What would YOU do???

[ASH]

Ok,
Here's my Q. Should I stay and wait 1.5 years for an upgrade in the mighty Beech, or would you high tail out of there, and sit right seat RJ for 4 + years. Bottom line Q: Go for the 1900 PIC, or RJ SIC.....consider I have another 1.5 years before 1900 Captain....hmmmmm.....

 

[trainerjet]

I would stay and get the upgrade and the turbine PIC time. That is far more valuable than jet SIC time. Once you get your 1000 hours turbine PIC, then you can re-evaluate your situation taking into account the hiring environment at that time.

Bottom line is that I would do whatever would get the me the turbine PIC time the quickest.

 

[Treme]

Do whatever makes you happy. Don't be in such a rush.

Once you get 1000 PIC turbine Southwest is not going to be banging down your door. There are over 9000 pilots on furlough in the industry.

Relax, enjoy being an F/O and slow down.

 

[ASH]

Too true,

But it is exactly because my options will be virtually nill @ 1000 PIC that I need to think semi- long term right now .Wherever I go, I'm probably going to be there for a while, (6+years)_ Does it make more sense to have it in the RJ? I.E. 1 year of RJ PIC, or 3 years of 1900 PIC.. See what I'm sayin'?

 

[Treme]

If you're THAT worried about it, then go somewhere where if the poop hits the fan you feel like you could make a career there.

I/E, if for whatever reason (terrorist attack, violation, DUI, bad juju ... whatever) you can NOT move on to your "dream job" -- are you someplace where you can enjoy a fulfilling career that you might be happy with until retirement.

Always assume that you will be stuck at your current/next job indefinately and ask yourself -- can you live with that?

 

[ArcticFlier]

Take The Upgrade.........

Get the PIC time. You never know what is going to happen and it doesn't hurt to have your ducks in a row (PIC time) if something comes up down the road that strikes your fancy. Get in the left seat and if you are still there, it's 2.5 years til you transition to the RJ.

AF

 

[ASH]

Indeed.
I would NOT care to do six years with this outfit. No union, really bad pay, the usual commuter story. Still torn, but thanks for the advice.

 

[PHXFLYR]

ASH;


Went to an interview a real long time ago with a company called Henson Aviation for an F/O position in their then-new DeHavilland Dash 8's. (That should give you and idea how long ago that was....Ouch!) Had very little multi-PIC time to speak of,which was bought up in the interview. I'll never forget what that crusty old Director of Operations told me ...." can't put a price on that multi-PIC time ." My vote would be go for the upgrade. I think you'll be glad you did. Oh, and in case you we're wondering, I did get the job offer Good luck


PHXFLYR

 

[Airpiraterob]

upgrade....
total time is total time. good filler....PIC time is gold. everywhere you go, the requirement for captian upgrade is X-ammount of pic turbine....as you would get trading legs FP or NFP in a typical day. example, ive got the pic multi turbine, even though im starting at the bottom of the upgrade list.....i get to bid it already. ill upgrade a year ahead of the other guy just above or below me cause i have the time and he dosent......stay and get the upgrade time. itll get you ahead earlier in the long run.

 

[CRJ puppy]

PIC time.

 

[T-Gates]

Think about it....

Look at all of the guys at USAir who don't have any PIC more recent than 1988....and have a hard time moving on because of it. I'd want to load up my logbook with more PIC time than SIC in a CRJ.

 

[WhiteCloud]

Re: Think about it....

Look at all of the guys at USAir who don't have any PIC more recent than 1988....and have a hard time moving on because of it. I'd want to load up my logbook with more PIC time than SIC in a CRJ.

PIC time....but.....where or what do you think it's going to get you?

 

[46Driver]

Multi-engine PIC time - anything else is irrelevant to those doing the hiring at Southwest, JetBlue, Fed-Ex, etc.

 

[LearLove]

Survey says - PIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Even Kitt will tell you that, FOR FREE!!!!!!!!!!

But look at your situation though. If your 40 plus, maybe bolt to Comair, AirWis ect, but 20's or early 30's stay put. Get a line, upgrade, work back to a line keep your nose clean then look around. I have 1600+ PIC and have been told I need more (like I need that advice like a whole in the head).

Good luck, I'll be the slowing you 10 to 20 knots in my dash.

 

[roblawton]

Go for the best JOB! Only you know what that means, but when you decide which one is better, you will have your answer. Don't like the company you are with? Get out now! Not sure about that other company? Find a better one or stay put. Sounds like you have a long way to go in your career; just remember that you never know where you will end up.

 

[FMR_RGNL_PLT]

ASH,

There is much to consider here my friend. As someone above said, do what you think you would enjoy the most. Personally, if the CRJ job provides better long term pay, work rules, and provides the quality of life you want (base locations etc.) I think that is the way I would move.

I think flying the CRJ would be more comfortable, enjoyable, and all else being equal more satisfying. The conventional wisdom is to go for the Turbine PIC time, but your the guy who has to endure several more years in an old turbo-prop, not the rest of us.

Lastly, if this was the pre-911 world I would recommend staying with the Beech job, no question. In this current environment if you have a chance to move to a good company, flying arguably the best regional equipment out there, I think that would be hard to pass up!

Good luck in your decision making.....

 

[ASH]

Thanks everyone!