AMF to Regional ??

[fatdumbandhappy]

Any former AMF's have any input on the jump from AMF to a Regional?? I like it here at AMF but I still have shinny jet dreams of FMS's, autopilots, and cute fight attendants. Is it worth my time upgrading to the 99, and eventually the Metro/1900?? or should I jump ship now?
Thanks for your input.

 

[grog_sit_reserv]

Depends on the regional, on how long before you get into the Beech on all kinds of variables.

Plenty of guys have stayed at AMF and gone straight to the majors. Before you go to the regionals, I recommend you go fly the '99 or some other turboprop and get a thousand PIC before you leave. The turboprop CA pay at AMF is (or at least it was) as good as any RJ FO pay, and the time is worth WAY more in the long run.

I know it sucks, but sitting tight for a year or so will give you options later on, once you have your 1000 PIC turboprop then it would be safe to leave and go fly the RJ, because you'll already have the major requirement for a job elsewhere. QOL at a regional as a junior FO is pretty bad so I would seriously look into how long the upgrade is at whatever regional you're considering, find the junior bases, etc.

As a former AMF'r I can tell you there is life after Fr8. PM me if you want, we'll talk.

 

[Secret Squirrel]

I disagree,

It depends on where you want to go but a lot of regionals are upgrading people in 2-3 years. chataco, Express, skywest. When I was flying at AMF it would have taken me three years to get 1000 pic turbine with the amount I flew. I have upgraded in two years at a great regional. The pay is better and I have crew 121 turbine experience.

If you know someone at SWA or FEDEX or something that will give you a shoe in but you just need the PIC, stay at AMF. If you are going to have your resume in the stack with thousands of others, I think 121 is better. But everyone has their opinion. Plus the QOL is much better.

And I have nothing against AMF. I loved the flying and the people.

 

[Popeye0537]

I agree with SS. Airlines(Majors)are gonna hire someone with 121 turbo jet over 135 turbo prop. When it comes to Airtran,JB it dosen't matter if its prop or jet. Southwest, go buy a type, and get time in something over 12500 lbs. No chance for you to get the Lear at AMF, unless your a lifer.

 

[psysicx]

People have gone from AMF to SWA.

 

[s.o.sJTB]

When I was hired AMF they offered me the 99 after about 5 months, they wanted another six month commitment, I was getting ready to apply at the regional I am now with and told them i wouldnt commit to another six months.

They tried to tell me to stick it out and get my thousand hours and go to Southwest (which wasnt that uncommon at the time). I told them that this industry changes so fast and if I was going to be stuck somwhere I would rather it be at a regional...this was in late 2000. The rest should speak for itself.

AMF is great, I enjoyed the flying, but 1000 hrs pt 135 turbine wont do much for you these days when there are plenty of multi thousand hour RJ guys looking for the same job.

First year pay will suck, but second year pay as an FO at a good regional will make you more, money wise, than you would at AMF. If things dont work out and you end up being stuck for awhile where would you rather be?

 

[Secret Squirrel]

People have gone from AMF to SWA.

I think most of the guys that went to SWA are guys who were hired before 9/11 and waited in the pool until SWA started to hire again years later. But I have seen a ton of guys from AMF at my regional who were instructors or 99/metro guys who after years waiting for the call finally figured out they should get some 121 time. One was my instructor at AMF and could possibly now be my FO.

 

[grog_sit_reserv]

SS I agree with you that the move is right if the upgrade is soon enough, but if he (or she) languishes as an FO then the time would be better spent getting that 1000 pic. If time is the only factor, that is; but if there are QOL issues then he needs to consider that too. We all flew/fly as an FO at a regional and we all know how bad things are for at least a year. And, even after the first year the pay is still pretty bad but, at least he'd be off reserve.

PM the guy with real upgrade figures for the regionals. I've been out of there for a while and am losing touch with what is happening; but I always want to see my AMF brothers advance so lets help the boy out.

My best advice is to stay away from Mesa. But if you must go, they're running about an 18-20 month upgrade in the jet. Of course, you might get JA'd to HI.

Good luck, either way, you've got some serious thinking to do.