soldierboy

Since I am new to this aviation stuff and haven't attended my flight training yet, can someone explain to me how the "bidding" stuff works?
I will plan to apply with Eagle after my flight training and try to get DFW as my base.

Thank you.

hotelmode

Every month the company publishes a bunch of different schedules to choose from. Some schedules are good for people who commute, and other schedules are good for people who live at their domicile. Most schedules aren't good for anybody. Every month you bid on all of these different schedules by telling the company which one you want the most, etc. The more seniority you have at the company (the longer you've worked for them), the better your chances of getting the schedule you want.

Bidding also applies to which domicile you are assigned and in most cases which airplane you get to fly.

soldierboy

I thought that once hired, they train you on a specific airplane, then you always fly on that one. That isn't the case?

Twin Wasp

Since pay rates may vary for different aircraft, you may want to change A/C for more money. Of course, if you're high up the list for a junior plane, you'll have more control over your life than a junior pilot of a senior plane. Decisions, decisions. Same thing for bases. In short, Seniority is Everything.

soldierboy

Would I make more as a CRJ FO compared to a Saab FO?
When I then upgrade, is there a big jump in pay for CRJ CA compared to Saab CA?
I am just trying to get information before I start all my planning/training and getting advice from people who have "been there, done that".

Bloodhound

Most of that kinda stuff is company specific. Some companies have different pay scales for FO's but some don't, I think. There is usually a noticable difference for CA's once you upgrade. It also depends on the size of the turboprop and jet. When we had 1900's and ATR's at XJT, Beech CA pay was only a little higher than ERJ FO. But ATR CA was significantly higher than both. And ERJ CA pay was a bunch higher than that.