So a couple of interesting options for the summer...

[Title27GT]

For the past few weeks, I've been flying a Cessna 402 (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/e/e1/Cessna402C-FFAP02.jpg) between Nantucket and Hyannis for Cape Air. Due to Cape Air's codeshare agreement with JetBlue, I was able to get a sort of cadet/internship position with JBU. Unfortunately, JetBlue has not answered my calls and it looks like that's going nowhere.
      Yesterday, I called Cayman Airways to inquire about job oppertunities for a 17 year old with a commercial rating and an almost-ATP rating purely out of curiosity and expecting to be laughed at and made an example of. Surprisingly, they called back earlier today telling me they needed several pilots to man the Twin Otter (http://www.bracreef.com/imgdata/site/Cayman-Airplane2.jpg) on Inter-Island routes and, if I got some seniority, to Montego Bay, Jamaica. When I asked the lady if she was kidding she said no, and that they were actually looking for some young American pilots to impress the tourists. Unfortunately, I live in New York.

In short, the pay is far better because CAW is the flag carrier for the Cayman Islands, but I would have to find a way to live in Miami and commute to Grand Cayman every day. I'm willing to do it, but I wish there was a better way. In addition, I could be stuck in the right seat all summer and not make Captain.

To the contrast, Cape Air is a small airline but I'm already more senior than most of the 35 year olds flying for them and have secured a captain position. It's also ridiculously easy to commute into Massachusetts.

What are your opinions? What should I do?

Some serious answers would be appreciated.

[NOA_Haunted]

DO IT

[YPrrrr]

It's actually a realistic possibility for you to move to Miami for this?

[Daddy]

DO IT

How long are you expected to stay in Miami?

[Title27GT]

How long are you expected to stay in Miami?

Pretty much the entire summer. I'd be jumpseating in the cockpit with other Cayman pilots, so I wouldn't be paying air fare.

[YPrrrr]

Would joining this other airline destroy your standing with your current one, or would you still be able to go back?

[Daddy]

Pretty much the entire summer. I'd be jumpseating in the cockpit with other Cayman pilots, so I wouldn't be paying air fare.

Your girlfriend is fine with it?

A summer in Miami doing something I enjoy seems like something I'd want to do.

[Houdini]

What kind of pay would you get?

[Title27GT]

Would joining this other airline destroy your standing with your current one, or would you still be able to go back?

Here's the thing: If and when I move on to a Major American Airline, 2 months of flying an Airliner with the flag carrier of a fairly well known country is going to look damn good on my resume compared to zipping a cessna around Massachusetts.

Your girlfriend is fine with it?

A summer in Miami doing something I enjoy seems like something I'd want to do.

I don't know, I haven't had a chance to ask her.

I'm not absolutely familiar with the city, but my main concern is finding a place to live. Perhaps there are other cayman pilots commuting from Florida that I could room with...

[Title27GT]

What kind of pay would you get?

Just about 50 dollars an hour, which is more than a first-year captain at American Airlines makes. I'm currently making more at Cape Air, because each flight is about 35 minutes long. If I get captain, I could make 80 dollars an hour. If I got the route from Crand Cayman to Jamaica, I could make a few thousand dollars during vacation.

[YPrrrr]

Well if you can find a suitable residence in Miami, it sounds like a great plan to me. I'd say do it if you can get the housing situation to work out.

[Title27GT]

Well if you can find a suitable residence in Miami, it sounds like a great plan to me. I'd say do it if you can get the housing situation to work out.

I think tomorrow I'll get a list of the CAW Roster and call up a few of the guys that are living in Florida.

[Houdini]

Just about 50 dollars an hour, which is more than a first-year captain at American Airlines makes. I'm currently making more at Cape Air, because each flight is about 35 minutes long. If I get captain, I could make 80 dollars an hour. If I got the route from Crand Cayman to Jamaica, I could make a few thousand dollars during vacation.

If you can find a place to live in Miami that won't offset your income, do it.

[NOA_Haunted]

Wow someone on Boyah is actually doing something with there lives.

[Daddy]

Wow someone on Boyah is actually doing something with there lives.

V, Socks, Kaz, and I are in college; I don't think that is not doing something with our lives.