JackieChan

I was hired at the end of September, got off IOE in January, and held CLT in February. So I was based in Cinci for 2 weeks(ish). If they can keep hiring 10 a class, like they had show up yesterday, that'll be more people below you than I had out of training.
I'm expecting 8 months- a year of reserve.
And it's a blended schedule so you have no say in which plane you fly unless you have a good bit of seniority.

Storm01

Solid, thanks. Sorry to piece mill this, so here's a few at once.

Where is training located? EFB's? Anything else that you wish someone would've told you before you jumped in?

New to 121, not new to flying. Currently in Coastal NC, PSA/CLT makes sense to be able to commute for. Within 35 mins of OAJ,CRE,ILM all with PSA flights to CLT daily it looks like. Really want to start with a company that's "low gain" on the misery that seems to be so wide spread. Any input is welcomed. Just retired from mil, want to keep flying and stay in current locale.

SEPfield

I'm actually surprised to see anyone still considering PSA. If you actually live in CLT then it might be an ok place to work. Otherwise if you are going to commute I would wait until you are turned down by Endeavor, Republic, Skywest, and Compass then consider Piedmont, Commute Air, Envoy and Express Jet, and then you can come on down to the bottom of the barrel where GoJet and PSA reside.

PSA has nearly the worst pay in the industry
The contract is terrible, especially for reserves.
The contract is being violated daily in regards to critical pay.
4 upgrades so far this year, so no quick upgrade
3 CRJ-700 deliveries have been deferred, so far.
And before you get excited about the 10 new hires, make sure you note that the last seniority list had 10 new hires as well, and also 16 resignations.

Don't believe the propaganda from the Ads or the recruiters:

There is no growth.
There is no stability.
I could go on and on...

Systemized

A shortage of FOs will help new hires hold lines quick out of training. If there's 40 FO reserves system wide and the company hires 20/month, it could take two months for a new hire to hold a line. The shortage will also help new hires get CLT.

Storm01

Copy all, thanks for the candor. I have CJO's from RAH (not sure what to make of the Chpt 11, so just delaying a bit), TSA. Endv interview next week....concerned with commute to the NE though. Seems like every time I think it's worked out something takes a turn for the worse. Looks like the "way it is" in the regionals I guess. Not a very "confidence instilling" industry it would appear.

TalkTurkey

Hashtag winning

FirstClass

I would consider a wholly owned for sure. In order to keep this flow ponzi scheme alive, the only entrance to American will be from a wholly owned. They have to protect their regional feed as long as they possibly can.

JackieChan

Training: 6 weeks in Dayton, then about 2 Weeks in CLT or CVG. EFB's being delivered to everyone in April for a trial period where we'll have to still have current Jeps for 6 months.
I'm here solely for the CLT base and I commute. In retrospect I still wouldn't trade the shortest regional commute I could ask for at PSA for any better pay/contract incentives. I turned down CJO's to endeavor, compass and Miami Air to be here and it's all worth it so I can take an easy hour and 15 minute commute home.
Your priorities probably aren't the same as mine but I've thought a lot about it, and don't think I'd take a job at spirit, allegiant, or virgin America purely because it'd take longer to get to work and id have less time at home.

SEPfield

I work at PSA and this place is most definitely not 'low gain" on the misery. PSA is currently near the bottom of all regionals, granted that could change, but Doug parker from AAG, the man who pulls the strings has basically promised that it won't get any better.

If ease of commute is you're biggest factor than PSA in CLT or Gojet in RDU is probably your best bet.
However New York is a fairly short commute for Endeavor which currently has the best pay and contract rules. For instance( at endeavor) you are allowed to commute to your base during your reserve period instead of being required to be in Dayton at 0500 (PSA) thus having to commute the night before and pay for a hotel.
Endeavor has a 4 hour minimum day regardless if you work 1 minute or 13 hours. PSA has a 3.5 hour min day but only if you start before 1200 and finish after 1700. Meaning if you fly 1 leg on your first or last day, you make about $25 instead of $120
Endeavor has 100% deadhead, PSA has 50%
Endeavor has 150% overtime, and any time requested above 85hrs. PSA has 125% overtime, and manipulates the pairings to keep the credit below min day (speculation, but coincidental) and critical pay is a dream because they manipulate the reserve grid to prevent critical days (fact and currently undergoing arbitration)
Endeavor is projecting a 30 month upgrade, PSA claims quick, but we still have 2 year FOs.
First year pay at Endeavor is 50k
First year pay at PSA about 30k including the bonus

This is just a comparison of the current "best" regional versus the current 2nd to worst, but closing fast, regional.

Storm01

Good insight. I have a little "maneuver space" being retired military, and QOL is a top pri. Trying to keep it in perspective. Tough to do with such a volatile animal that this industry seems to be........