corporate or regionals?

[wahoo250]

I have recently been thinking of going to a commuter in the northeast. I am crrently flying F.O. as a contract pilot for a corporation. lately i have been handing out resumes in the area and may have a few leads for a full time position. does anyone have any insights on wheter going to a regional is a good move or should i stay where i am right now. i really just want a steady salary to get on with my life...still living at home. i enjoy the corporate flying a bunch, but im in a split in the road. anybody with experience in both please feel free to give your opinions and past experience.

 

[jumppilot03]

I am going to go out on a limb and think that you are applying to Commutair or Colgan. Those are the only 2 NE regionals that come to mind. Good luck being able to afford a resonable lifestyle on their pay. Do a search on the pay for those 2 airlines or whatever regional you are thinking of. Are you in the Boston area by chance? Best of luck

 

[wahoo250]

no the airline is coex. i am in morristown nj. i just talked with someone that said i should expect to be on reserve in newark for a year. that would really stink...are you flying corpoate or airline?

 

[AA717driver]

There are some pretty good corporate gigs in your area once you start climbing the corporate ladder. Sounds like you are already networking pretty well.

Another thread like this kind of wound its way to the conclusion that insurance companies like people with high time. You might even go to the regionals for awhile and maintain your contacts with the thought that all you are doing is building time for that eventual corporate job.

Hope this helps.TC

 

[wahoo250]

well, im going to get my atp at the beginning of next month. i believe that i have the mins for the insurance being that ive been flying for them for a little bit of time now. the company is great and the pay is great. down the line im just thinking of a schedule for my family when that time comes along. i havnt aproached them with a request for full time, i think they have been under the impression that i was gung ho for the airlines. im having a change of thought however. what is the expected time that it would take for a F.O. this year to make their way to the majors currently?

 

[Bandit60]

First thing...Good Luck.

It's a tough industry. Having said that, I would lean toward Corporate. Talking to alot of older and retired airline guys they say the airlines where great if you wanted to be furloughed every 10 years or so. I dont think it is going to get any better.
I fly corporate now, and my job is as secure as one can get, and the pay is descent. I have a great home life and still get to go to great places.

 

[wahoo250]

thanks for the info guys. i realize there is no crystal ball, im just trying to make the best decisions i can. i appreciate the insight and wish the best of luck to you guys as well. i'm going to talk with my current chief pilot and see if there are any apportunities down the line here. if there are i think im going to give it a go. this company is not going anywhere soon, and they are taking on a new jet this year. im looking forward to that.