Another WWYD question

[sewerpiper]

What would you do here. Take a job at skywest regional or take a job flying cargo as PIC in a metro? Regional job doesn't pay as good, at least not for a few years. Metro job is dangerous at times, but you get most weekends off and after you wake up at 1PM you have the rest of the day to do whatever. Also lots of quality hours in the logbook, but no 121 time
My goal is to get on with a company like FedEx or UPS ASAP. But who's goal isn't?

 

[T-Gates]

Go for the PIC and the Type Rating. Plenty of people have been hired at UPS/FedEx with no 121 time. Get 1000 turbine PIC under your belt and then jump ship if you still feel like it to 121.

Just my .02....

 

[Gulfstream 200]

well..I dont think EVERYONE wants to work for UPS and FEDEX - not those aren't good jobs!

but...

what if UPS or FEDEX dont hire you?

would you still rather fly the Metro or be at a regional airline.....my guess is your pay will top out pretty quick at a small freight operator....or more likely, they will be out of business before your pay tops out!!

my GUESS is that the night freight thing will get old quicker than you think and you may want a regular life! - (but thats strictly a guess!)

I would certainly go with Skywest and if your dream job does not pan out (Oh it may not!) than you might be stuck being an RJ captain - and thats not ALL that bad I guess!!

good luck.

 

[Ted Striker]

Get the PIC. Then at least you have that checked off and under your belt. I would do the PIC even if it didn't pay as much as the regional. There are guys that are kicking themselves right now, wanting to apply at places that require it (or will require it) and don't have it. Once this thing turns around (yes, I think it will) you will be that much further ahead. Good luck and be safe whatever you do.

 

[Timebuilder]

Since you have 1500TT, I'd do the metro for a year, and be in line for the choice of jobs that the turbine experience will give you. This sounds like the kind of down-and-dirty PIC time that will put you in good stead almost anywhere.

Right now, you may not be competitive with your current time. I wouldn't be, either. Right now, you have additional choices that an older pilot doesn't have. Relish those choices.

 

[cvsfly]

... Metro job is dangerous at times, but you get most weekends off and after you wake up at 1PM you have the rest of the day to do whatever. Also lots of quality hours in the logbook, but no 121 time
My goal is to get on with a company like FedEx or UPS ASAP. But who's goal isn't?

Theoretically that Metro (135 ?) job vs the 121 should be just as safe. Many of us know that always doesn't happen due mainly to the attitude of the operator and the financially resources available. Just curious as to what makes you say that. Is it the Metro itself - probably justifiable, the 135 operating rules, pressure of the operating schedule, the time of the schedule, or the company? I know I'm lucky in our corparte and 135 gig in a Turbo-prop. I would say our operation (same aircraft and crew) flying 35 hrs/mo. with excellant maintenance and resources and no real schedule pressure is as or more safe than any 121 operation.

 

[Gulfstream 200]

I hope "dangerous" was purely a poor choice of words.

No flying job (civilian) should be "dangerous". - certainly not for what they pay you to fly a Metro!!

 

[Wankel7]

1500 hours total fixed-wing time as pilot-in command (PIC) or first officer (SIC) including a minimum 1000 hours PIC in fixed-wing jet, fixed wing multi-engine turbo-prop, or multi-engine recip over 20,000 LBGW or combination thereof

Got this of the FedEX website. Does it mean that any multi you fly...needs to be over 20,000 lbgw? Or is it a multi piston?

 

[cargodawg]

PIC and a type. Gotta do it.
Long upgrades are cr@ppy and the pay bl0ws.
Enjoy your weekends off.