Originally Posted by
n25na
just a quick fact check....there was never any flow to AS from QX and a QX FO has ALWAYS needed 2000 hrs at QX to be able to apply at AS.
Classes are being filled and flights may have been cancelled because there was a logjam as trainees were waiting several weeks to be put through IOE.
There are plenty of reasons that applicants are still applying at QX. Part of it may be the opportunity to apply at AS as an FO (admittedly, many have not been called yet to interview, but that seems to be changing) but it may also be that many desire to live or stay in the Pac NW and quality of life issues are important.
The jet debate is an age old, tireless one. QX has had plenty of FO's leave with worthless POS turboprop SIC FO time to fly big fancy jets like 747's (that is a really big one) and a variety of fancy non-worthless narrowbody "mainline" JETS that even have fancy, awesome first class seats and engines under the wings!
The Q400 isn't the end all and has it's challenges. From personal experience, it has been mostly reliable, has cool technology (HUD, RNP, coupled VNAV) and is a less claustrophobic experience for the peeps in the back while they sip complimentary local mircobrew and wine.
This site is plagued with constant visceral swill loaded with inaccurate information that makes it frustrating for those looking to make a good judgement on their career choice.
You beat me to it. Nicely done sir.
One thing I'd add: the best airplane to fly is an airplane that makes money: job security. SkyWest, one of the darlings of the industry, just posted a 14 million and change loss for 2Q2014. Horizons 2Q results weren't stellar, but the airline turned a profit. Playing the "Chase the Upgrade" game works great until your airline folds when you're in upgrade class...
Upgrade currently eight years, eleven months from hire to upgrade class. Not sure where the thirteen year figure came from.