SWA - Turboprop PIC versus CRJ SIC

[throttlejockey]

I am very close to getting my 1000 Turbine PIC flying a 19 seat Turboprop for a 121 carrier. I should have the time by the end of February.

I will be interviewing next month with one of the top Regional Airlines in the US for a CRJ SIC position.

My ultimate goal is to fly for SWA.

Considering the new "Competative" selection process at SWA, should I stay on the Prop or move to the jet?

Here are some other factor to consider:

1. There will be virtually no cut in pay to move to the CRJ. The operator I fly for now has some of the lowest Captain rates in the industry.
2. If I take the job, It is almost certain that I will be offered a base in my hometown where I currently live. At the prop operator, I have to commute.
3. I am willing to stay at the prop operator if it will benefit my career goals. But if there is no effect, I will almost certainly take the jump.

Your opinions are greatly appreciated.

TJ

 

[reepicheep]

IMO no question; suck it up and stay. Another 1000 hours of PIC turbine is worth more than 10,000 hours of SIC in anything, even a CRJ, or a 737 for that matter.

 

[RightBettor]

You say your "ultimate goal" is to fly for SWA. Stay in the PIC position. Period.

Just look at how SWA is weighing time these days on the application. That PIC turbine time is worth its weight in gold my friend. SIC time can be in a Turboprop or a Turbojet... doesn't matter that much. But the PIC time is extremely valuable... does not matter if it is turboprop or turbojet... it's turbine time.

Also consider the fact you may not be flying that much when you get to the CRJ FO seat. You will have to train (2-3 months?) and sit reserve (how long? How much flying?)

SWA is making things competitive now with the online application. Keep building the PIC turbine time!

One final thought: while the CRJ may be a cool airplane and all, I'll bet the 737-700 is a bit cooler.

 

[I.P. Freley]

I'm sure this has been answered somewhere else, but how much 121 PIC time is considered competitive for a civilian-background applicant?

 

[Swerpipe]

not even from Part 135

Throttlejockey,

I had the same question about getting some part 121 experience or getting more Pic and a SWA chief pilot recommended that I continue to build pic turbine time. "That's all we care about. 121 time is great if it's PIC otherwise go and get jet PIC, it's more important.". I am pretty sure that the same recommendation will apply to you.

 

[avoidingmyboss]

Throttlejockey,

I would get the PIC time it’s hard to come by. Sounds like you fly for Lakes and want to go to Air Whiskey. It’s a hard life there. IMOP even w/out jet time if your PIC turbine time is up than I think they will call. I am also going to invest the $7380 on the type in the hopes of becoming more competitive over someone who has more PIC time or 121 time but doesn’t want to make the investment.

A few weeks ago I started a thread to find out what was competitive. I think this is it http://forums.flightinfo.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=23782&highlight=swa+and+121+time Sewerpipe was a lot of help for me thanks again dude. I also had an opportunity go to a RJ but for now have opted for the PIC time instead. Chase is a good person to ask too. Good luck and if it is Lakes you work PM me you will know my a/c.

 

[Swerpipe]

way to go

avoidingmyboss,

I am glad you decided to get the type. I think that getting it is part of a selfulfilling prophecy that you are creating for yourself. While there are people that have gotten the type and not gotten hired, I bet you there are none who had a great attitude and didn't do anything humanly possible to get hired. That desire and drive is hard to hide. I've interviewed many for an engineering firm and now the only guys I remember are the ones whose eyes twinkled with desire, not the most qualified.
I hope you are going to HPA if not we need to talk, trust me. You have to go there... Good luck to you. I know I'll see you there.

 

[propjockey]

If I were you I'd go fly the CRJ, it's a cool plane and will look much better on your resume than a crappy old Beech 1900. Don't listen to the other responders, as they just want your spot in CRJ class!

80for80, I see now why others on this board have expressed doubt that you really are an airline pilot.

 

[throttlejockey]

If 19-seat Turboprop PIC is more valuable, what about the argument that staying too long at a 19-Seat job will look like a lack of professional advancement? How much is too much 19 seat time? How much is to little?

I also have a 737 type. If I had 1,100 Turboprop PIC and the type, would that be competative?

I will see ya'll next week, after my five-day is done. Keep this discussion going and try to scare up a SWA people person who can provide us with the inside scoop!

TJ

 

[wil]

Who do you fly the 1900 for?