Need some advice please!

[Freightdog99]

Ok here is the situation. I am currently the assistant chief pilot for a 135 freight operator flying scheduled next day freight as well as doing some on demand work. I have been employed here for about 2.5 years. I am current in 4 different aircraft and I am building up multi turbine PIC. I enjoy what I do for the most part and have a good time doing so. I now have an opportunity to go to a very large 135 operator flying in the islands on scheduled routes in a Metro. The main things I would gain by leaving are a type rating and warmer weather. The main loss would be in pay initially, but would be equal after a couple of years. I guess my main question would be is how much weight does a type rating carry in getting an interview for a national or a major? Also would it look better to have experience as assistant chief pilot or chief pilot when applying to the airlines compared to just flying as a line pilot? I am single and can't get my ATP for another year because of my age so I really have nothing holding me back. Thanks everyone.

 

[Gulfstream 200]

I didnt think you could be an asst chief pilot w/o an ATP? what do I know...

Nobody cares if you are an asst CP or not. If your goal is airlines I would suggest logging as much PIC turbine time as possible. Period.

Type ratings ARE something to put on an app, resume, etc....but the PIC time is the most important. Type ratings are nice if they can make you some $$$$, thats about it...

I dont know, but Island flying sounds fun........keep in mind there is more to life than just "getting there"! make the trip fun!

 

[wingnutt]

not a bad dilema to have if you ask me. i was in similar awhile back, but with not quite so many types of aircraft. its easy to get comfy in a particular operation, but ive gotta go with G200, i think the type (which will get you the PIC) while working for a larger operation will carry more weight, especially since you can already add Ass't Chief to your resume

I didnt think you could be an asst chief pilot w/o an ATP? what do I know...

...its been awhile, but if i recall correctly, one dosent even need a frickin' instrument rating to be a chief pilot

 

[mar]

Oh to be 22 again...

You know, before 9/11/01 the average age to get hired at the majors was 35.

Who knows what it will be when things recover?

At your age you could commit a felony and get out of jail and still get a job a major and have a nice career--um, theoretically, that is.

But here's my philosophy: In uncertain times, go with the sure thing.

You're making good money right now. You're logging what you need. Both are money in the bank.

I think the Asst CP position has some value. It shows maturity and responsibility.

If I were you, I'd stay where I am at. But I'm older than you and probably have much more debt.

At 22 island flying sounds like a blast.

My other philosophy is: Do what you love and the rest will follow.

You can't go wrong either way and I've been absolutely no help whatsoever, but thanks for letting me participate vicariously...

Good luck

 

[350DRIVER]

Very easy answer, stay put.


3 5 0

 

[bobbysamd]

If it ain't broke . . . .

I third the others. Stay where you are. You are making decent money and you are enjoying what you're doing - which begs the question, why leave at all?

In the meantime, take the ATP written, and at your first recurrent after your twenty-third birthday ask the fed to combine it with an ATP ride - it is nearly one and the same. Your CP experience and longevity with your company will look good on your resume. Make sure it is written-up accordingly.

You really don't need a type to take the next step. If you receive it through your normal course of events, fine. But, don't worry about it if you don't have it.

While doing all this, save your pennies. You'll need them when you do take the next step.

Hope that helps. Good luck with your plans.

 

[Freightdog99]

Thanks for the advice guys. I had pretty much made up my mind already.