From Regionals (good ones) to Fractionals

[MoreDaysOff]

Any thoughts on leaving one of the better regionals for a fractional?

In my case I have descent seniority (top 10 percent out of 2500) and just wondering what the future hold for the whole regional business model and what that means to us supposed "lifers."

On the other hand, how's life at the fractionals?

Thanks

 

[SteelerMan]

I made the move from a regional to a fractional and thought it was a much better job, but I wasn't in the top 10 percent like you. As the age 65 disaster is about to happen sometime in the next couple of years, you may get stuck as a fo at the fractional for alot longer than you want which would be my hangup on making the move. Another thing to consider is the lack of schedule flexibility at the frac, most have 7 on 7 off so if you are used to getting all the days you want off, that would be an adjustment. But overall life at the fractional I felt was much, much better than the regional. Pay, hotels, much better. Good luck.

 

[Cavpilot]

Good regional? I believe that is an oxymoron. You have been where you are at so long that you are blinded to how truly sucky they all are.

I made the jump from a regional to NetJets. Apart from marrying my wife, it is the best decision I've ever made.

 

[Floyd94]

I made the move from a regional to a fractional and thought it was a much better job, but I wasn't in the top 10 percent like you. As the age 65 disaster is about to happen sometime in the next couple of years, you may get stuck as a fo at the fractional for alot longer than you want which would be my hangup on making the move. .

What Fractional did you work for?? NetJets has guys in their late 60's working as captains. Part 135 has nothing to do with the impending "age 65 disaster".
Upgrade time would have nothing at all to do with this change at the fractionals.

 

[Guitar Guy]

What Fractional did you work for?? NetJets has guys in their late 60's working as captains. Part 135 has nothing to do with the impending "age 65 disaster".
Upgrade time would have nothing at all to do with this change at the fractionals.

And to add to this line of thought, if the Part 121 age limit jumps up to 65, that may put some squeeze on the new-hire pool for NJA. We get a decent amount of 121 retirees so if the age limit goes up in the 121 realm, NJA may have a little more difficult time finding pilots.

 

[VVJM265]

And to add to this line of thought, if the Part 121 age limit jumps up to 65, that may put some squeeze on the new-hire pool for NJA. We get a decent amount of 121 retirees so if the age limit goes up in the 121 realm, NJA may have a little more difficult time finding pilots.

Hadn't thought about that.

 

[VVJM265]

Duplicate post

 

[Ultra Grump]

I've got to wonder also whether a change to age-65 would cause some furloughees to decide to exercise their recall rights since they'd get an extra 5 years at their major. Could lead to some movement at NJA.

 

[blueridge71]

I went from ASA to CS. It was definitely a good move.

Even being a senior captain at a regional, you could probably replace your income quickly at a fractional. 7-year captain pay at ASA is roughly equivalent to 2-year captain pay at CS. Your big question is how long upgrades will take. Things seem to be stabilizing at CS now. I've heard the same at NJ.

I'd say that Age-65 will be good for younger fractional pilots. If anything, it means that fewer retirees will be competing for fractional jobs.

Regionals are inherently unstable, but in the top 10% you should be fairly furlough-proof unless the whole company goes under.

From your position, I probably wouldn't move unless you just want to get away from your company. You would lose your pay, at least for a while. Your days off would probably be about the same.

Two good things about moving are that if you are currently commuting, you could be home based. Second, you could get typed in a business jet and look for something in the corporate world.

 

[MoreDaysOff]

Thanks for the info, keep them coming.