How do large carriers look at light transport time?

[Pukindog]

I was wondering how the majors/national carriers look at light transport PIC time. I understand nobody really has a weight requirement except JetBlue, but will 121 PIC turbine in a J31 or 1900 be enough to compete with an RJ Captain? Would they look at non-glass props like ancient dinosaurs? If everything being equal (flight times, experience, etc), an RJ Captain would be the obvious choice, but I just want to know if you can even compete. I have the opportunity to upgrade in a few months, while many RJ operators are calling. If I go anywhere else, it'll be 4-7 yrs (as of now) to upgrade. I just don't know what to do. Any opinions would be greatly appreciately.

 

[mach zero]

Upgrade on the turboprop ASAP. The RJ F/O time is absolutely worthless and 4 to 7 years is too long to wait for PIC in an RJ. The J-31 or 1900 PIC time is just fine and competitive for majors. Also think about enhancing your resume by becoming a check airman on the turboprop that you Captain. I know most majors value time spent as an evaluator / check airman. In short, get the 1000 TPIC then shotgun the resumes but start networking now.

 

[ATRCAPT]

Light Transport Time

I agree with Machzero. Right seat on the RJ means exactly dick! PIC 121 turbine are the magic words. Being a check airman is icing on the cake. As far as competing with RJ captains, it's a well know fact that airlines DO NOT hire the most qualified applicants. They hire the ones they like! Get to the left seat of that J31, BE-1900, SA-227, etc.

 

[XGmaninGA]

I know that AirTran has been very fond of 1900 guys in the past. So it definitely doesnt hurt you to be a TP Captain vs. RJ Capt.

 

[BRA]

I have been thinking about this myself. After you get the 1000 PIC..... what is better? : Get another 1000 PIC in that 1900, or get 1000 jet SIC time? Assuming you had no jet

or glass experience at all.

 

[Tripower455]

Ditto the above posts.........


Plus, after a year or 2 of flying that squirrely J-31 with no autopilot and new hire F.O.'s, you will be able to fly ANY simulator better than Chuck Yeager when it comes time to interview.......


When I transitioned from the J-31 to the ATR, the first time in the sim I thought that the motion was off! Of course, six months later I had a hard time keeping the blue side up!!!!!

 

[mach zero]

I have been thinking about this myself. After you get the 1000 PIC..... what is better? : Get another 1000 PIC in that 1900, or get 1000 jet SIC time? Assuming you had no jet

or glass experience at all.

I say again, RJ F/O time is worthless to the majors. Turbine PIC is what they want. Get as much of that as you can.

While I was trapped as an RJ F/O at Am. Eagle, I could not get one NOT ONE interview at a major. Shortly after I upgraded, I started getting interviews. So don't screw around any longer in the commuter right seat than you have to.

 

[WMUSIGPI]

what if you are flying that jetstream under part 135? is it then better to jump to a part 91 jet job or sit and wait for the part 121 RJ upgrade