Regional ATR vs Ryanair
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Regional ATR vs Ryanair
Hi guys!
I'm currently in the recruiting process for a job on the ATR 72-600 in northern europe. It's a regional airline. Bond is on 3 years and pay is approx 2400€/month after taxes.
I cant deny the fact that buying my TR from Ryanair and working there without a bond is more tempting. Either way I'm seeing if they will hire me at all here. Have 1 interview left and had meeting with psychologist the other week, haven't gotten results yet but I slept bad the night before so I'm afraid I didn't do too well.
What would you do? Being stuck on the ATR flying regional for 3 years logging 5-600hrs a year or going the ryanair way to start of your career?
I'm currently in the recruiting process for a job on the ATR 72-600 in northern europe. It's a regional airline. Bond is on 3 years and pay is approx 2400€/month after taxes.
I cant deny the fact that buying my TR from Ryanair and working there without a bond is more tempting. Either way I'm seeing if they will hire me at all here. Have 1 interview left and had meeting with psychologist the other week, haven't gotten results yet but I slept bad the night before so I'm afraid I didn't do too well.
What would you do? Being stuck on the ATR flying regional for 3 years logging 5-600hrs a year or going the ryanair way to start of your career?
It depends what you want from a flying career.
A turboprop will teach you about and consolidate your flying; e.g. the basics of power + attitude = performance; trimming; crosswind landings; manual flying and flying in - and respecting - bad weather conditions. And in your case it will be effectively cost free - assuming that you can live on that salary in Northern Europe.
However; sadly, turboprops are seen as unworthy aircraft in most jet fleet chief pilots' eyes, even though turboprop pilots generally have to be better pilots. So if you go the turboprop route you will probably find it won't help you to get a job on a jet in the future.
So the pragmatist in me would advise the jet route, which will bolster your future career much more than the turboprop.
You mention Ryanair, but there you will have to pay an enormous amount for your type rating.
Are there any jet cadet schemes around that you could apply to ? And perhaps try for small company, small jet jobs as well ?
PS, In your situation a bond shouldn't be a problem. You will need to fly in your first airline for about three years to become fully competent, gain the hours and get established to become "employable" to other airlines.
A turboprop will teach you about and consolidate your flying; e.g. the basics of power + attitude = performance; trimming; crosswind landings; manual flying and flying in - and respecting - bad weather conditions. And in your case it will be effectively cost free - assuming that you can live on that salary in Northern Europe.
However; sadly, turboprops are seen as unworthy aircraft in most jet fleet chief pilots' eyes, even though turboprop pilots generally have to be better pilots. So if you go the turboprop route you will probably find it won't help you to get a job on a jet in the future.
So the pragmatist in me would advise the jet route, which will bolster your future career much more than the turboprop.
You mention Ryanair, but there you will have to pay an enormous amount for your type rating.
Are there any jet cadet schemes around that you could apply to ? And perhaps try for small company, small jet jobs as well ?
PS, In your situation a bond shouldn't be a problem. You will need to fly in your first airline for about three years to become fully competent, gain the hours and get established to become "employable" to other airlines.
It all depends on your family situation and how much flexibility you have. If you have some kind of flexibility, no doubt: Ryanair.
Provided you have the capacity, there is good chance in 5 years time you are captain with perfect prep for a mainline carrier, or you continue in the chaos and training positions open up. Before you know it, you have 10 years experience and are qualified TRI/TRE. Any given crisis you will be happy to be able to leave the chaos of Ryanair ops, and as a qualified TRI/TRE you take up any freelance position in any company bypassing... anyway, not going down that rabbit hole.
Common misconception. Turboprop flying is a step up from SEP/MEP training environment, and gives additional time to "adapt" to the world of commercial aviation. It doesn't make them "better" in any way. De-learning bad habits is a tough one for any trainee/trainer especially since they their training time will be reduced due to previous experience.
Provided you have the capacity, there is good chance in 5 years time you are captain with perfect prep for a mainline carrier, or you continue in the chaos and training positions open up. Before you know it, you have 10 years experience and are qualified TRI/TRE. Any given crisis you will be happy to be able to leave the chaos of Ryanair ops, and as a qualified TRI/TRE you take up any freelance position in any company bypassing... anyway, not going down that rabbit hole.
Common misconception. Turboprop flying is a step up from SEP/MEP training environment, and gives additional time to "adapt" to the world of commercial aviation. It doesn't make them "better" in any way. De-learning bad habits is a tough one for any trainee/trainer especially since they their training time will be reduced due to previous experience.
Last edited by BraceBrace; 5th Feb 2024 at 09:01.
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The thing is, I dont know if I'm crazy for considering to turn down this possibility if I get the job. I would much rather apply for ryanair, but what if I dont get the position at ryan?
Time is crucial so i have no time to apply and attend ryanair before im expected to sign the 3 year bond on the ATR...
Time is crucial so i have no time to apply and attend ryanair before im expected to sign the 3 year bond on the ATR...
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You forgot to mention that they also have a fleet of Airbus 319s and 320s and operate holiday charters for both Apollo and Ving. ATR pilots can apply to transfer to the Airbus fleet.
Last edited by C195; 7th Feb 2024 at 10:46.
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I have a friend working at that 'regional airline in northern Europe'. In addition to the domestic operation, they undertake regular ACMI contracts and charter flights throughout Europe and the UK. Plenty of good experience to be gained there and you would also learn to fly. Apparently most of the low hour pilots recruited really struggle with the ATR, especially when it comes to landings. Don't underestimate the challenge or the value of the experience to be gained.
You forgot to mention that they also have a fleet of Airbus 319s and 320s and operate holiday charters for both Apollo and Ving. ATR pilots can apply to transfer to the Airbus fleet.
You forgot to mention that they also have a fleet of Airbus 319s and 320s and operate holiday charters for both Apollo and Ving. ATR pilots can apply to transfer to the Airbus fleet.
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I've got an interview with emerald soon for FO, I'm unexperienced pilot with low 200hrs. Has anyone got feedback from the interview with them that you could share with me please ?
Also, just curious about the bond offer from them as they told me i would have to pay 23k for the ATR TR. Turbine38 , would you not have to pay for the TR at all with Emerald ?
Also, just curious about the bond offer from them as they told me i would have to pay 23k for the ATR TR. Turbine38 , would you not have to pay for the TR at all with Emerald ?
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I've got an interview with emerald soon for FO, I'm unexperienced pilot with low 200hrs. Has anyone got feedback from the interview with them that you could share with me please ?
Also, just curious about the bond offer from them as they told me i would have to pay 23k for the ATR TR. Turbine38 , would you not have to pay for the TR at all with Emerald ?
Also, just curious about the bond offer from them as they told me i would have to pay 23k for the ATR TR. Turbine38 , would you not have to pay for the TR at all with Emerald ?
However, I would never pay for an ATR TR. Would rather buying my TR from Smartlynx if Ryanair wouldn't be successful...
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You say nothing about your age, that matters because the older you are, the more difficult will be to "start over" in the future. Going from a turboprop to a jet in most occasions means to start over at the bottom of First Officer seniority, no mater if you were an ATR Captain with thousands of hours.
As other people say, take the first job that comes up but try to give preference to the pragmatic path that is the jet. Even with an upfront payment for the Type, in just a few years you will be financially doing better (and going for the ATR path, if you later on want to fly a jet, most likely will have to pay the Type Rating anyway, albeit with no base training).
As other people say, take the first job that comes up but try to give preference to the pragmatic path that is the jet. Even with an upfront payment for the Type, in just a few years you will be financially doing better (and going for the ATR path, if you later on want to fly a jet, most likely will have to pay the Type Rating anyway, albeit with no base training).
