Pilot2004

Hey Everyone,

Im new to the forum. Just wanted to throw out a question to get some opinions. So Im a military guy (P3's and T6s) getting out this year and I naively thought the transition to the airlines would be easy. I had no idea how difficult and competitive it was right now. So, in order to rack up some more hours it looks like Ill need to get flying somewhere and the regionals look like the best bet. I have little knowledge on who to work for since my career to this point has been in the military. Any suggestions or recommendations. I've gone through the previous posts and they are confusing as hell. Also, with this new Envoy thing, is Envoy now one you want to stay away from? I love sarcasm like the next guy but this is an honest request for help so although I will laugh at the jokes please mix in some serious info too. Thanks fellas.

Flying Ninja

SkyWest.

Not sure if it's that difficult. Many regional airlines will take you if you have a pulse, ATP written completed, and over 1500 hours. For a military guy, your hour requirements may be reduced.

Pilot2004

Im not too worried about getting on to a regional...Ive talked to them and they say I have all the qualifications. Im unable to get on with airlines like Jetblue and up though right now. Not enough hours it seems. As far as regional goes though, Ill look into SkyWest. Any idea on which one based more on the East Coast is preferred?

Pilot2004

I have over 2000 hours and CFI/II, MEI and ATP.

TallFlyer

Where do you live or where do you want to live? Honestly, if you think that the regionals are going to be a short time thing for you (and given your background there's every reason to think that's accurate) pick one that has a base where you can drive to work.

Pilot2004

Well, thats why I liked Envoy because I have family in NYC and MIA so I could eliminate rent but it seems like Envoy just had a bad situation unfold. Would they still be a good place to go?

squall line

West coast look at Compass (and maybe Skywest). East coast PSA and Mesa.


Skywest is a very reputable company, but I don't forsee very much movement there.

TallFlyer

Ask ten different guys and you'll get ten different answers. Envoy is shrinking, but they do have some attrition to go along with it. A new hire today though would most likely be riding the bottom of the seniority list for a long time. Ditto at Endeavor.

Of the two I'd say NYC is more likely at Endeavor, but that's just a guess. I have no special inside information and all the above could change tomorrow.

HeavyDriver

Unless you have no problem living at the regional pay scale...With your background apply at all the major airlines and supplemental airlines...Try and Network within your community for employment leads or recs...I would avoid the regionals with your experience.

ClickClickBoom

Get a year at a regional and GTFO. With a year you will be competitive with.......lets see, everyone, and maybe Virgin Galactic. Use the year to apply to every airline you might even care to work at. Its not if you can fly the planes, its if you can hang with the lifestyle. Plus its a cheap/fast way to find out if the job is for you. Reason being, there is nowhere in the airline business, where working conditions and sub-human pay rates are worse. If you can hang at a regional, every place is better, including the Iraqi Airforce.
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