Get command on a narrow body?

[VABB FIR]

hey guys,

this question keeps popping up in my head,

Does it make sense to get command on a narrow body aircraft and then move on to wide bodies with some command time/ or move onto a wide body airplane(typically in the middle east) remaining first officer all throughout, and then eventually get command on the wide body, if all goes well.

just a doubt, your thoughts are most welcome

[Metro man]

If it's a legacy airline you want to spend your career with then join them and get on the seniority list ASAP, forget getting a command first they don't really care as its their standard you need to meet and waiting will put you further back in the queue.

Otherwise get your upgrade, start logging P1 time and move from there. Direct entry command in the Middle East on a narrow body is a given if you meet the standard, then onto something with two aisles in a few years.

[Luke SkyToddler]

It makes sense to get command on the first thing they offer it to you on. The only thing you can trust in this business, is hours already in the logbook and money already in the bank.

If you turn down a narrowbody command and then the company policy changes, or an economic downturn happens, or you annoy someone in management, then the chance might never come around again.

Also if you value your health / sanity / marriage, then avoid the middle east no matter what :suspect:

[gottofly]

Current scenario dictates you take command now.
Decide on ME carriers atleast after a year or so.Lots of things will be different aviation wise all over the world.
Good luck.

[ElitePilot]

Ditto to Luke.. Couldn't agree more. DEC opportunities narrow to wide do come up and if a downturn does happen there will always be a job somewhere on the planet for an experienced 320/73 skipper.
Money in the bank and running the flightdeck how you want being the added bonus.

[VABB FIR]

hey guys, thanks for your response, guess it does make sense to get command on the 320, and then take it up from there, wait for direct entry captains later on in life.


"Also if you value your health / sanity / marriage, then avoid the middle east no matter what"

well I live in India, and this place is certainly not proving to be of any value to my health/sanity god knows about marriage ! im sure the middle east cant be worse apart from certain issues.

[jetjockey696]

I was scouring through pages of rishworth aviation for my next pimp (my next employer). I came upon Lion Upgrade program with rishworth. talk about low requirements..1,000 hour’s time on B737NG as First Officer;
3,000 hours total time.. but I am too old to be a Capt.. only kids between 26 to 36 years old. so after Eaglejet.. straight to be Command..:mad: hahaha

"We have successfully negotiated improved terms for the Command Upgrade contract which include; reduced bond, early repayment of the bond, improved payment terms and reduced entry qualifications.

Upgrade opportunities of this nature are rare without having to spend a significant amount of time at the airline prior, paying for the training, or committing to lengthy contract periods.

The upgrade contract at Lion represents a solid opportunity to fast track your career, particularly as the demand for qualified Captains continues to increase in the emerging markets across Asia and the Middle East. " :}

NOW that's the funny part.. not before you crash land, surf the NG.... learn to be a Captain where a Deputy Management of Fleet training Capt landed at diversion airport with only 500Kg. because the original airport had a upto 10kt tailwind with CAVOK he decided divert , besides it probably his and first and only flight in a month. He decided to upload only flight plan fuel, no extra.. because the mentality here with management pilots especially training management pilot dont add any more fuel..'practice what you preach' the flight plans was not update..with latest winds for a 2+hr flight into the mountains and jungle.. now that a hush hush incident..