Turboprop time for Airline Hiring??

Question

Most major airlines (United, Delta, Southwest, etc.) require about 1500 hours in a turbo prop or turbo jet. How would I fulfill this requirment? I'm only 15, but I'm just wondering. I'm taking flight lessons already and will have my PPL in less than two years. Through college I'm going to flight instruct and get my twin engine instrument rating. How would I fulfill the turbo requirment? Delta Connection Academy? Jet University? The thing is, I don't want to work for a regional airline my whole life. I want to eventually move on to a major airline. Would I just work for the regional for like 3 years or until I build enough time? How do I do this? Thanks!

Answer 1

That is what most people do.  They flight instruct, get a job at a regional with a reasonable opportunity to upgrade in a few years, upgrade to Captain and start send out resumes.

Answer 2

Your question is a valid one but to me it is very convoluted.  Just what do you want?

You seem the very ambitious, but do you really know what is involved?

You need to get to your twin endorsement, then think about an instrument rating.

Is you twin endorsement on piston or turbo prop - pressurised or non pressurised?

A tad more thought needs to go into this before we can give you an answer.

Answer 3

Check out Mr. Answers..he's 24 on this posting, on other postings he's 13.  He's obviously an expert but just can't make up his mind on how old he is.

Now to answer your question.   Don't worry about the majors for a while. One step at a time.  You have the right chain of events to get to the majors one day, but will the "majors" be there when it's your turn to hire on?  

So many of the majors that were around 20 years ago aren't around anymore.  Regional and fractional carriers might be more secure.  So don't get your undies in a bunch at 15 about working for the majors.  In fact you might want to shoot for flying for freight haulers like Fed Ex or UPS, or DHL.  Boxes don't puke.

Answer 4

This is what I am doing... At 24 I am working for a regional airline and at 35 I am moving into the big airlines.

Answer 5

You get your first time in turbine powered aircraft by flying for a charter operation or a commuter air carrier.  900+ hours per year.  Then try for a regional.  Then get a year+ captain time in something bigger.  Then try with the major air carriers.

Answer 6

Yep, you'll have to work for a regional or fly cargo.  This is part of the "paying your dues" part of your career.  However, most of those companies want that time to be Pilot in Command (PIC).  You will need to make captain at your regional in order to get the PIC time.  That takes more than 3 years.  You'll probably be at the regionals for more like 5-8 years before you are competitive at a major airline.