Scenic Airlines to Majors?

[n25na]

Is is possible to go from Scenic straight to a major airline. When it comes down to twin-turbine time, does the twin otter hold as much value as a CRJ, ERJ or larger turbo-prop?

 

[Truckdriver]

Day VFR and occassionally a little IFR time, same route every single day, only two airports that you ever fly into, if you do hold it is a VFR hold over "the ranch". Not even close to CRJ, ERJ, or turbo-prop 121 time. Get the 1000 PIC and go to a regional carrier and get the 121 time then you can probably go to a major from the FO seat instead of waiting to upgrade to get the PIC time. Chances of going to a major without 121 time is nill.

 

[n25na]

You have a point, Scenic is certainly a lot more VFR than any Regional, however I was under the impression that they are a 121 operator. They have some essential air service contracts with a few 1900s so there is the opportunity for IFR experience. Does it really matter how you've accumulated the time or if you have accumulated the PIC turbine time are you just as qualified as the next guy?

 

[wingnutt]

Does it really matter how you've accumulated the time?

...ummm, yes

 

[mrkopaj]

See the post by JIM in the Scenic Airlines thread of the FAR 135 Charter Forum.

 

[FL280]

Is is possible to go from Scenic straight to a major airline. When it comes down to twin-turbine time, does the twin otter hold as much value as a CRJ, ERJ or larger turbo-prop?

Scenic to the Majors................LOL....What major airline, do you mean the airlines with Thousands of furloughed pilots. Dude what ever your smoking it must be good. I flew the "ditch" too, the only place you'll go to is a commuter.

LOL.....................

 

[BRA]

i currently work at colgan as a 121 beech 1900 captain and i think that my chances are very poor at ever getting to a major (UPS, jetblue, continental) with my current job. I'll probably need to get in a different plane at some point. If i do get a shot at an interview it will be due to a walk in or luck with a career fair.

 

[aviatrix]

You have a point, Scenic is certainly a lot more VFR than any Regional, however I was under the impression that they are a 121 operator. They have some essential air service contracts with a few 1900s so there is the opportunity for IFR experience. Does it really matter how you've accumulated the time or if you have accumulated the PIC turbine time are you just as qualified as the next guy?

You can always try it and see. I've known Scenic pilots who have gone to places like Allegiant, Trans Meridian, Omni, etc. But directly to Southwest or the like, I wouldn't think would be very likely.
There are still a lot of furloughees out there and the competition is still very tough! But at 700/hours hours, it's a good transition from piston flight-instructing. Plus, it's a fun job! Enjoy it for what it is......a break from the CFI thing and a great chance to work your butt off for very little money, but it's not the equivalent of being a regional jet captain hauling 50-90 pax around under 121 regs every day.
Good luck!

 

[cpierse]

Posted by BRA: I currently work at colgan as a 121 beech 1900 captain and i think that my chances are very poor at ever getting to a major (UPS, jetblue, continental) with my current job. I'll probably need to get in a different plane at some point. If i do get a shot at an interview it will be due to a walk in or luck with a career fair.


You can definitely get hired at a major with nothing but 1900 or Saab time - we've had several pilots leave just this month. But your chances of going anywhere like UPS, JetBlue or Continental without an internal recommendation are EXTREMELY LOW. Even prior to 9/11, over 80% of new hires at majors had received internal recs. That's probably the single most important part of your application.

 

[chperplt]

Cpierse

Haven't seen you on the boards in a while. Hope all is well!

 

[exchexflyer]

Is is possible to go from Scenic straight to a major airline. When it comes down to twin-turbine time, does the twin otter hold as much value as a CRJ, ERJ or larger turbo-prop?

Let me sum it up real quick....NO

 

[Jim]

It's hard but not impossible. In 2000 and the first 8 months of 2001 (pre 9/11) there were 8 Scenic pilots who went to National, 1 who went to United, 3 who went to Champion and 4 who went to Hawaiian. Since 9/11/01 there has been 1 to Pace, at least 2 to Allegiant and 3 to America West. These are the ones that I personally know of and I am sure there are more. Except for UA and AWA, not majors but flying "major type" equipment.

I interviewed at Southwest in 4/02 with Scenic as my turbine and 121 background. I was not hired, but this was not because all I had was Twin Otter time. I got caught in the old 3 out of 5 years professional pilot experience. After my interview, I got a call saying I would not go to the decision board because after reviewing my file they decided I only had 2 1/2 years credit. They did not want to count my instructor time or my FE time. This requirement has since been dropped.

Scenic has 3 B1900s and looking for a fourth. Some EAS flights are also flown by Otters. Yes the Otters are 90% VFR flight plans, but there are some IFR flights. The B1900s are all IFR flight plans like any regional flying them.

Even if you do not go straight to a major, getting the 1000 turbine PIC is valuable. There are many furloughed pilots that can not even apply at SWA, FEDEX, UPS, etc. because they do not have that block checked. It might only be a Twin Otter, but it counts. There are few places that will get you in the left seat quicker than Scenic.

BTW, Scenic does direct hire Captains too. The requirements are on the website I posted in the thread on the 135 forum.

So difficult but not impossible.

 

[flatspin7]

If get into the the 1900 at Scenic (good luck) you might have a chance, much better than the Twin Otter.

Flying the Ditch is a great time though. Even though I flew the "Evil planes across the field with retractable gear" Yes I know they are scum... I wont defend them.

But fun flying none the less--- Learn a few words of Japanese (It helps)

 

[psysicx]

I know there are people going straight from Ameriflight to the majors.There is a difference between companies but they both fly T-props.

 

[mamba20]

Dont be in such a hurry to get to a major. You never know whats gonna happen and who knows, it may not be in the cards for you. Whatever you do just try to enjoy it. (I'm finally learning to follow my own advice)

 

[propsare4boats]

Have a good time doing what we all do best "FLY". Depending on what your dream job may be, look at thier minimums then decide what to do.
I think Airtran is looking for a thousand hours in airplanes more than 20,000 lbs for example. Fed Ex know someone and have a thousand turbine PIC.
I do recommend getting the thousand PIC first, before going anywhere.

 

[Kawasumi_Kichou]

What Jim said. When I was there in '92 (the last year Scenic was 135) a couple of the guys I flew with did move on to Tristar and Northwest. Post 9/11 I imagine it's a lot tougher to do that. At least now at Scenic you fly 121 to places other than The Ditch and Laughlin. Scenic is cutting back on tours and starting to provide just regular air service to GCN while expanding to their new EAS destinations.

I too think it's more likely that there'll be at least a jump to a regional from Scenic before landing at a national or a major. Not impossible to go direct, but it is long odds.

 

[Irish Pilot]

..................

 

[pilotyip]

Hey! its MEL turbine, that will open other doors. We have hired two Scenic pilots in the past, their inst skills were not strong as pilots coming out of the mid west.

 

[incognito]

Is is possible to go from Scenic straight to a major airline. When it comes down to twin-turbine time, does the twin otter hold as much value as a CRJ, ERJ or larger turbo-prop?

It is very possible to go straight from Scenic to the majors. Many have done it. And Scenic is also a great stepping stone to the regionals.

Over the last several years, Scenic has made a major shift away from tour flying, although they still service several tourism-based destinations. The airline is a Part-121 carrier providing scheduled service to KBCE, KEKO, KELY, KGCN, KMCE, KPMD, KRNO, KVGT, UT25, and 1G4. Recently, they were awarded a contract for KVIS, which should start soon; and they are looking to expand further.

There is no rhyme or reason to hiring at the majors, but one thing is certain: Every carrier is looking for multi-engine turbine PIC, which you can acquire quickly at Scenic. Whether or not your IFR skills remain sharp depends entirely on the kind of pilot you were to begin with. VFR or IFR, if you always fly by headings, radials, altitudes, airspeeds, rates of climb and descent, etc., you'll stay sharp. If, on the other hand, you sit in the right seat like a boob with your finger jammed in your nose up to the third knuckle, as you watch the clouds roll by, then you'll struggle to pass any future interview.

Scenic is a great place to begin your career, and the flight time you acquire will prove invaluable.