To stay or go?

[pilotguy5]

Hello All,
I currently work for a Part 135 VFR operator. I've been there for about 2 years. I fly small singles and twins for the most part. I flight instructed for a year prior to this. I currently have about 2100TT and about 500 multi.
We also have a charter side of the company which operates 3 cheyennes and a King Air. I have the opportunity to get into the Cheyenne (PIC turbine) but I have to give them a 2 year contract. The QOL is pretty good (few overnights). The pay is kinda low, only around $40,000 - $45,000 a year and raises are few and far between. I would like to eventually fly for a major (Hopefully Continental mainline).
I'm not sure if the right move is to go to a regional, (I would like to go to Expressjet if I do) or stay where I'm at and build PIC turbine right away?
If I went to a regional I know I would take a pay cut at first and I would most likely move to my base to avoid commuting.
Thinking ahead, what would a major like more? Part 135 PIC turbine in a Cheyenne, or Part 121 time as SIC turbine.
Any comments are welcome, I've been debating back and forth what is best and I just need some other opinions.

Thanks,
Ken

 

[epic!]

It seems like a pretty good deal. A two year contract is not that bad as well is the pay. As you mentioned you will make half that at a regional and the QOL takes a nose dive. It really seems that you will have to sacrifice a lot to go to a regional. I know a couple individuals that built 135 or 91 PIC turbine time and went straight into the majors.

 

[navigator72]

Stay where you are, you already have 2 years on so you must kind of like it.

 

[time builder]

I know a couple individuals that built 135 or 91 PIC turbine time and went straight into the majors.

Me too. It helps if you can get a type rating and an ATP to go with it. I've seen 'em go from part 135 turboprops to Frontier and Evergreen for example.

Just my .02, but it seems that SIC time in an RJ can help you get another job as SIC in another RJ, but its the PIC time that will get you to the majors. Then again, I've seen Allegiant go for SIC time, but they pay barely more than the regionals.

 

[RichardRambone]

40-45 is low??

 

[pilotguy5]

It's closer to 40. One of our competitors pays there guys around 60 a year for the Cheyenne. I'm not sure how the qol is though.
However, my main concern is the type of time it is. Part 135 pic turbine in a Cheyenne or Part 121 sic turbine in an rj. I'll have to think about it.

Thanks,
Ken

 

[AC560]

However, my main concern is the type of time it is.

The only concern regarding type is whether it is PIC or SIC. Dozens of threads on the forums speaking of the importance of PIC and regional guys kicking themselves in the ass because they have 5,000hrs of SIC with no chance of moving on because they like the PIC to do so.

If you already had 2000hrs of turbine PIC the part 121 experience would definitely help your application. Without the PIC time though all the 121 SIC in the world isn't going to be of use for you.

 

[2dumb2drive]

I have the opportunity to get into the Cheyenne (PIC turbine) but I have to give them a 2 year contract.

I would be very uneasy about signing a two year contract for this type of deal. You have already worked for this company for two years and if they want you on the charter side its because they know you and the kind of person/pilot you are. I guess it would depend on how much the buy out of the contract was, whether or not they are willing to pro rate it and also what their attitude will be if you decide to buy out and leave early. Its not always possible but i have found that burning bridges no matter how small they are does you no good in the buisness. Remember that if you are open to going to express jet if this isnt exactly what you want, you can always nego. for better. I had a simalar experience with a flight school/135 operator and becuase i had worked hard for them for two years and they would much rather have moved me into the 135 then someone they didnt know, they completely dropped the contract nonsense. Dont sell yourself short. Just my thoughts.