Leaving jet job for Q400?

[Doggtown88]

I’m curious to get some opinions on my current situation, I am flying a boeing aircraft at a 705 operation, however I am only getting 25-30 hours per month. My end goal is to fly for Air Canada but I am sitting at around 1400 hours total time.. this seems like a very slow way to reach my goal. My question is, would Air Canada view it as a red flag if someone left a job like mine to fly a Q400 at a regional in order to build time/experience quicker? Or should I suck it up and accept the slower time building with more quality hours?

Thanks for any input.

[Mr. North]

Short answer no, it would not be a red flag.

You have a Boeing type rating which means you can pass a course. And then if you slug it out at a regional to get those hours, it shows drive.

The minimums for AC have been teetering around 2,000 hours. There are 1,400 hour pilots at the regionals who will log more in four months than you will all year. They will get the call before you.

But what's another year when you're flying 30 hours for a 705 operator? Sounds pretty cushy to me. Good experience, build more confidence flying a jet. Sure you could go to the regionals and clock more time but when we're talking about the difference of 12-24 months you have to consider the few months it takes to switch operators and get checked out on a new type. 3-4 months? Splitting hairs at this point imho. Also consider what would happen if the music stops. I know I'd rather be waiting out a downturn sitting on a Boeing than as a new hire at a regional.

All that to say there is no wrong answer here. Good experience from both. Some drawbacks for each. Do what works for you.

[flieslikeachicken]

I’m curious to get some opinions on my current situation, I am flying a boeing aircraft at a 705 operation, however I am only getting 25-30 hours per month. My end goal is to fly for Air Canada but I am sitting at around 1400 hours total time.. this seems like a very slow way to reach my goal. My question is, would Air Canada view it as a red flag if someone left a job like mine to fly a Q400 at a regional in order to build time/experience quicker? Or should I suck it up and accept the slower time building with more quality hours?

Thanks for any input.

Great idea, but where are you planning on going to get hours on a Q?

First officers at Encore and Porter work significantly less than captains and I can't imagine you having luck bypassing Jazz pilots to AC if you choose that route.

[digits_]

Sounds like you've got a very cushy job?

Why do you want to go to AC? You don't necessarily have to answer here, but if it's something along the lines of "for the lifestyle and to build seniority to get a great schedule", you might already have all that.

Then again, perhaps you're doing the 705 equivalent of medevac flying. Unless your current job sucks: stay put and enjoy life. Go rent a c172 if you're dead set on getting more hours.

[goingnowherefast]

Don't forget 2 months of ground school and sim, where you won't fly.

Then you'll be on reserve and not flying much either. As other posts have said, thr Q400 operators are all in a captain shortage, so the FOs fly comparatively less.

Stick where you are. You'll get there.

[tango308]

If you still intend on going to the regionals to get to AC quicker, do not go to Jazz.
You will be held back by Jazz/AC and will see all your friends getting hired while you wait for your seniority to be allowed to join the mothership.

[Launchpad1]

If that's all your having to work per month, and the pay is reasonably good, I'd give it a good think as to whether you should just stay where you are.

That sounds like a very sweet job.

[Me262]

Stay put man. Enjoy your free time. You'll long for it once you start at AC on reserve, possibly commuting.

[Donald]

Sounds like you work for Canadian North.

[itaserb]

I would suggest not putting all your eggs in one basket by relying solely on AC. Have a backup plan in case they stop hiring or if you get PFO'd. Consider looking into some Middle Eastern carriers and their requirements. If you do decide to switch jobs, make sure it’s for your benefit—better working conditions, better aircraft, and more money. Right now, most regional carriers won’t offer any of that, especially if you’re flying 30 hours a month on a 737.

At the end of the day, AC isn’t perfect and has its own issues. Don't sacrifice your career for AC, because that job is not guaranteed.

Enjoy flying!

[flying4dollars]

Short answer no, it would not be a red flag.

You have a Boeing type rating which means you can pass a course. And then if you slug it out at a regional to get those hours, it shows drive.

The minimums for AC have been teetering around 2,000 hours. There are 1,400 hour pilots at the regionals who will log more in four months than you will all year. They will get the call before you.

But what's another year when you're flying 30 hours for a 705 operator? Sounds pretty cushy to me. Good experience, build more confidence flying a jet. Sure you could go to the regionals and clock more time but when we're talking about the difference of 12-24 months you have to consider the few months it takes to switch operators and get checked out on a new type. 3-4 months? Splitting hairs at this point imho. Also consider what would happen if the music stops. I know I'd rather be waiting out a downturn sitting on a Boeing than as a new hire at a regional.

All that to say there is no wrong answer here. Good experience from both. Some drawbacks for each. Do what works for you.

This is spot on. If your goal is AC, then your goal should be seniority because that's what dictates your life here. Get in and do it as quick as you can. The music is ALWAYS subject to slowing down and the sooner you can get your number the better. I'm all for lifestyle jobs and 'enjoying the journey' and all but I've learned in my career that job security will one day become the main priority in this industry. Given how volatile the world is increasingly becoming, it's becoming more important if this is a career you want to retire in.