Dilemma

FlyChicaga

FlyChicaga

Vintage Restoration
Question. If you were in my position (2nd year FO flying a turboprop, lineholder, no commuting) would you go for a job flying as a 1st year FO in an jet, probably reserve for a while, commuter? Right now I'm 3/4 of the way down the FO list, and there is some movement... but the future of ATA is very uncertain (not that I'm too worried though, isn't every airline in limbo?) so we have people bolting. Most people I work with tell me if I get a job offer at the other regional to bolt... but I'm hesitant. I love where I am, and don't want to leave. I like who I work with, where I fly, what I fly, and the company I work for. But as people point out, the other place has a bit more stability, flies jets all over the country (huge route map), larger company, money in the bank, and growth. I don't expect to upgrade until 2 years from now here, and upgrades are 3-5 at the other company. What would you do?

PS- The company isn't tied to United or US Airways. They don't have any turboprops. Hint hint.

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The grass is always greener... but not always.

I know guys that jumped from Skyway to WestAir and then WestAir subsequentially folded because of a tiff with Mesa management.

Personally, if guys are jumping ship, I'd stay for the upgrade and the PIC time because SWA, if you have any interest in working for them, requires 1000 PIC turbine.

I wouldn't put a lot of weight into "x-year" upgrades because that changes constantly.
 
I'd watch yourself if they're tied to United, too. After not getting that loan they might be in for it.
 
Very true Doug. My goal is SWA. That's what one of my good friends from work told me, going "against the norm" as she said. She figures everyone will want to get out to this place and others, and will sorta part the Red Sea ahead for upgrade.
 
Personally, I'd stay for the PIC time, but that's just my own personal opinion.
 
Hey Chicago
I believe there are many salient qualities a prospective employer will look at, one being stability. They want to know what kind of employee you would be, and to judge this they will look at your employment history. I think you'd could possibly do yourself a disservice by "jumping" ship considering your experience level. You've done everything right so far, now just be paitient and enjoy the ride. One of the hardest lessons in this game of aviation is not to get hung up on the equipment you are flying. Look for quality of Life, compensation, proffessional opportunities, and so many other really important issues, as you define them. If you can be satisfied doing this flying a Saab then do that rather than finding yourself unhappy flying a jet. At some point very soon in your career PIC time will become very important, and PIC time in a Saab is better than SIC time in a jet. Set benchmarks for yourself professionally and then after achieving them evaluate how best to meet your next goal, that's the time to make changes ... imo.

Jim
 
Thank you for the reply Jim. That's exactly how I feel... I enjoy my QOL at my current company immensely. I don't really care, nor need, to fly a jet... the Saab fits me just fine. Particuarly since I'm really getting into the groove flying it and can be a more productive pilot since I know the airplane. I love it here, and would hate to leave... but it's easy to question when everyone is telling you to find the jets.

Thanks again for the replies everyone. It's great to get other opinions.
 
Hey, I considered leaving DAL for UAL in 1998 because they had big west coast bases and heavy international equipment in SFO and LAX. My compadres that jumped ship were 747-400 and 777 FO's before the end of probation.

And there I was sitting "sidesaddle" as a flight engineer...
 
Would you really want to start all over again? Go thru indoc again...systems again, IOE again etc etc etc

If you're happy...Why leave? If you really are happy with the airplane, company and Routes, then its a no brainer..STAY.

PS. Just b/c they arent tied to UAL or US doesnt mean anything. Today its UAL tommorrow it could be anyone else.
 
Chicago

I'd stay to wait for the upgrade.. unless the company is falling a part.

There is no way to tell who will be doing well in 5 years. The thing I always tell myself is "what if they stop growing and everything will freeze up with no upgrades..."

I have a friend who was hired 2 years before me and he is just off reserve with 100 people below him, where I, at a different airline have almost 500 under me! The companies are the same size, but his airline stopped growing!

However…
Whatever you do don't be lazy and don't consider another new hire training an unbearable obstacle... They don't like it at SWA! Hard work always pays off
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PS Good luck, man. I enjoyed reading your profile at pilot mentor network. Give it a few years, get PIC and every door will be opened for you!
 
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