Mefesto said:
Hell just about everyone I know working for a 121 carrier got their job because of refferals. FedEx forget it without one...
That's true right now when hiring is limited, but during the 1998-2001 hiring boom, it was definitely not the case (except for maybe Hawaiian and Aloha, but they are really small carriers).
phrogpilot73 said:
Perhaps you can answer a question I've always wondered. I don't know if you went VFR direct to the big boys, or started in the regionals. But it seems to me that the little regional jets might be more fun to fly. I've heard that if you stick around the regionals, you can make a career out of it...
As a retired NFO, I did not go VFR direct to a major (if you consider Hawaiian a major - it's really a national). I flew regional before my furlough and I am again now.
First year pay at my regional was a considerable $14k in 1999. It's about $18k there now. As a Captain in a 19 seat turboprop, I am making about $45k on 4th year pay. To get this high salary, I work 5 days a week with average 12 to 14 hours of duty each day. I am one of the highest paid 19 seat 121 pilots in the industry. Jet guys and larger turboprop guys can make more.
At Hawaiian as a 2nd year DC-10 Second Officer (FE), I made $55k at my minimum guarantee working 12 days a month with a 10-12 hour duty day. If I wanted to push it, I could have worked 8 days a month with 16 hour duty days flying HNL-LAX-HNL turns and made max pay - about an additional 12K per year.
After 15 years, you can make $100k at a regional and have a QOL. But you will not have any retirement (debatable if you will in the future at a major). But until you upgrade to Captain, count on making $18k (first year) to about $32k (max at best regional) per year as an FO. Upgrade to Captain can be anywhere from 2-3 years to 9-10 years depending on the regional. You can count on making $85-90k in the 3rd or 4th year as an FO at a major and at least $50k in the 2nd. Hawaiian FO pay is $70k for 2nd year (the $55k was as an FE not FO. The DC-10s are gone so all pilots are now FOs.) and $100k by year 4. FOs top out in the 12th year at $125k and Captains at $185k).
Majors also have considerably better work rules and protections.
So yes a regional can be a career position, but a lower paying harder working career.
Is it a good job? It an okay job at a regional but it was a great job at Hawaiian. It will be a great job again. And it sure the hell beats an office no matter what level you fly at.