I'm back. Things I learned in training.
Hello everyone. After a few week absence I am back to the forums. I am finishing my sim training at PSA today, and I would like to share some of my experiences.
First, PSA seems to be a great place to work so far. Everyone is seems to be cool and most folks are pretty happy being here. I think alot of it has to do with PSA being owned by mainline. All of the instructors will bend over backward to help you get through the program if you have a positive attitude. Also, the training pay is better than alot of regionals. You get guaranteed monthly minimum plus 24/7 per diem (tax free) which will equate to nearly $1000 a month alone. First year pay is $22.44 an hour. The scale on airlinepilotcentral is not accurate. Essentially, you will make more in training than when you are on reserve. In addition, all your hotel is paid and you get a room to yourself.
Second, I have learned that flight time is not an accurate measure of skill. Since new hire flight time seems to be the biggest argument here on the forums, I would like to comment on my observations. This training is tough, just like any new hire training at any airline would be. It is unlike anything that you learn while flying GA. Someone that has 1500 hours instructing would have no advantage over someone with 500 hours. As a matter of fact, a kid (20 years old) that went through training with my class had 300 hours and I think 25 multi. He was the sharpest guy in the class! He aced his training. Not many people washed out, but one of the higher time (1500 hours) guys was an idiot and didnt even make it through ground training. So, 2000 hours in a Cessna or Piper will not do much to prepare you for this job. There are many other factors.
Last, like I stated before, my overall experience has been great. I don't have much to complain about, however I will share the lows with you. First, the ground training is in Dayton. Dayton is a poophole. Dirty, ghetto, nothing to do. Most of the guys I saw there are punks. I have never seen more K-Fed wannabees in my life. The girls are not very attractive. Getting through being in Dayton was the hardest part. The only fun thing I did there was visit the Air Force museum. We stayed at the Dayton Airport Hotel. The hotel restaurant there, Wilbur's, was convienent, but that is all I can say for it. If you eat there, be prepared to run to the john. In addition, the hotel charged you for a fridge and for internet.
Other than that, the only other low was here in Charlotte, where the sim training is held. The hotel we are at here is very nice. Super luxury compared to the Dayton Hotel. However, there is nothing close by to get food. There is one restaurant about a mile away, but thats it. The hotel van will not take you anywhere to eat. They are very stingy with rides. But the stay here in Charlotte has been quite nice overall.
I would recommend PSA to anyone seeking a first officer position. Pay is not the worst, you will be flying a jet, and upgrades are looking to come down to around 2 years. Upgrade mins are ATP mins. I would encourage anyone interested to apply. They are hiring like crazy.
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