One of my friends recently got hired by Pinnacle... according to him, upgrades there are quick - two years. That sounds about right, from what I gather on Pinnacle's page on this website.

Right now, I have an interview lined up with PDT (btw Rickair, if you're reading this, thanks for the advice last time... I managed to get a later date), which I would much prefer over Pinnacle because PDT has an LGA base, whereas I don't want to live in any of Pinnacle's domiciles. But we all know PDT has long upgrades (if ever). From what I hear of current and former PDT pilots, the work rules and bennies seem good. I don't know much about Pinnacle except their pay seems kind of low.

All the veterans here say you should consider all the different things before choosing a regional... things that add up to QOL. Not singularly pay, or upgrade, etc. So what is really important? Is a fast upgrade worth having to live in a crashpad in Detroit or wherever for two years? Or should I just try for PDT, which I think I might be happy with, but not get to upgrade for many years?

BTW, I don't have enough ME time to apply to places like Xjet or RAH in case you're wondering. I considered applying to Comair too since they have a JFK base, but obviously their future is up in the air right now, so I wasn't sure if that was the direction to take.

And another thing, that same friend is doing ATP's regional jet training prior to his class for Pinnacle, because apparently, "4 out of 10 people wash out of training." That seems excessive to me.. is my friend drunk on ATP koolaid?