How would one lock in a CRJ?

AFdude411

New Member
Hey all,

Let's say that you are interviewing for a company that has Propjobs and RJ's, but you want the RJ slot.

I'm curious to see how one would go about trying to get a seat in a CRJ as opposed to a Propjob. I would like a RJ if possible. Is it by your experience or just by slots open when you are getting hired?

I know this kinda sounds like flame bait in a way with wanting to fly an RJ over a EMB-120 or B-1900 with better upgrade times...

Thanks guys,
Levon
 
Honestly, I'd take what I can get. The way it is right now, beggers can't be choosers. There was a guy not too long ago out of MAPD that pretty much lost his job offer b/c he wanted the CRJ but was offered the B1900 instead.

As far as "locking in" the CRJ job, unless you're friends with higher ups in staffing, I doubt there is a way you can.
 
[ QUOTE ]
I'm curious to see how one would go about trying to get a seat in a CRJ as opposed to a Propjob.

[/ QUOTE ]

Nice...
rolleyes.gif


How about, go to an airline that only has jets?

SJS strikes again.
 
It's all based on your seniority when you start, brotha. At most airlines it goes by age in your initial hire class. Good luck, but just remember you can try and switch planes later.
 
In the case of SkyWest applicants with turbine time are getting the jet and those only with piston time are getting the EMB-120.
So having prior turbine time under your belt and or prior 121/135 experience doesn't look bad either.

-Matthew
 
that's exactly what i was going to say! now a days, you ace the interview.. start working in whatever they put you in.. and once you gain some seniority switch to the plane you really want to fly! that's usually how it works! if you go around looking for the airplane, you may not get the job.
 
Thanks all...

All are very good points. I'm just tryin to see what is needed. So if you were to attend the CRJ/FMS training at ATPs would you have a better chance at RJ's? Or would it be a waste of dough?

These questions may be a little tough to answer. Sorry.
 
Depends on if you train at ATP or Pan Am etc...I heard both sides of the story that the regionals want/prefer canidates to have glass experience.
Likewise I have heard of people not getting and both getting offered the job due to not having or having prior glass exp.
If your not picking it up yet there are no guaratnees in this industry!

-Matthew
 
[ QUOTE ]
In the case of SkyWest applicants with turbine time are getting the jet and those only with piston time are getting the EMB-120.
So having prior turbine time under your belt and or prior 121/135 experience doesn't look bad either.

-Matthew

[/ QUOTE ]

Unless they are getting close to an RJ class date and dont have it filled. I have a friend in an RJ class right now with no turbine time, came from being a CFI. I had 10 hours turbine and got the RJ because they couldn't fill the class
 
The only way to "lock-in" an RJ is to get hired by an airline that only operates RJ's. If you go to an airline that operates props and jets they are going to assign you where they need you. If the airline is hiring for both, then your seniority determines what you get. Having been in both, I can tell you that, from up front, you really can't tell the difference, except by the altimeter, and sometimes not even by that.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Thanks for the info. I'm looking into skywest, but obviously, i want an RJ over a prop..

[/ QUOTE ]

Honest question: Why? As a general rule, turboprops have a shorter upgrade time (since most people want to fly the jet, see ESF's SJS comment), it's still turbine time, and I think it would be cool to say that you flew turboprops before they went away. I think eventually it will be like being a DC-3 or 727 pilot today. If someone gave me a choice between an ATR and a CRJ, I'd probably take the ATR. CRJs are nice, but I like to look at more than just what equipment I fly.
 
[ QUOTE ]
It's all based on your seniority when you start, brotha. At most airlines it goes by age in your initial hire class. Good luck, but just remember you can try and switch planes later.

[/ QUOTE ]

Be the oldest in the hiring class? Doesn't that get you first pick?
 
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Thanks for the info. I'm looking into skywest, but obviously, i want an RJ over a prop..

[/ QUOTE ]

Honest question: Why? As a general rule, turboprops have a shorter upgrade time (since most people want to fly the jet, see ESF's SJS comment), it's still turbine time, and I think it would be cool to say that you flew turboprops before they went away. I think eventually it will be like being a DC-3 or 727 pilot today. If someone gave me a choice between an ATR and a CRJ, I'd probably take the ATR. CRJs are nice, but I like to look at more than just what equipment I fly.

[/ QUOTE ]

Honestly, it's because I've been an avionics technician for over 5 years now on both, active duty and reserves for the USAF. I know avionics systems very well. I have worked with both traditional and EFIS type avionics setups throughout the Air Force inventory. I prefer the EFIS. (here comes the flames
tongue.gif
)

I'm not one to become complacent on automation, but I like the new technology. Can you blame me?
 
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
It's all based on your seniority when you start, brotha. At most airlines it goes by age in your initial hire class. Good luck, but just remember you can try and switch planes later.

[/ QUOTE ]

Be the oldest in the hiring class? Doesn't that get you first pick?

[/ QUOTE ]

I'll be 23 when I should be interviewing... So that doesnt help me much..
banghead.gif
 
I'll be rougly 31.

Of course, I dream of flying an EMB-120 so I'd be a good guy to have around in the interview pool. lol
 
AFdude I would recommend not giving your interviewers any hint that you would not care for a job flying the bro. They may interpret that as you being a high maintaince pilot... What's so good about jets, anyways?
 
It's all about building as much turbine time as possible IMO. And of course, I wouldnt let the interviewers know that I have a preference in aircraft.. I dont want the unwanted attention, ya know?
 
I was told I wasn't competetive for the jet, but I would be considered for the EMB-120. I told the interviewer "Great, I would love to fly the EMB-120" I ended up in the Jet anyhow. They want to see that you want to work for the COMPANY. If SkyWest flew C152's, I would have been excited to do that as well, and I think that's what they want to see.
 
Back
Top