RJ PIC vs. Narrowbody SIC

[Propblast]

Question for those who have real insight into the interview at companies that are doing well and hiring (SWA, jetBlue, AirTran).

I am a J41 CA, I have approx. 3300 hours with about 1200 PIC turbine. I have the opportunity to go to the left seat of an RJ or fly the right seat of a narrowbody. I am most interested to find out which experience is more valued based on my current situation.

Also, how do you get a leg up on other applicants.

Thanks

 

[StopNTSing]

Question for those who have real insight into the interview at companies that are doing well and hiring (SWA, jetBlue, AirTran).

I am a J41 CA, I have approx. 3300 hours with about 1200 PIC turbine. I have the opportunity to go to the left seat of an RJ or fly the right seat of a narrowbody. I am most interested to find out which experience is more valued based on my current situation.

PIC seems to be king with most everyone who's hiring these days. I'd go with the RJ.

Also, how do you get a leg up on other applicants.

Thanks

The obvious ways:
1) Become a check-airman.
2) Know a pilot at the company(s) you're gunning for.

 

[Falconjet]

Easy answer

Go with the PIC, baby. Easy choice.

 

[mrvmo]

It all depends on the company. If you think you can have a career moving on, then go. If not go for the PIC. Also think how long it will take you to upgarde on the narrowbody. PIC on that will look better than RJ PIC.

 

[ivauir]

Multi endine turbine PIC is KING. Be it RJ or 747 it is good enough to get you noticed (an interview) and then the rest is up to you and has little or nothing to do with what you flew.

Getting a "leg up" is going to vary from company to company, but as a general rule - network. This is a very personal areana and you need to find what works for you, but my advice is to cultivate friendships with people you like and admire. Help your friends when you can, and when the time comes don't be afraid to ask for help your self. A great example is the quesiton you just asked - is there someone you've flown with that you can ask?

 

[Ty Webb]

I would consider getting 1000 turbine PIC before moving on. If you are close to that now, I'd stay in the J41 until then (since you'll probably lose 2 or 3 months of flying if you transition to the RJ). If you're less than halfway there, and the RJ pays more, I'd consider that, but I think most carriers view 121 turbine PIC the same . . .with the weight limit at JB being a little different (Fedex used to have a weight limit too, don't know about now).

If you get an opportunity at one of the better carriers before you get your 1000 turbine PIC, great. In other words, I wouldn't trade RJ Capt for the right seat at Southeast, but I would trade it for the right seat at Southwest!

If my choice was the left seat of the RJ versus the right seat at someplace like AirTran, I'd go to AirTran, because the FO pay there is pretty comparable to RJ Capt pay at most regionals, and you have the upgrade to look forward to.

Of course, your mileage may differ. . . . . .

 

[AlbieF15]

Pile on....get the PIC. Leadership counts when looking at JB, FedEx, and SWA. Can't speak for other carriers...

 

[LJDRVR]

Reading your post carefully, I'm making the assumption that you're at ACA and the narrowbody in question is the A320? Whether it is or not, I strongly agree with the other folks here, go get more turbine PIC. A jet is a jet is a jet, wouldn't you be much happier in the left seat? There's no percieved or real difference when comparing ability to fly a CRJ to a narrowbody, except the assumption by those doing the hiring that someone with a proven track record in the left seat of EITHER jet is a better potential employee than a SIC in either jet. Go get another type rating dude. Enjoy!

 

[145 Lawndart]

Hey Todd is that you?

I quess that answers the question.

Are you off on the 17th or what?

JH

 

[canyonblue]

I flew at ACA and as you can see in my profile my path was, J32- FO to J32-CA to J41-CA to CRJ-CA. I remember when we first got the CRJ's and a certain J41 CA decided to go for CRJ-FO. He said the jet time would make him more attractive to the majors. If you are still undecided just ask HIM. He is still there.

 

[bravodude]

can ypu honestly say thats the only reason he is still there. prob not!!!!

 

[Propblast]

145 Lawndart: Nope, I'm not Todd, but I may know him.

canyonblue: I started as a 32 FO, then 41 FO, and 41 CA. I am trying to figure whether it is more helpfule to go to Airbus FO or CRJ CA. Obviously, the Airbus time would be more applicable at jetBlue than at SWA. BTW, I know it's a long shot, but do you know Rob E.? He's at SWA from ACA, same profile as you.

 

[Heavy Set]

Do you have 1000 hours PIC? That's the magic number...

 

[Propblast]

Heavy,

I've got about 1200 - 1300 PIC turbine (it's in a turboprop - Jetstream 41)and I'm just trying to figure out whether I'd be better off downstream going to the left seat of the CRJ or the right seat of the Airbus.