Turbo or jet regional??

[Flying_Corporal]

I see some regional turbo prop pilots leaving for other regional airlines that fly jets. Can anyone elaborate why? Prop regionals (e.g. Comutair, Colgan) have shorter upgrades. Wouldn't 1000 hrs in a B1900 as a captain count for more than 1500 as a SIC in E145?

 

[DrinkSweetTea]

Because for some its not all about the upgrade. There is somewhat a different QOL at some jet regionals then at a smaller turboprop only regional. No-AP flying 8 legs a day, no apu, no FA.. or flying All glass, FA, Always comfortable, above the weather etc etc. These are some of the reason people are leaving.

 

[Obi-Wan]

Like the above guy said, its all about quality of life for some. There are many with tons of PIC and not enough jobs. Even back when everyone was hiring not all regional pilots got hired. If you are one of the lucky few to get an interview these days, you still have to get the job. Even Ex military guys are applying at regional Jet operators nowadays. It all come downs to personal preference.
P.S. Upgrades are not as quick as you think at those T-prop operators, and after you do it might be 2 or more years just to get the 1000 PIC, which is just the min to apply.

 

[BRA]

I agree with all posted as well. It isn't always a year upgrade at a prop regional. Colgan is probably upgrading at around 1.5-2 years as of now. One thing not mentioned is the fear that prop PIC time will not be competitive at the majors when hiring gets stronger again. With all these people with jet PIC...how could prop time even compare? I am not saying it won't be...but you can't go wrong getting in the jet fast. Then you have fewer question marks for yourself...you can fly glass, a jet, it's over 20K if it's an RJ. You leave nothing to chance. QOL on the 1900 in the winter absolutlely blows. Would 1000 PIC in a 1900 be better then 1500 SIC in an ERJ? I would rather go into training at a place like jetblue with the ERJ time anyday...but if upgrade came with a year or 2....i would then rather have the 1900 PIC time in my background...if that make sence to you. Either turboprop or jet...you will be a better pilot by the month as you gain experience.

 

[SkyWstman]

At this time in aviation you should decide what you want to fly if you have that choice. If you want to fly turboprops then do that. If you want to fly jets, do that. Most likely you will be doing it for a long time. Get your real estate licence in your spare time.

 

[NEDude]

It's all a crapshoot these days. In the last hiring boom of the late 90's, PIC time was golden, prop or jet didn't matter. But there were several hired even without PIC.

As for what the majors will want next hiring boom, everyone has a theory, but nobody really knows.

A PIC, prop or jet, has to be the decision maker several times daily. The judgement and experience of being a PIC cannot be trained. Some airline recruiters say that because they hire future captains, they want people who have shown the ability to be a successful captain.

However, jet flying is very different than Beech 1900 flying. I ride upfront on mainline 737s quite frequently and am amazed at how much flying is done through the FMS. It seems that enroute, it is all done there. As a 1900 driver, that is very foreign to me. Some airline recruiters may want people who have more experience in operating jet aircraft in that manner.

I certainly don't know myself what the best course of action is. But I would guess that you still want PIC time ASAP. Go where you can get it as fast as possible. If that is in a Beech 1900, then perhaps after you have 1500-2000 hours, if you don't look to have any prospects for major airline jobs, then maybe look at getting some larger jet/swept wing/FMS time to enhance your resume.

But then again, if I really knew what I was talking about, I would have been flying for a major airline a long time ago.

 

[ASH]

I agree with the above posts. I would say hop to a jet as quick as possible. Like previously mentioned, where we are now, is where we will be for QUITE A WHILE. I believe that jet PIC is more valuable to a recruiter than prop PIC. With the Majors potentially not hiring for 5 to 10 years respectively, that will allow you to upgrade in a jet, and tack a couple years of it under your belt.


Of course, In the beech we could do 250 to the marker, and be at Vref on the money!! Can't beat it. I think the Beech is like Military Service.....every one should have to do their tour in it!

KBUF....0445(a.m) Winds 350 @ 40KTS Wind Chill...minus 35....Quickest darn pre-flight you ever saw.....Consider my dues paid...

 

[pilotyip]

SIC does not mean much

Do not repeat, do not go for a SIC job until you have 1000 hours Turbine PIC, I have friend 10+ years at USAirways, 10,000+ total time 8000+ MEL, 6000+ TJSIC. Only 450 turbine PIC in a BE-90. He had a lot of trouble getting interviews because he did not have the required 1000 turbine PIC. Anyone can be a SIC, in fact too much SIC time without Turbin PIC could be a career killer. Go for TJ PIC at a cargo outfit, really dress up your resume.

 

[EMBATP]

just interviewed and got hired at airtran. 2 guys in class had nothing but t-prop pic time. ( chicago express and big sky ). both got the job. i know airtran is not a major (yet....)