Originally Posted by
CL605driver
Reading this all with great interest.
Sooo, Im 50, had an extensive career in business aviation and am an airline captain nowadays.
10.000 hours+, 3000 hours PIC A320/B737.
If I manage to get the EB-2 visa I have to fly as a FO for at least a 1000 hours.
What is is the better option, go for a major airline and hope to upgrade in a year and a half? PIC for a 135 on a CRJ or back into business aviation?.
And regarding the business aviation part, I don't want to be on standby the whole time and have a great income (I know )
Quality of life thing and such...
What's the feedback here?
Since you mentioned QOL and not wanting to be on reserve/ standby….
I wouldn’t recommend taking the first available upgrade at an airline then. The US are very different when it comes to scheduling. It’s all seniority based. Life as a junior Captain is for most people not something that is desirable.
Usually your life will be better in the right seat. That’s why you see so many “old” FOs here. You will have more days off, weekends off, get your vacation when you want to and have the opportunity to make double pay by getting premium trips. That basically results in similar pay to a Captain but with way better QOL. I can’t speak for corporate or business aviation. Good luck. I don’t regret the move.