Worst Regional?
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2014
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From: California, USA
Worst Regional?
Came across some advice to work not for the nicest regional airline, but the worst. The idea being that captains can't wait to get out of there, making left seats available more quickly. So I'm curious what regional airline(s) anyone thinks falls into this category. I've searched and all responses to similar questions seem pretty out of date. Can't find any information on turnover either.
Cheers!
Cheers!
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 8
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From: USA
There are a couple of reasons why I would not follow that advice. First off, if something happens to the industry (recession, oil prices, etc.) and hiring slows down, is that a place you would want to be stuck at? Second, although those Captains may want to leave, can they? What I mean by this is that the "worst" regionals tend to have lower hiring standards (multiple checkride failures, DUIs, etc.), although these Captains may want to leave they may not have anywhere to else to go. Third, the "worst" regionals are having a harder time then the "better" regionals in getting FOs and holding onto them. The issue here being, if there is no one to replace you in the right seat then you're not going to the left seat, no matter how badly they need Captains. For example, Endeavor is currently shrinking do to not being able to hire new FOs, as a result they are downgrading Captains to FO.
That advice may have been a little more sound when the hiring minimums where 250hrs and pilots where lining up to get a regional job, but that is not currently the case.
My advice, don't chase a quick upgrade. Look for a place that you would be ok being "stuck" at, many regional pilots have been at the regionals for much longer than they anticipated. This industry is very fickle and although the Majors are ramping up hiring, it doesn't take much to stop that, as seen in 2001 and 2008.
Further, the majors and LLCs (JetBlue, Virgin America) are beginning to hire guys without Turbine PIC time. If (big IF, fickle industry) the trend continues, PIC time may no longer play as large of a factor in moving on to the Majors.
That advice may have been a little more sound when the hiring minimums where 250hrs and pilots where lining up to get a regional job, but that is not currently the case.
My advice, don't chase a quick upgrade. Look for a place that you would be ok being "stuck" at, many regional pilots have been at the regionals for much longer than they anticipated. This industry is very fickle and although the Majors are ramping up hiring, it doesn't take much to stop that, as seen in 2001 and 2008.
Further, the majors and LLCs (JetBlue, Virgin America) are beginning to hire guys without Turbine PIC time. If (big IF, fickle industry) the trend continues, PIC time may no longer play as large of a factor in moving on to the Majors.
Joined: Jan 2006
Aviation Qualifications: CPL
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From: Between a rock and a hard place
Thanks for the interesting perspective. Things certainly do change, hopefully for the better.
Joined: Sep 2008
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 3,435
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From: 41S174E
I look through CV's of turbo prop Captains who want to become jet F/O's on a regular basis.
What do you think I look for in the CV?
Probably the biggest indication of whether or not the candidate will be a successful recruit, or not, is their current employer.
If they work for a two bit outfit ( and we know who they are through bitter experience) they will not have the same structure and discipline to their flying as someone who works for a reputable company. Nor will they have the same knowledge ( earn through months of studying for upcoming checks) as their counter parts.
My advice would be to join the best company you can get into and then to look left and learn.
Cheers.
What do you think I look for in the CV?
Probably the biggest indication of whether or not the candidate will be a successful recruit, or not, is their current employer.
If they work for a two bit outfit ( and we know who they are through bitter experience) they will not have the same structure and discipline to their flying as someone who works for a reputable company. Nor will they have the same knowledge ( earn through months of studying for upcoming checks) as their counter parts.
My advice would be to join the best company you can get into and then to look left and learn.
Cheers.
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 127
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From: The Sandpit
Frikadeller,
Be careful what you wish for. Don't sell yourself short looking for shortcuts in the industry.
Framer has just given you the best advice you'll ever get in your career.
Use it wisely
Good luck
J
Be careful what you wish for. Don't sell yourself short looking for shortcuts in the industry.
Framer has just given you the best advice you'll ever get in your career.
Use it wisely
Good luck
J
