I need a Regional guy's/gal's opinion

[rchcfi]

I've always wanted to fly corporate or freight, wherever I can get a "good" job. I recently took the job I have now flying 135 charter and in just a few shorts months, have seen my love for flying erode significantly in this facet of aviation. Being passionate about flying (as I hope most pilots are) I really want to fly. I know that sounds funny, but my current job only offers about 15-20 hours a month in the cockpit and 150 hours doing paperwork to "satisfy" my duty day. And this is not to mention the fact that I feel my recency of experience, competency level isn't being maintained the way I like it to be. An example is getting a call in the middle of the night to do an air ambulance trip with overcast skies at 400 and moderate icing over mountainous terrain into some seriously scary mountainous airports with approaches that have a 4000' MDA and ODPs because of the significantly rising terrain. (At one airport, my aircraft's performance doesn't even meet the climb gradient empty!) And all of this after I have not flown in 2 or 3 weeks. It's not that I doubt my ability. I am just used to flying A LOT more to maintain proficiency.

I never wanted to work for the regionals, but a lot of my friends are now working their way through the ranks and it now sounds like that might be better for the "flying" aspect of it. That being said, where would be a good start to find information on regional hiring other than this board? TIA

RCHCFI

 

[cathal]

...So, you're working 150 hrs a month and flying (not including prep/post time) 15 hrs a month in to at least one airport that will kill you if you have an engine failure (I'm assuming a multi aircraft).

Quit as soon as you have another flying job, if not sooner. Perhaps even tell the FAA that your 135 aircraft is flying into a place it cannot survive, if only to protect those who are assuming a certain level of safety.

Unless you are not already above the reserve level at a major airline that has a good chance of coming out of this downturn alive, your flying job will be tough in terms of pay, time off, respect, and stability. But, I think the more respectable aircraft operators out there will be easier on you than what you're doing now.

All flying careers are tough. They shouldn't be abusive or dangerous, though.

 

[AirportBum]

If you're looking for the experience of flying, then you need to realize that although you will probably log over 80 hours a month at a regional, much of that is in cruise with the autopilot engaged. Additionally, you will split half of that with the other crewmember, which leaves you with maybe 3-5 hours (optimistically) of actual hand-flying a month.

That said, it sure beats the hell out of working a real job. I don't have to do any paperwork, other than update jepp manuals and occasionally update the logbook. There is no answering phones, especially when scheduling calls, and you get (depending on which regional you're at) at least 12-13 days off a month, many times more.

I chose not to go the corporate route, specifically for the reasons that you mentioned, and am extremely happy doing something that I enjoy doing (Yeah, the pay sucks, and so does commuting, but every job has a downside, and both of those get better with seniority and longevity) I'd say at least apply to all of the regionals, see which ones call you back, then make an educated decision. It's hard to speculate what the right decision is now, because you will have a whole new set of circumstances by the time you start receiving replies.

This is a great website to find out where the hiring action is. A more antiquated site is www.raa.org but it will give you leads to many companies websites where you can find out who to send your application to.

And don't make the mistake that so many people make. Send your resumes to EVERYONE and then be selective when the invitations start rolling in. DO NOT be selective with who you apply to, this will only limit your possibilities. Good Luck!

 

[rchcfi]

And don't make the mistake that so many people make. Send your resumes to EVERYONE and then be selective when the invitations start rolling in. DO NOT be selective with who you apply to, this will only limit your possibilities. Good Luck!

BINGO.....Thanks Bum. You know it really is funny, 'cause I have done exactly that. I only applied to a few that appealed to me. You're absolutely right. I guess my fax machine is going to get a workout the next couple of days.

Cheers

 

[Sphrynxlla]

I am flying charter and air ambulance stuff too, and the schedules are very very tough. I recently applied to a regional and am in the pool now to get away from the schedules. I typically fly more than you do, (around 75 hours a month) But I am on call every day. My schedules are very tiring ( gone from home at weeks at a time). I think it is good that you are looking at the regionals.

What are you flying for the ambulanc company?

 

[rchcfi]

Our Lifeflight a/c are the C414 and B200 and I am only currently flying the C414.

I definately echo your sentiment about the schedule. I'm not on call everyday, but that is only because the new guy just passed his ride. My schedule is supposed to be 10 on/5 off with alternating 7a-7p/7p-7a on call duty periods. But I have yet to see that and I am not expecting to. The problem where I fly lifeflight is that the local hospital has an A109 and they only call us when the weather is too crap for them to go. And this aircraft isn't appealing for the charter market like our other "jet" powered aircraft. SO that leaves me being the full time "oh let's give that assignment to him, 'cause he has nothing to do" punk. If I didn't have this lease, I'd already be out of here.

 

[Buschpilot]

Man, this is too eery...I flew for darn near the same ambulance operator (different airplanes that required 2 pilots per the contract), and let me tell you, I hated every minute of it. Similar schedule, 5 days (7am to 7pm), 5 nights (7pm to 7am), 5 24hr reseve days, 15 off a quarter. Flew with captains that shouldn't be allowed anywhere near an airplane, the phone always rang at the most annoying 2am times, 1 hour wheels up call out - you had to do your own flight planning/weather/airport info on the drive to your hanger (hopefully you knew where the destination airport was, cuz all the charts are in the plane). The most I ever logged in a month was 25 hours for 250 spent at the office. I searched the internet til the screen said 'you have reached the end'. When I quit that job, I never wanted to fly again.

Then my regional called, and life did a 180. I go to work, I get in the plane, and I fly. Paperwork? None. Well, jepp updates, but that doesn't really count. Sit time? Some, but I have no duties when I sit. I can relax and swap stories with the other crews. I never see my boss. Reserve...some, but the rules are much more friendly. 120 minute call outs, fixed schedule, so on and so forth. Actually, I didn't get used much on reserve, so I remodeled my house - and I got paid for it.

Let's not leave out the Part 25 airplane thing. Life is a bit more predictable in one of these types than the ol' Navajo or Commander that we (rarely) flew.

Anyway, regional life isn't for everyone, but I walked in your shoes and I for sure won't ever look back.

B

 

[crzepilot]

Well Personally I like flying passengers because, the many people I interact with are a great potential for a piece off booty, rather sitting at some little hicktown airport looking at Bubba the fuel attendant.

 

[sleeve]

you wouldn't happen to be working in rochester Ny would you?