As has been said it depends on what you want from life not just in the short term but also 10/20 years from now.
I had to make a very similar decision a few years ago although being ex Mil I was in a slightly different position with regards my options.
BA 777 (or any long haul)
Advantages
1. Longer periods away but larger blocks off on your return.
2. Higher Pay Scale eventually. If you get early command short haul is better until the 7/10 year mark. Airline specific!!!
3. Very nice ac (although the 744 has a nice bunk)
4. A lot of time spent in exotic locations.
5. No pressure of command (see point below)
Disadvantages
1. Long block periods away from Wife/kids (Place as an advantage if you hate the wife/kids)
2. Nice ac and I’m sure the autopilot loves flying it; you however only get a brief spell hands on and the occasional landing.
3. Exotic locations will include the Middle East and the same parts of the USA for a very long time until you get some seniority! Blind Lines for 5 years plus!!!!!
4. No chance of Long Haul Command for 15-18 years and come October 06 when the retirement age changes you can make this timescale more like 20-23 years
Charter (short haul)
This is a trickier assessment, as there are a multitude of airlines all with different T&C and various ideas on command structure.
Advantages
1. Home most nights after fairly short sectors although after a while this can also be as boring as sitting with your feet up for hours on end over the pond. (But not quite)
2. Ac type and age can be variable but on the whole you get more hands on and a lot more landings.
3. Early command (airline specific) and it’s always nice being the boss!
Disadvantages
1. Some airlines get more than their moneys worth and push the max hours rules.
2. Not that many night stops and rarely for any decent length of time.
3. A lot of the LoCo airlines are more vulnerable to economic pressures so your job security is less.
So in summary it all depends on what you want out of life.
777 – Nice ac/Nice Job but you will be at the bottom of the pilot pile as “only the FO” for a very, very long time.
Charter – Choose your company/ac carefully and you will be rewarded with interesting flying and relatively quick command.
You probably guessed which way I jumped when I had the choice but my retirement package from the forces helped ease the transition and in all honesty I couldn’t face the thought of such a long time in the right hand seat. However, Command is not everything and you need to look at the whole package and what best suits your lifestyle.
P.S.
If you have not already done so log onto the BALPA forum and read the article titled:
British Airways recruitment...
...what you MUST know before you sign that contract!
British Airways is recruiting at the moment, mostly for type-rated pilots.
We think it is important that you know ALL the facts, warts and all, before you sign that contract.
All the best whichever you choose.
