Originally Posted by
mdolislager
From my personal research and reading it seems being able to hold a line quickly is your best bet at making a decent paycheck. How true is that in reality?
On first year pay that's definitely true. You don't need to be good at math to know that 22x90 > 22x75. It's not very common to break guarantee on reserve. I got a huge pay raise once I finally got a line.
Originally Posted by
mdolislager
I know the Brasilia will make less in the long run versus someone flying a line on the RJ, but knowing that holding a line on the RJ could take a year or more would you recommend shooting for the Brasilia if there is a choice?
It depends on what domicile you live in and whether you're able to move. I lived in an RJ only domicile and commuted to the Brasilia for a year and a half. I held a line for about a year or that. When I transitioned to the RJ I was right back to reserve, but I was on reserve at home so it was worth it to me.
On first year pay you'll almost definitely make more money on the Brasilia. On 2nd year pay if you're going to be on reserve on the RJ or especially if you're going to be commuting to reserve you'll probably still make more money staying on the Brasilia. Lineholder on the bro vs RJ reserve on 2nd year pay is about break even. On third year pay you're probably going to make more on the RJ even if you're still on reserve.
Originally Posted by
mdolislager
Last one, promise. And if a pilot transitions from the Brasilia to the RJ after the seat lock, does the pay go back down to the first year pay? I guess I'm confused if the yearly payscale is based on seniority with Skywest or years flying a particular aircraft. For example, flying the EMB for two yrs then transitioning to the RJ, does that pilot get 3rd year pay despite transition or would they fall down to the $22/hr 1st year pay?
Everything is based on longevity at the company. If you transition at 3 years you go to 3 year RJ pay. If you upgrade to captain at 7 years you go to 7 year captain pay.