Turboprop command or jet F/O
 

Hey guys. Most of the time I only do read here, but now I have a topic to throw in here.
Right now I am a F/O on the Q400 with some 2000+ hours on type, age in the late 20ies. This year I will have the choice between upgrade on the Q400 or moving onto our E195 fleet as an F/O (which would nail me for at least 3 to 5 years there).
I know that there is no definite answer to this question and that I will have to do the decision on my own at the end, but I wanted to hear some different opinions about this topic (and i also know that some guys would murder for having this luxury problem ;) ).
So what's more worth in your opinion? I am sure I won't stay more than lets say 5 years in this company. My goal is doing some freight (maybe DHL, TNT) one day.
I think that there are only few companies out there that hire captains back onto their RHS, or am I wrong?

Unless you want to retire with your present company you will at some point have to move on. The questions are: how desperate you are to move? How soon do you want to move? Where do you see yourself going? What is plan B should your first options fail.

Once you have answered the above you need to look at what these companies you wish to go to under plan A and B are actualy wanting from aplicants. Then tailor your career to meet the requirements.

My opinion is that nobody gives a s*@* about Q400 command time and that the jet time would be of more value (so long as you wish to move) Also 195 is more than 50,000kg MTOW. This would make you far more marketable than Command Q4.

Command Q4 will only be useful to other TP operators and your present company.

Conventional wisdom used to say "never pass up a command opportunity". In my personal experience, t-prop command time is worthless. Only jet time matters.

Take jet FO position, wait for your command. Once you have 1000-1500 hrs PIC you can apply for most non type rated direct entry jobs on A320 / B737 if you wish to move on.

Good luck!

Where do you want to end up? Some employers, BA for example, couldn't give two hoots if you have turboprop command time so make your move towards your long term career aspiration as soon as you can. Don't hang on for command or, even, jet time.

Similar choice.... How much jet time is really enough?

1000hrs will get you into pretty much any airline except EK if thats your end goal.

Jet time allways. :ok:

My plan A is to end up at a European freighter company. EAT, DHK (would be nice because of base LEJ as a German), TNT, Cargolux (Thats plan A+)
Plan B: A more stable company than my current one within Europe. Could be freight, pax or GA, whatever ;)
Plan C if everything goes wrong is the sandpit :E
It's not like I want to move from my current company, but I am pretty sure that I will have to in the next few years. And the earlier I find another one, the better of course.

In that case if all else fails.....which obviously we all hope doesnt.... Q4 Command will only see you into QR, EY and EK out..... For now at least.

If you want to fly TPs for the rest of your life, then go for your command. If you ever want to make the move to jets, then take the very first jet job you are offered.

Simples!

If you are referring to EK, it isn't exactly a box ticking exercise. You still have to do the biz during selection!

I'd take E195 FO position. You have enough prop time.

Maybe sandpit as plan C sounded pejorative. Of course it's not like "here I am, you have to take me". EK may be a great company to work for, but the sandpit woudn't be my lifestyle. But that's another topic.


And btw: I do not work for flybe right now ;)

I would personally take the jet. I got stuck with those spinning things (props) way too long and evev though I am now in a jet I feel my low jet time definitively hurts my chances moving to a new job should I so choose. Also, you'll get another type on your license which doubles your options in search of work in the future. The EMB170/190 series is becoming a popular type now days, and it would even allow you to venture into the VIP part of aviation on the Lineage should you ever want to try that.

Prop command is a thing in the past, unless you love it for some weird reasons. I got out more than a couple of decades ago and was just glad I did. Although I did have some proper planets alignment to fast track my jet command, being at the right place, right time.

In today's context, Jet time it is. Don't bother with the useless prop hours. All the best.

Jet.... no question.

Props are for boats!!

sadly, jets is the correct answer. I was in this position with TP Cmnd or ERJ145 FO, after choosing the 145, suddenly the big airlines were interested and off I went to a decent job. That was at a time of high unemployment in the UK. The problem seems to be getting stuck in the TP department while the PTF FO's sail above you into the jet jobs, where,once there, they will always be above you on the seniority list, no matter how much TP p1 you may have. The only real balance to this argument is if the quality of your domestic/social life will significantly deteriorate by moving jobs, I have met people who have left small regional outfits, gone for the big time job, hated it and come back again.

This is unfortunately the state of aviation in Europe, and its not going to change any time soon. Experience in "real flying" and hard work is not appreciated any more as there are armies of P2F "pilots" waiting to sell their souls....sorry, let me rephrase that - They are waiting to PAY to sell their souls!! :uhoh::mad:

Similar situation here although I already have 2000hrs on a 50t jet. A TP command is now available. I fancy a change and the money wouldn't hurt.

It's not like it makes any difference what your experience is these days, if you have more than 200hrs and are not willing to work for free then you don't stand a chance anyway.

I'd say take the command and the extra money.