VLJ or Q400, which is best for long term career?

[Rowley Birkin, QC]

I am in the fortunate position of being offered two jobs at once. One is on a single pilot VLJ (Very Light Jet), which is lighter than my current turboprop type, and the other is on a Q400 which is heavier than my current type (and of course, multi pilot).

My long term aim is to fly big passenger airliners- 777, A340, etc etc. Which is the right route to take?

[redsnail]

How many hours do you have?
What is the weight of your current type?
Would you be a captain or a first officer?

The VLJ would be fun but as the Q400 is over 20 tonnes, you'd be better off on that if your goal is to fly bigger airliners.

[Jerry Lee]

Dash 8 Q400!!!

[galleypower]

Definitely the Q400.
Flying a turboprop for an airline is a great way to broaden your airline experience and to get ready for heavy equipment, often you get good training and relevant support. Something a small biz jet operator is often not able to offer. And a very important point: Its a two men operation.
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[Rowley Birkin, QC]

My current type is a 5700 kg turboprop, and I'd be a Capt on the VLJ or a FO on the Q400.

I obviously don't want to say too much because I need to preserve anonymity- can't risk either employer working out who I am!!!

[Rowley Birkin, QC]

Just to add, actually, that they both look like great jobs and I'm really torn between the two. Thanks for the replies so far, folks. Interested to hear more opinions.

[sellect]

I would also go for the Q400, heavier and MULTIPILOT

[Ronand]

I was in a similar position a few weeks ago, had to choose between a Citation XLS and a 737 job both as FO. I went for the 737 job, even though I have to self fund the rating.
How many hrs have you got now?. Is your current position on a JAR 25 aircraft? Are you currently FO or Captain on this aircraft?

[Jerry Lee]

Ronand, just for curiosity as I'm a wannabe who in the next 2-3 years will be in position ti find any kind of job flying anywhere, was that Ryanair or another airline?

[G-SPOTs Lost]

You dont want to find yourself with loads of jet PIC time with no ATPL, looking at what you're trying to achieve then go for the Q400 and resign yourslef to however many years to command. Phenoms more fun though

[captainsuperstorm]

same thing for me, had to choose between 340 or 747.still undecided, can you help me?

[BusDriverLHR]

As your aspirations lie with the airlines, I'd say the Q400 is a no-brainer. Experience on it will qualify you to apply for a great deal of airline jobs, the VLJ (not being multi-pilot) will be quite limiting.

Good luck.

[WX Man]

Well if you don't take your VLJ job, can I have it ;) ;)