Guard bumming building PIC or going to ExpressJet (A regional)

[Foties]

Gentlemen

I have a time critical decision to make and really need some advice. I just got upgraded to Aircraft Commander in my C-130J and have great opportunties to guard bum and build time that way. I also have an opportunity to start training at Expresset Airlines and probably sit FO for about three years pending any crazy life changes (terror attacks, etc.) I truly feel that it is a quality Vs. quantity situation. What would you do, sacrafice PIC time to build alot of total time or build less total time but log more PIC time. I think the answer is cut and dry but I really need some other perspectives. Thanks in advance.

40's

 

[Zulu]

As far as hiring for the majors goes, turbine PIC is your most valuable time; based on that fact alone I'd say stick with the Guard. If there any way that you can do both? I know lots of hard core Guard bums that fly with their airline once a month (just to stay current) and spend the lion's share of their time on mil leave. Hiring dept's seem to love guys with both military and 121 experience, and you may be in a great position to build both.

Good luck,

Z

 

[dudemize]

Absolutely stick with the guard and build your turbine PIC! There is no reason that you need to go to a regional for 17K a year. Build your PIC until you can get on with your carrier of choice. If you do decide to do the regional thing, I would go on mil leave ASAP and not go back til you can hold Captain.

 

[LJDRVR]

Hey Foties,

Is there any way you can do both? Express Jet is a great place to work, and has a lot of potential to evolve into something truly exceptional. (New contract, larger AC, expansion...) That way, you would have a seniority number, AND still be building PIC. All your bases would be covered: you'd have a great place to build a career if you're never hired at the majors, but you would also have a much more competitive resume, with both C-130 Aircraft Commander & 121 experience.

I really don't think you have to do one at the exclusion of the other. The few good jobs left out there are few and far between, you have to make yourself as competitive as possible. (Heck, look at my profile, I have over 2300 hours of turbine PIC, and I took a tremendous pay cut to check off the 121 "box". The cool thing about it is that if the pay comes up with the new contract, I could easily see staying at XJT forever.)

PM me if you have any specific questions, I'd be happy to help!

 

[Slim]

Do both if you can!

You didn't mention if you're single or married with a family. If you're single, definitely do both. If you're married, and your wife is supportive, do both. If you have children, be careful. Doing both ANG and Part 121 will consume a lot of time. If you're commuting from one to the other, you'll spend a lot of time on airplanes you could otherwise spend with family.

I'm retired National Guard (non-rated) and fly Part 121. During the last couple of years at my previous carrier, I was a company commander, newly married with a baby on the way. I didn't have much time at home. I didn't commute. Then I started commuting with my current carrier and had a second child on the way. That was very hard on my wife. Thankfully, she supported me every step of the way.
Good luck...fly safe!

 

[c5driver]

How is your lifestlye right now? I know the 130 boyz have been busy as of late. Not sure if your playing yet with the J's but most of the 130 boyz have been getting all the time they can stand. So if your looking for a break from the ball bustin' business we do then go for expressjet. Although I'm sure that many of the regional bubba's out there can brief you on their lifestyle as well.

My .02 cents, keep bumming. The pay at any of the regionals just aint worth it.

Good luck!

 

[Andy]

Take the job at Express Jet. Then mil drop to maintain a decent lifestyle. You'll be able to get your PIC and have a line number. Not to mention, you'll make more $ Guard bumming than flying w/Express Jet. Express Jet can't stop you from mil dropping; it's USERRA.