CRJ to C604 Transition

[T-Gates]

I am wondering if anyone has had sucess making the transition from the CRJ at a regional to getting a job on a Challenger. Does an employer operating a Challenger look favorably at CRJ time? I know they are different types by the FAA, but just curious.

Thanks,

--03M

 

[banned username 2]

Most Corporate operators look for past Corporate/Charter experience... not so much because of the equipment you flew, but the work environment you were in... Flying Corporate is totally different than flying for an airline.

 

[750driver]

Flying Corporate is totally different than flying for an airline.

Falcon Captain is right. I've flown 91, 135, and 121. Major and Regional airline ops, as well as fractional and corporate flying. There are differences and it takes a bit of time to adapt to the change, but it isn't difficult if you have an open mind and a positive attitude.

750Driver
"Will work for BBQ ..."

 

[CL600Pilot]

03M - After being furloughed(or terminated depending on your definition ) from a CRJ job I was hired into a Challenger - a 600 that eventually turned into a 604. The airplane owner wanted someone with Challenger experience and someone had told him that the CRJ/Challenger was essentially the same airplane so in that respect it helped me but I also had a good amount of past corporate experience so that helped as well I'm sure.

As for the technical part of your question - I'm sure that you've been told that a CRJ is a stretched 604 and for the most part that's technically correct. There are a few systems differences, etc. The transition won't be a hard one but remember that the 604 isn't an RJ! It's a different airplane and needs to be flown a little differently than the CRJ.

Feel free to PM me if you want a run down on the differences or have specific questions.

Have a good weekend,

CL

 

[SonnyD]

Is there a shortcut to a 604 type rating for those typed in the CL-65?

 

[ruhroa]

Lets see if i can get this reply in the right question thread this time ....lol
the short answer is to your question is no ........there is no short cut to circumvent a type ride in a CL604 for a RJ typed person. I know that at flight safety they offer a transition course for those typed in a Challenger series aircraft but i think you save only a week of ground over the initial course........

I think you need to realize though that there are very few CL604 positions out there and that these positions are typically at the higher end of the corporate ladder........... ie the G4, Falcon 900, level jobs. I think that without having a strong corporate/135 pax charter background it will be difficult to acquire a position as a CL604 driver. then again who knows .............. i can tell ya from my experience that with todays climate CL604 positions are very hard to find and that the competion for those seats is fierce.. but who knows it only takes one positive response from a employer to change the way it is ............... good luck

 

[GIVJoc]

I wonder sometimes…

I’ve been trying to break into a solid corporate slot flying a Gulfstream for a while now and even with a type and 135 experience, I find that operators are looking for prior experience in a fulltime corporate environment over, even 135 time.

Maybe this has more to do with the current job market and pool of qualified pilots out there.

The other day I met a guy, a furloughed regional Captain, who said he had landed a G-III slot with a Fortune 500 company with just under 3,000 total and no type, stuff like that really makes me wonder sometimes.

 

[T-Gates]

Thanks for the replies. It's not like I have anything lined up, but it would be nice to know If down the road it may be a possibility.

I'd be interested to know if the flying is remotely the same.

Are the 604's just as much of a dog above 20,000 as the RJ?

--03M

 

[wil]

I have had some opportunities but for now I enjoy the abuse that I get from the Regional level
GIVJoe- I think (my opinion) that because our time is so verifiable that it is attractive to employers who have had to deal with Capt. Ballpoint. In fact, I might have an interview at a company because of this.
121 flying is different to 91 I'm sure but if you use that analogy then the Military should not be supplying pilots to the Majors. I think the right attitude is important!
Falcon Capt- 121 PIC time and a love of cooking (and eating) BBQ- What are my chances?
Fly Safe- Wil

 

[CL600Pilot]

03M - the 604 is NOTHING like the CRJ in terms of perf. We go straight to FL370, 390, or 410 virtually everyday unless we're really heavy and then we still go to 330 and 350 without much of a problem. As far as cruise speeds - we typically see .80 to .82, sometimes a little higher, depending on all of the usual variables.

Consider this - the same engines and the 604's max. cert. TO weight is about 3,000 pounds less(48,200) than the CRJ and our typical mission has us departing with 3 pax and half fuel(10,000 pounds) for a takeoff weight of about 38,000 pounds - when's the last time you departed in an RJ at 38,000 pounds?

CL