to fly for an airline, are the days of going straight to the majors gone? Or would that still be a feasible path?
Either way I will be interviewing with ASA, and will make my decision should that become necessary, I just wanted to hear the comments that you all could come up with.
By the way, my resume was delivered via Airlineapps.com and No I had no internal recommendation.
My belief is that, if you like the job you have, the people you work with, and the pay/benefits, then you should stay there. In aviation, it is hard to find a job that meets all of your desires/needs (Some jobs have good pay, but poor quality of life...some jobs have a great schedule, but low pay...and some jobs are great, except you can't stand the people you work with.) Evaluate your current situation. If it meets most of what you want in a flying job, then I suggest staying. If you are not happy there, then you may want to try something new.
As a pilot for a regional that flies for Delta, I can tell you that...flying for Delta sucks. Although ASA is not owned by Delta (like Comair is), Delta is like a fickle woman who constantly changes her mind. What happens when ASA's contract is up is unknown, and they could lose the Delta flying, be cutback, or they could get a bunch more flying. With Delta, it's anyone's guess.
If you would like to try the regional airline life, consider that you will most likely have only 11 days off (or less? Not sure of ASA's contract), you will work 13-15 hour days and only get paid minimum guarantee while on reserve. If you don't live in ATL, you will have to commute, thus wasting a lot of your time off trying to get on DAL flights to get to work, while being just above Buddy Passes in seniority for travel benefits (and watching as many planes leave full, without you).
Just my thoughts, like I said, make an informed decision and do what is best for you and your family. I fly for Comair, and I have always loved flying with everyone here. Delta moves Comair around at will, closing bases, moving bases, and displacing crews. I was furloughed for a year and a half, came back in May, my base closed August 31 and we were put at a new base on September 1, the same day they said we'll be cutting back and I'll probably be furloughed again in early 2011 (because Delta wants what Delta wants). So, you can guess, I am not a huge fan of being a part of Delta Connection.
10-08-2010, 01:06 PM
#36
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Aug 2009
Position: Guru
Posts: 182
I am an A&P mechanic for a 121 carrier. My recommandation is that you stay put. Get more Total Time and then apply for a Major carrier.
All regionals tend to treat their pilots poorly. Plus ASA has a huge surplus of CRJ-200s. and those planes are not popular for major carriers.
All regionals tend to treat their pilots poorly. Plus ASA has a huge surplus of CRJ-200s. and those planes are not popular for major carriers.
10-08-2010, 06:57 PM
#38
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jan 2008
Position: maddoggy dog
Posts: 1,026
My newhire class at Delta had only one Part 135 pilot. The rest were an even split between Regional and Military pilots. It is possible to skip the regionals BUT you have to really stand out. Your in a good spot, you have a good job. Your also getting PIC time with massive retirements coming up. You WILL be competing with RJ pilots with LOTS of 121 PIC time. These guys/gals have been stuck with no place to go since 9-11. The scariest thing I've done in my career was to leave my super seniority at a strong regional carrier and get a job with a company fresh out of bankruptcy. My ultimate goal was to be a MAJOR airline pilot, not a regional pilot. So far my choice has worked out well.
FWI I had 9000 hours and 7000 PIC, (6000 turbine PIC) when I got the job at a Major. With these numbers it was 5 weeks from when I posted my application to my interview and another 6 weeks later I was in class. Your life can change rather quickly when you've got some experience. I think I racked up 5000 of those jet PIC hours after 9-11....see what I mean about your competition????
************************************************** ************
OK-----I FIGURED OUT WHAT YOU NEED TO DO!!!!!!! I just downloaded the MAGIC EIGHT BALL for my droid phone. Consult the Magic 8-ball and you can't go wrong!!!
************************************************** *************
FWI I had 9000 hours and 7000 PIC, (6000 turbine PIC) when I got the job at a Major. With these numbers it was 5 weeks from when I posted my application to my interview and another 6 weeks later I was in class. Your life can change rather quickly when you've got some experience. I think I racked up 5000 of those jet PIC hours after 9-11....see what I mean about your competition????
************************************************** ************
OK-----I FIGURED OUT WHAT YOU NEED TO DO!!!!!!! I just downloaded the MAGIC EIGHT BALL for my droid phone. Consult the Magic 8-ball and you can't go wrong!!!
************************************************** *************
10-08-2010, 10:29 PM
#39
2 days off
Joined APC: Jun 2009
Position: Embraer Systems Analyst
Posts: 1,853
My newhire class at Delta had only one Part 135 pilot. The rest were an even split between Regional and Military pilots. It is possible to skip the regionals BUT you have to really stand out. Your in a good spot, you have a good job. Your also getting PIC time with massive retirements coming up. You WILL be competing with RJ pilots with LOTS of 121 PIC time. These guys/gals have been stuck with no place to go since 9-11. The scariest thing I've done in my career was to leave my super seniority at a strong regional carrier and get a job with a company fresh out of bankruptcy. My ultimate goal was to be a MAJOR airline pilot, not a regional pilot. So far my choice has worked out well.
FWI I had 9000 hours and 7000 PIC, (6000 turbine PIC) when I got the job at a Major. With these numbers it was 5 weeks from when I posted my application to my interview and another 6 weeks later I was in class. Your life can change rather quickly when you've got some experience. I think I racked up 5000 of those jet PIC hours after 9-11....see what I mean about your competition????
************************************************** ************
OK-----I FIGURED OUT WHAT YOU NEED TO DO!!!!!!! I just downloaded the MAGIC EIGHT BALL for my droid phone. Consult the Magic 8-ball and you can't go wrong!!!
************************************************** *************
FWI I had 9000 hours and 7000 PIC, (6000 turbine PIC) when I got the job at a Major. With these numbers it was 5 weeks from when I posted my application to my interview and another 6 weeks later I was in class. Your life can change rather quickly when you've got some experience. I think I racked up 5000 of those jet PIC hours after 9-11....see what I mean about your competition????
************************************************** ************
OK-----I FIGURED OUT WHAT YOU NEED TO DO!!!!!!! I just downloaded the MAGIC EIGHT BALL for my droid phone. Consult the Magic 8-ball and you can't go wrong!!!
************************************************** *************
OR.. it could be that there weren't many pt135 guys that wanted to fly for Delta.
It's all about who you know, especially during these times. Sounds like this guy has a good thing going with the present employer. If he goes to ASA he will be at the bottom of a long long long long long regional airline pilot list. That's like entering the gates of hell. But hey! He might some day be able to bid on the CRJ-900! Seriously stay put and get some experience to be able to apply to the majors.
10-08-2010, 11:13 PM
#40
Line Holder
Joined APC: Aug 2008
Position: LR45
Posts: 32
stay put, grab as many types as they want to give you, get time in type and you will have more possibilities then you think. I think it is funny that 121 recruiters think that 135/91 PIC time is sub par to 121 time. We fly to unknown airports at the drop of a dime. We scramble to file flight plans (ourselves), calculate everything and deal with the one guy who NEEDS to get to XYZ (otherwise he is in our face...no ticket agent to take care of him). Don't mean to downgrade any 121ers but the recruiters of these airlines don't see the value in our experience. I guess that's why my department won't even consider 121 guys.
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