Originally Posted by
MEMpilot
It's clearly because of the ATP rule coming into effect next month. That and as our CEO has mentioned, "a diminished interest in pursuing commercial aviation."
It's very hard for those getting into this profession for the first time to understand what is most important. Many will take the bait of a 'bonus' or 'short upgrade' or worst yet a 70 SEATER JET that makes them feel like a real airline pilot, despite having a salary that doesn't reflect the passenger count. Expressjet doesn't offer the enticements, however it will give you a good QOL (for a regional airline).
Expressjet has a great contract relative to the industry and in my opinion, this is what many need to focus on in order to preserve their self-respect and dignity. Don't take the bait, go where the contract will allow to wake up and not hate yourself and the decisions you've made by becoming a regional airline pilot. The job is fairly dehumanizing even at the 'best' regional, so try and go to one that won't totally destroy your soul in every manner. So yeah, read read read about contracts. Most important.
The honeymoon with your shiny 70 SEATER will end after six months to a year. Jumpseat around on different carriers and you'll develop a good picture of where the morale is lowest and at best, marginal.
I know I've never been called Mr Optimism, but as one of the only big regionals left that haven't taken concessions, I see storm clouds on the horizon for ASA/Expressjet. Let's just say SKW isn't going to let us keep losing $25M/quarter forever and we're mostly a 50 seat airline. Every day, I hear more senior ASA pilots say they don't see the doors staying open more than 5 years. I know 15 and 20 year pilots that have apps in everywhere. So maybe these new entrants to the industry are reading the writing on the wall.