Needs Advice, Turboprop to Jet Company

[Turbojet23]

I am currently employed as a captain at a 121 turboprop company and debating weather or not to make the move to an EMB170 company like Republic. I could very possibly be based close to home. I am young and in a financially stable position to be able to take the 50% pay cut.

What are everyone’s thoughts? Stay or leave? Also does anyone know the current upgrade time at Republic and if DCA would be a possible base for a junior F/O.

Thanks

 

[PropPiedmont]

Let the Republic bashing begin.............

 

[Cardinal]

I'm in exactly your same boat, but I'd have to commute to a Republic base. I just turned 'em down.

 

[WSurf]

Why do it? Couple of my buddies with only Turbo Prop PIC got on with UPS! Couple of years ago when the majors were hiring, I would say go get some SIC Jet time. But today is a different story! If you can afford the pay hit with no problems then do it. I know someone that did that jump and it kicked his wallet in the arse! Going from 60k down to 25k just for SIC jet, and he is still stuck in the EMB170!
Good Luck with your choice! I would stay with the cash, if you update your resumes you should have just a gooda chance getting on with JB, Southwest, UPS etc.

What Turbo Prop outfit do you work for? If its only gonna pay you 35-40k as a captain, then thats a different story.

 

[better up here]

Why do it? Couple of my buddies with only Turbo Prop PIC got on with UPS! Couple of years ago when the majors were hiring, I would say go get some SIC Jet time. But today is a different story!

I agree...heard people going to CAL, ATA, UPS, Fed Ex, and others right out of a T-prop. They'll teach you to fly there equipment the way they want...121 PIC is what they can't teach.

 

[SkyBoy1981]

If I get furloughed from XJT I'll be applying to a turboprop carrier so I can move up quicker. I have no desire to fly an E170.

 

[dojetdriver]

I am currently employed as a captain at a 121 turboprop company and debating weather or not to make the move to an EMB170 company like Republic. I could very possibly be based close to home. I am young and in a financially stable position to be able to take the 50% pay cut.

What are everyone’s thoughts? Stay or leave? Also does anyone know the current upgrade time at Republic and if DCA would be a possible base for a junior F/O.

Thanks

Get your 1000 PIC then do whatever you want. At least you'll have th PIC, and if you have contacts at various places it won't matter anyway.

 

[superfreight208]

Turbine PIC, you can only get so much, Dont the big guys want to see PIC Turbine with max gross over 20,000lbs?

 

[SkyBoy1981]

Turbine PIC, you can only get so much, Dont the big guys want to see PIC Turbine with max gross over 20,000lbs?

Not necessarily. Even jetBlue amended their qualifications now to include turbojets that weigh over 12,500. I suppose 1900 time still wouldn't count for jetBlue, but they are the only one that I am aware of.

 

[Turbojet23]

Starting F/O pay at Republic looks like $22/HR, second year $30/HR. I am making $42/HR currently as a T-Prop Capt. So second year at republic would only be about a 25% pay cut over a 50% pay cut the first year. If upgrade dosen't take to long (i.e. 3 years) I could be making more as a 3 year Capt at Republic then with my current company. (Looking at the long run).

Update:
I wasn't expecting to get a response from Republic as soon as I did (same day i faxed my resume). I have 800 HRS 121 PIC with an interview on the 23rd of this month. Also I might add that I would only accept the EMB170 on the Republic side to have the chance to be DCA based. I would not fly the RJ for CHQ or commute with the Shuttle side.

Thoughts?

 

[LowlyPropCapt]

Not necessarily. Even jetBlue amended their qualifications now to include turbojets that weigh over 12,500. I suppose 1900 time still wouldn't count for jetBlue, but they are the only one that I am aware of.

JetBlue hires plenty of T-Prop drivers...

 

[flynfarr]

I'm currently a Capt on the 170 at Shuttle. IMO, if you have the 800 hours of PIC, don't leave until you get at least the 1000. After that, if you can afford it, why not come over here. You would be able to continue to apply for the "big boys", but living in base and flying a 170 is not a bad way to waste some time. (Mainly living in base.) This company is growing a little, hopefully the upgrade would be within a few years, but if not at least you have the pic to leave if the opportunity presents itself.

Good luck with the decision. We have a good pilot group and reserve in base is not bad at all. Our work rules will have you getting paid well over the minimum (75) if they fly you much at all. Also no junior man on the day off.

 

[SkyBoy1981]

JetBlue hires plenty of T-Prop drivers...

If the turboprop is under 20,000 pounds it would not meet the requirements on their website. Am I missing something?

 

[WSurf]

If the turboprop is under 20,000 pounds it would not meet the requirements on their website. Am I missing something?

Yes & No you are missing something here! There are plenty of TurboProps over 20,000lbs flying around. But you are correct if its under, then you don't meet the requirements on their website.

Next.....

 

[Turbojet23]

I'm currently a Capt on the 170 at Shuttle. IMO, if you have the 800 hours of PIC, don't leave until you get at least the 1000. After that, if you can afford it, why not come over here. You would be able to continue to apply for the "big boys", but living in base and flying a 170 is not a bad way to waste some time. (Mainly living in base.) This company is growing a little, hopefully the upgrade would be within a few years, but if not at least you have the pic to leave if the opportunity presents itself.

Good luck with the decision. We have a good pilot group and reserve in base is not bad at all. Our work rules will have you getting paid well over the minimum (75) if they fly you much at all. Also no junior man on the day off.

200 more hours would take me atleast 3 months. What is the wait time inbetween the interview at Republic and the start of training (If I even get the job). Are they still placeing people in a hiring pool?

 

[Flyby1206]

I would stick with the 121 PIC turboprop gig. Getting SIC 121 turbine time is pointless, look how many right seat RJ guys are out there trying to get on with a bigger company. Not many of us have the PIC turbine time. I have even considered leaving this right seat RJ in hopes of getting upgraded at a turboprop carrier faster.

 

[JumpCaptain]

Agreed. Most people are trying to do the opposite of what you're thinking of doing.

Granted, the People's Republic of Chautauquastan is a pretty good company, but I don't see why you would give up the oppurtunity to continue building PIC time now.

You know things are pretty bad when everyone's jumping from regional to regional trying to find a way out of the regionals!!

 

[Turbojet23]

You know things are pretty bad when everyone's jumping from regional to regional trying to find a way out of the regionals!!

Haha, yeah. I dunno, just unhappy where I am I guess. My latest thought is a career company like NetJets. I did some 135 in the past and wouldn't mind a 7 days on 7 days off kinda schedule with that type of flying. working on getting an interview there as well.

 

[PAA744]

fly the turbo-jet........

get the turbo-jet time.........

obe Won out

 

[wings421]

As I understand it, you won't get to pick which certificate you'll fly for. They put you where they need you. So, you might end up flying on the Republic, Shuttle, or Chautauqua certificate. That might be a factor if you are looking to go to Republic to live in base.

 

[Turbojet23]

As I understand it, you won't get to pick which certificate you'll fly for. They put you where they need you. So, you might end up flying on the Republic, Shuttle, or Chautauqua certificate. That might be a factor if you are looking to go to Republic to live in base.

That would be a factor. I understand they tell you which company you are being selected for when you are pulled out of the pool, at which time I could turn them down I guess.

 

[Flybet3]

I am currently employed as a captain at a 121 turboprop company and debating weather or not to make the move to an EMB170 company like Republic. I could very possibly be based close to home. I am young and in a financially stable position to be able to take the 50% pay cut.

What are everyone’s thoughts? Stay or leave? Also does anyone know the current upgrade time at Republic and if DCA would be a possible base for a junior F/O.

Thanks

Just ask yourself this question turbojet, If for some crazy reason tomorrow the industry takes another kick in the nuts and you have to get stuck in a certain position, which one would you prefer? SIC 19K a year, lose seniority, not in comand, no PIC turbine time or 40K to 50K keep seniority, be in command, and more PIC turbine. I would fly that turboprop PIC in a heart beat.

 

[Turbojet23]

Just ask yourself this question turbojet, If for some crazy reason tomorrow the industry takes another kick in the nuts and you have to get stuck in a certain position, which one would you prefer? SIC 19K a year, lose seniority, not in comand, no PIC turbine time or 40K to 50K keep seniority, be in command, and more PIC turbine. I would fly that turboprop PIC in a heart beat.

I see where you are coming from Flybet. However the only way you are going to get anywhere in this industry is by taking a chance.

Although, every day that goes on I am leaning more and more towards staying with the PIC Turboprop as you mentioned. Most people in this post seem to think the same way.

Thanks for everyone's responses, you all have been a big help thus far. Good luck to all.