What would you do

[fruz]

Hey,

Just wondering if anyone has any advice or opinions of what they would do. I work for a 704 operator. I’m an FO on an aircraft over 12,500Lbs. I’m near the top of the FO seniority list and should be upgraded within 3 to 4 months hopefully. Pay is decent here and the cost of living where I’m living is pretty low. Job security is also pretty assured as well - at least for a while I think.

Problem is I’ve recently considered leaving due to the fact that jobs at the higher level are beginning to dry up. My ultimate goal was to fly with mainline but I don’t foresee them calling anytime soon. However, the way the economy is going, I don’t want to get stuck flying with my current company for a long time before things get going again. Job security is obviously a big concern but I know sometimes you have to take gambles in order to get ahead.

Question is, Is it better to move to a small 705 operator and sit right seat rather than stay where I am and possibly go left seat within 3-4 months maybe. What looks better on a resume, sitting left seat on a multi-turbine prop over 12,500 or right seat on an RJ.

Any thoughts?

[North Shore]

I'd stay where you are - lots of others between you and the EI line. If you move on, and the smaller 705 job goes TU (or has a layoff), as smaller airlines are prone to doing in Canada, then you'll be sucking hind tit everywhere else looking for a new job. Quality 704, with an upgrade beats the chance at a jet, IMO..

[mattedfred]

stay put. PIC multi-turbine is better than SIC jet IMHO.

[Phlyer]

No brainer.
Stay where you are - get the upgrade (and pay). Multi command counts for a lot and that will open more doors than a maybe at the other place. Now is not the time to be changing jobs where you end up at the bottom of the totem pole.
Best of luck.

[Triple7]

do you have an atpl?

[fruz]

Yes.

[looproll]

Jumping ship is VERY risky at this time.

[Johnny#5]

I say forget BOTH companies....

Buy a van and travel the country solving mysteries. Thats where its at.


Case closed.

[flying4dollars]

I'm in exactly the same boat, however, as much as I'd love to fly an RJ and live the airline pilot life, sort of, I'm very happy with where I am, and I'd much rather wait a few months to move into the left seat of a turbine, than into the right seat of a jet. Fast tracking to the right seat of a jet is becoming such a common goal these days. Jazz has hired very low time guys, ie. less than 1500 and they'll never see the left seat.

Unless the company treats you like ass and makes u feel worthless, stay put, get your upgrade, make a bit more money, start building command time, increase your PDM, CRM, and stick and rudder skills that much more, and the airlines will sure appreciate it when its time to move into their seats.

[mattedfred]

Jazz has hired very low time guys, ie. less than 1500 and they'll never see the left seat.

why do you say never? seniority and making it through upgrade training are the only things standing in their way.

[flying4dollars]

Jazz has hired very low time guys, ie. less than 1500 and they'll never see the left seat.

why do you say never? seniority and making it through upgrade training are the only things standing in their way.

Okay so..several years for an upgrade? My old CP was a jazz guy and said it was a 6-9 year wait for the left seat, granted tyou can HOLD an ATPL. Some have been hired with less than 1500 hrs. Those 200 hour guys included. They can write, and have a frozen ATPL, but no way to get pic time means no way to actually get it.

[mattedfred]

Jazz has hired very low time guys, ie. less than 1500 and they'll never see the left seat.

why do you say never? seniority and making it through upgrade training are the only things standing in their way.

Okay so..several years for an upgrade? My old CP was a jazz guy and said it was a 6-9 year wait for the left seat, granted tyou can HOLD an ATPL. Some have been hired with less than 1500 hrs. Those 200 hour guys included. They can write, and have a frozen ATPL, but no way to get pic time means no way to actually get it.

6-9 years is not never and of course there is a way for them to get the required hours for an ATPL.

[Doc]

Stay where you are. The bottom of a seniority list at a new company can be a very dangerous place.

[mach .8]

Stay where you are. The bottom of a seniority list at a new company can be a very dangerous place.

I think it's worth taking risks otherwise you would never move up

[flying4dollars]

6-9 years is not never and of course there is a way for them to get the required hours for an ATPL.

Sure is, but its not cheap!! He should get the pic time now while he can, go to Jazz/AC/WJ later. If he doesn't mind the right seat for another 9 years, and he wants the airline life, then he should go for it.

Maybe different if he wasn't close to an upgrade, but if he is he might as well stay. But, up to him

[bob sacamano]

Work to live, don't live to work.

All vectors lead to final.

[flying4dollars]

Work to live, don't live to work.

All vectors lead to final.

Try telling that to Edmonton approach...

[Niteflyer]

Seniority is king/queen.
Stay where you are. Hopefully the line will start moving again soon.

[hertford]

I have to agree with the majority and say stay where you are, unless you think you're gonna get tanked don't move,
times are tight and upgrades are nice.

Trust me being unemployed and trying to find work blows, although you can catch up on all the missed seasons of 24 and lost!! Stay put and enjoy the future left seat.