Career Copilot?

[BSkin]

If you want to be a career co-pilot, let it be at the company you plan to stay at for your career. No one will want to hire someone who is trying to 'advance' their career if they remained an FO at their current company, had the opportunity to upgrade, and declined. Just my opinion.

 

[wings421]

That is because you are a $hit-hot pilot. It is always a shame to see the ace-of-the-base languishing in the right seat.

Metro - Perhaps you mistook what I was saying. I certainly don't feel "$hit-hot" and I am constantly learning, however, I can't imagine why you wouldn't want to be the PIC,...... EVER. Being fortunate enough to fly single pilot for quite sometime then having to move into a two pilot cockpit has been an adjustment. I was simply making a statement that I would rather call the shots than not. Your comments were off the mark.

 

[46Driver]

If you've never been in command before, it might be a big deal. However, if you have spent a substantial amount of time as an aircraft commander you could really care less. It boils down to the tradeoff of time off vs money.

 

[platinumclub]

nice avatar wings!

 

[350DRIVER]

Bird,

This would have been a better question to put on the majors board. Many senior first officers at the majors never had any intention(s) to upgrade and they were/are happy and content with the senority, money, QOL, etc. Nothing wrong with this at all and it is a practice that has been going on forever. This has everything to do with personal preference and nothing more. If you are happy and content with being a career first officer then that is your choice. With most upgrade times present day at the regionals (other than the bottom feeders) you may get your wish anyways. ( a little sarcasm intended)

I didn't see this quite as evident on the 135 level due to the pay differences between the right and left seat. As soon as I had the flight time, experience, etc, I went right for the upgrade. Not enough money to be a "career" first officer in many of the 135 flight departments. Some of the larger fortune 50 places (91) you could probably swing this and live and be comfortable as a career first officer in the right seat of a GV if that is what you wanted, depends on the company.

Simple answer, no. If you don't have any intentions then you simply don't bid for the upgrade.

3 5 0

 

[Birdstrike]

Bird, This would have been a better question to put on the majors board.

Noted. Thanks to all for the helpful replies.

 

[MetroSheriff]

Metro - Perhaps you mistook what I was saying. I certainly don't feel "$hit-hot" and I am constantly learning, however, I can't imagine why you wouldn't want to be the PIC,...... EVER. Being fortunate enough to fly single pilot for quite sometime then having to move into a two pilot cockpit has been an adjustment. I was simply making a statement that I would rather call the shots than not. Your comments were off the mark.

Wings,

Sorry if the tone was misread. I should have put a smiley face. I was was just busting your chops a little. I apologize if it came across as a slam.

 

[WhiteCloud]

It's not uncommon at all to sit in the right seat longer and wait until you can hold a base or line that you want. A senior FO has much more control of base assignments and schedules than a commuting CA. Commuting expenses can eat up a pay advantage really quick. Lots of FO's have part time jobs that a junior CA schedule would interfere with. If it's a business or personal decision to stay in the right seat and not a lack of ability to be CA then it can be the smart thing to do.