I Need Help!! Cant Decide!!!

[Flybet3]

If the company doesn't make it, you may end up looking for a regional or fractional job anyway. It will be a long time before you will have the chance to move on to a major ragardless the route you choose. Three years from now will you still want to be a 19 seat jetstream captain making $30 an hour? Good luck.

You have a good point, but like I said if I have the chace to upgrade fast, you cant beat that. Also, I would really like to get the 121 PIC exp on a smaller airplane before going to a bigger jet. Plus I have been unemployed for a couple of months and I dont think I can take the 2 months of unpaid training. What if I dont pass the pinnacle training??? then I'll be really f***ed. Also, the class date with the start up will be before pinnacle. I am also leaning a bit more to a Fractional career.

 

[sweptback]

You have a good point, but like I said if I have the chace to upgrade fast, you cant beat that.

Uhh, yes you can, you can make a bunch more money flying right seat at some regionals. Even if it takes you 4 years to upgrade, you still come out ahead, moneywise.

What are you going to do after you upgrade? Honestly! If you think you're going to get your 1000 turbine PIC and magically get a job with Southwest, you're wrong. There are so many people in line in front of you it's not even funny.

Granted, turbine PIC time is never bad to have, but I wouldn't fly somewhere for peanuts just to get it.

Also, I would really like to get the 121 PIC exp on a smaller airplane before going to a bigger jet.

I don't understand what you mean by this statement. You want to get some captain time in a Jetstream so you can hang out in the right seat of a "bigger jet" at most likely a regional? How will that help you?

If you mean that you would like to have experience in a crew environment, or in complex airspace, or whatnot, then you have a point. I could see the advantage of getting some quality 121 time if you have previously flown nothing larger than a piston twin, and by yourself even. But don't think that being a captain on a Jetstream will magically make you a better gear-yanker on a CRJ, because that's not the case. Being a FO on it will do just as well!

Plus I have been unemployed for a couple of months and I dont think I can take the 2 months of unpaid training. What if I dont pass the pinnacle training??? then I'll be really f***ed. Also, the class date with the start up will be before pinnacle. I am also leaning a bit more to a Fractional career.

If you go into training with an attitude of "I'm f***ed if I fail" then you're going to worry about failing and you're probably not going to do well. Just go into training and try to put in as much work and study as possible, make sure you know your flows and systems, study with others, and you'll be fine.

Bottom line is this isn't a decision that this board can make for you. I don't think you know what you want... if you want a job with some stability in the DFW area, why not go to Eagle? You may have to commute for a few months but you'll get back to DFW. If you want that captain time so badly, then go for the startup and hopefully it will work well for you.

 

[Flybet3]

What are you going to do after you upgrade? Honestly! If you think you're going to get your 1000 turbine PIC and magically get a job with Southwest, you're wrong. There are so many people in line in front of you it's not even funny.

Ummm no I'm not thinking about going to southwest, I dont think I want to follow that route, at least for until I can be very competetive.

Granted, turbine PIC time is never bad to have, but I wouldn't fly somewhere for peanuts just to get it.

This is really your opinion, b/c pinnacle does pay penuts and so do most regionals.



I don't understand what you mean by this statement. You want to get some captain time in a Jetstream so you can hang out in the right seat of a "bigger jet" at most likely a regional? How will that help you?

If you mean that you would like to have experience in a crew environment, or in complex airspace, or whatnot, then you have a point. I could see the advantage of getting some quality 121 time if you have previously flown nothing larger than a piston twin, and by yourself even. But don't think that being a captain on a Jetstream will magically make you a better gear-yanker on a CRJ, because that's not the case. Being a FO on it will do just as well!

Exactly, I meant I want to get experience into a crew environment under 121.

If you go into training with an attitude of "I'm f***ed if I fail" then you're going to worry about failing and you're probably not going to do well. Just go into training and try to put in as much work and study as possible, make sure you know your flows and systems, study with others, and you'll be fine.

no, I know I can pass, I've never failed a checkride, but that doesnt mean I cant fail or maybe I'm not going to like it. Like I said before, with the start up I can stay in Dallas, and what do you know...what if the company explodes? that will open up doors in the company, maybe 4 years from know they will get bigger equipment.

Bottom line is this isn't a decision that this board can make for you. I don't think you know what you want... if you want a job with some stability in the DFW area, why not go to Eagle? You may have to commute for a few months but you'll get back to DFW. If you want that captain time so badly, then go for the startup and hopefully it will work well for you.[/QUOTE]
I know what I want, so dont jump to conclusions. I went to eagle Aced the sim, missed only 2 questions on the written, and did great in the Tech and HR. But those fu***rs didnt hire me b/c I had a green card and they didnt want to mess with the DOJ clearence process. Colgan did the same thing. So forget eagle, its taking 6 to 7 years to upgrade with those guys. That's even worst. Why would I want to have 4000 hours of SIC time when I can get PIC. HELLOOO! ARE YOU THE GUY THATS FLYING THE TURBOFAN???

 

[TimsKeeper]

why are you so defensive about your job that sounds like you've already decided on and are just trying to create a buzz for?

 

[paid4training]

First of all thank you all for your wisdome and insight, it really helps. To answer many of your questions, yes the airlines is a 121. The airlines is going to begin flying, the airline service is going to be to the small cities in the south, were all the big birds can go in to. The cities that we are going to fly to are requesting the service and are giving the airline money to operate. The cities are going to promote the airline, so the airline is not going to spend one cent. The airline has already received 100,000 dollars from a couple of cities. So its happening, this is not a start up where a rich boy broke his piggy bank and digged into his savings account. (example)The airlines is going to get $1000 to fly from Dallas to lake charles, its going cost the airlines $600 or so to operate the airlplane, they are going to charge $100 to every passenger, its a 19 seater. So they are going to make $2900 one way, and even if the airplane is empty, they still made $400 bucks! So they are not losing money. I heard from someone that this is how Mesa started. Also to start the chief pilot told me that they are going to give us 3 to 4 days off. We're going to have a 50 hour a month guaranteed and once the airline takes off 70 hours. I am not going to lie, it does scare me to thing that the airline might go out in a couple of years, but like I said the airline is getting around $100,000 grand a year from each of the cities that it is going to serve. Also like I posted before upgrade will be fast, I get to stay home with 3 to 4 days off which gives me a chance to get a part-time flying gigg or something. Oh yeah, for all of you wondering I am 22 years old....sooooo yeah I am young guy (no comments of me being married please)

sounds like a good deal...hope it works out and yes I hate you because you are 22 with an opprotunity like this....LOL

 

[Flybet3]

sounds like a good deal...hope it works out and yes I hate you because you are 22 with an opprotunity like this....LOL

Well thank you sir, actually I wont be 22 till march of 2005, sooooo....dont hate! congratulate! hehehee LOL

 

[Dude]

Flybet,

PM me and I'll give you the run down on Jetstream startups. Been there, and done that. Possibly some useful information.

 

[350DRIVER]

It is all about PIC time so this choice should be a no-brainer, atleast it would be if it were me. I would take the chance at the start up with the short upgrade time. Life is a gamble but the odds seem to be in your favor and worse case scenario is this start up fails then you can go to many of the regionals that will still be hiring. I wouldn't even think twice about this if I were you. 3 to 5 years of SIC time in the CRJ isn't going to make you any more marketable so go where you have the chance to upgrade in the shortest amount of time, period. I think this "gamble" is one that would be well worth the potential risk(s) involved. ATA, AWA, and many more have all hired guys in the past from these types of operations. I have j/s on ATA many times and many on the flight deck came up strictly from a 91/135 background so you shouldn't be overly concerned about this.

take the start up -

3 5 0

 

[Flybet3]

It is all about PIC time so this choice should be a no-brainer, atleast it would be if it were me. I would take the chance at the start up with the short upgrade time. Life is a gamble but the odds seem to be in your favor and worse case scenario is this start up fails then you can go to many of the regionals that will still be hiring. I wouldn't even think twice about this if I were you. 3 to 5 years of SIC time in the CRJ isn't going to make you any more marketable so go where you have the chance to upgrade in the shortest amount of time, period. I think this "gamble" is one that would be well worth the potential risk(s) involved. ATA, AWA, and many more have all hired guys in the past from these types of operations. I have j/s on ATA many times and many on the flight deck came up strictly from a 91/135 background so you shouldn't be overly concerned about this.

take the start up -

3 5 0

Oh Trust me after much thinking I have decided to give the Start up a try, not only is the upgrade time alot quicker, but the work environment is going to be great. Now here's the thing, the Start-up isnt going to start flying until Jan latest Feb and I have a class Date with Pinnacle for Nov 15th...what should I do about that??? I mean should I just not go to the pinnacle training and wait till Jan for the Start up? I spoke with the chief pilot and he said that they are ready to start already, they already have the airplanes ready but the thing that is holding them back is has to do with the FAA lady that's working on our certificate or some sh*t like that. So, thats the thing right now... I mean I cant just go to pinnacle and get the training and then leave, b/c that would look very bad on my resume and I believe pinnacle has a training contract, so if I went and got the training I would have to stay there for like 12 or 24 months I think.

 

[350DRIVER]

Oh Trust me after much thinking I have decided to give the Start up a try, not only is the upgrade time alot quicker, but the work environment is going to be great. Now here's the thing, the Start-up isnt going to start flying until Jan latest Feb and I have a class Date with Pinnacle for Nov 15th...what should I do about that??? I mean should I just not go to the pinnacle training and wait till Jan for the Start up? I spoke with the chief pilot and he said that they are ready to start already, they already have the airplanes ready but the thing that is holding them back is has to do with the FAA lady that's working on our certificate or some sh*t like that. So, thats the thing right now... I mean I cant just go to pinnacle and get the training and then leave, b/c that would look very bad on my resume and I believe pinnacle has a training contract, so if I went and got the training I would have to stay there for like 12 or 24 months I think.

I think you have made the correct choice, I would have done the exact same if I were in your position. I would not go to Peanuckle knowing that you are going to jump ship in less than 2 or 3 months, CRJ training isn't going to do you any good at this start up and why study equipment that you won't be flying for long?. Take the time off and see if you can get a leg up and request training material now if they will give it to you at the new start up so you can spend the time studying it now. Use this down time wisely since before long you will be in training.

good luck

3 5 0

 

[Flybet3]

I think you have made the correct choice, I would have done the exact same if I were in your position. I would not go to Peanuckle knowing that you are going to jump ship in less than 2 or 3 months, CRJ training isn't going to do you any good at this start up and why study equipment that you won't be flying for long?. Take the time off and see if you can get a leg up and request training material now if they will give it to you at the new start up so you can spend the time studying it now. Use this down time wisely since before long you will be in training.

good luck

3 5 0

Thank you my good sir, I will not le you down )

Are you flying for American West now???

 

[350DRIVER]

"America West"

Let's just say I am counting my lucky stars !! !!

good luck

3 5 0

PJ may work for you on a contract basis, I will inquire with the CP, should be through there next week at some point and I will stop in.

 

[pilotyip]

Take the JS job

I second all the advice you have gotten here. This gives you both options, with coming hiring boom you will be very marketable should you decide the JS job is not for you or th ecompany flops. With 121 MEL turbin time you will attractive for any commuter job you may decide to pursue.

 

[Flybet3]

I second all the advice you have gotten here. This gives you both options, with coming hiring boom you will be very marketable should you decide the JS job is not for you or th ecompany flops. With 121 MEL turbin time you will attractive for any commuter job you may decide to pursue.

Yeah, I really do want to see what the industry does the next couple of years, I wanna see if the Majors recover, if fractionals grow, plus this job in Dallas is really going to give me a chance to go back to college and get my Bachelors degree. My goal airlines are the Big freight daddys Fed EX and UPS, so I know that both usually want guys with College degrees. I think after this gigg I might go try and fly some heavy Iron to be a bit more competitive and be more experienced. That or land a sweet 91 job flyng a GIV or GV hehehe in my dreams

 

[Corona]

I also think you've made the right choice. The RJ's are great planes, so I hear, and they'll be around forever. The Jetstream, however, is a rare bird, and getting scarcer by the day. For good reason.

They are absolute maintenance pigs; the nose wheel steering alone had 13 ADs when I flew 'em. You never knew what might go next. (The Garrett engines worked great, though-that's important!) You will become intimately familiar with the MEL. That's a good thing.
I remember flying a J31 in the Southwest during summer: Even on severe clear days, you had to keep your head down all the time in anything greater than "occasional light chop", or you'd be off altitude and heading in a heartbeat. What made this job even more fun is the Jetpig is quite heavy in roll and pitch, so you got a real workout just flying straight and level.

I agree with a previous post that said the Jetstream will make you the best pilot you've ever been. I love ripping on that airplane, but I wouldn't trade my experience in her for the world.
C

 

[Guitar Guy]

Being with your family is very important. If your gut feels that this start-up is likely to fly, then stay with it. I very much agree with the "prop vs. jet" thing that most respondents are saying. There's no question that actually flying a plane vs. watching "Otto" fly it will make a superior pilot out of you. I have many friends that have gone from the mighty 1900 to an RJ and they all say that the RJ will ruin your skills (or conversely, not build them up) if you let it. And someday, you can tell your grandkids about flying aircraft with "propellers" on them.

Another nice "plus" to hand-flying is that you will likely be well-prepared for that sim ride at your next interview. When I interviewed recently at NetJets, one of the sim evaluators commented on the fact that I was smiling on the way out, noting that most people are beat coming out. I guess I was definitely excited to be there, but I think having a good scan and skills allowed me to enjoy trying out a new machine.

So I'm all for the DFW-area opportunity if you think they'll actually fly. If nothing else, get some time and start putting out resumes and see what new possibilities open up to you. Best of luck!

 

[Tahomos]

I think you answered your question yourself. May sound hokie, but try saying a prayer and see what happens.

 

[Flybet3]

Thanks

I think you answered your question yourself. May sound hokie, but try saying a prayer and see what happens.

Thank you, I sure have been doing that and having faith that things will work out just fine. This start up is ready to fly, our airplanes are ready to fly we already have the pilots all we are waiting on is to go to class and for the Administrator that's working with us to stop giving us a hard time and just let us have our certificate. We should be up and running by January I believe they said, for now I'm trying to find some contract work in Dallas to keep my self busy and me and my wife fly about twice a week in a Piper warrior or 172.

 

[Flybet3]

good point

Another nice "plus" to hand-flying is that you will likely be well-prepared for that sim ride at your next interview. When I interviewed recently at NetJets, one of the sim evaluators commented on the fact that I was smiling on the way out, noting that most people are beat coming out. I guess I was definitely excited to be there, but I think having a good scan and skills allowed me to enjoy trying out a new machine.

So I'm all for the DFW-area opportunity if you think they'll actually fly. If nothing else, get some time and start putting out resumes and see what new possibilities open up to you. Best of luck![/QUOTE]

I Agree, I do love to do a hand flown ILS instead of have the auto do it for me. So I am also guessing you got the job in Net jets huh? congrats if you did. You know my goal airlines are Fed Ex, UPS and the Fractionals. Eventhough alot of people complain about the fractionals I really like the idea of 7 on 7 off. Anyhow, maybe in a couple of years I will see you at Net Jets! hopefully...good luck

 

[AnimalTale]

Hey Bro,

U probably have made up your mind..... Get your 1000 PIC ASAP (insurance). Then if you want or if the DFW STARTUP GOES belly up go to another commutter.

That 1000 hour PIC is essential. Its always not necessary but its a good thing to have under your belt, plus the 3100 is a fun flying machine.