I've been casually observing these forums for months now and with all the negativity that exists in these threads I decided it was time to post something positive.

I was hired at American Eagle during the Summer of 2011. I've seen our airline in the darkest days of bankruptcy, merger, concessions, base closures, outsourcing, contract violations, to even our name getting ripped from underneath us and becoming – Envoy.

But to paint our experiences at Envoy with a broad stroke is disingenuous. Not all of us have it as bad as these numerous threads make it seem. I’m here to simply share my own. I can attest that flying with different Captains and speaking to other First Officers, my situation is not uncommon. But the angry and vocal voices, sadly, drown us out.

• I am approaching 5 years with the company this summer.
• I was displaced to Chicago due to the LGA/JFK closure but I made a decision to move to my new base and not commute. It was one of the best decisions I’ve made.
• I’ve been in a long term relationship, do not have kids, and love this amazing city.
• I’ve been able to maintain my CRJ FO status the entire time.
• I’ve been able to hold a steady line for over two years now. Since Part 117, our line values have deteriorated but trip trading allows me to increase my line value to 80-85 hours a month while still maintaining 12-13 days off before picking up open time.
• With open time available and the ability to break up trips (for turns, two days, etc.) I am able to credit 100-110 hours a month.
• In 2015, my gross pay was roughly $62K. With step 4 and 5 hourly pay, per diem, performance bonuses, 150% open time and 200% critical coverage pay I am able to make a livable wage.
• Now in 2016, with the addition of $2.5K retention bonuses every three months, profit sharing, and an increase in my hourly pay to step 6, I’m looking at somewhere near $70K. I might have to work hard to earn that but it’s also a far cry from simply taking my hourly pay and multiplying it by 75hrs guarantee for twelve months.
• I am young, if I simply wait for my flow to come, even using conservative numbers; I would still have over 30 years at American Airlines.
• There are some amazing people at Envoy. If it’s getting a beer at the end of a long day, going out to explore an overnight, or just sitting down for lunch in between flights - I genuinely look forward to flying with most Captains and Flight Attendants.

The purpose of this post is to share a different perspective. Envoy has its problems. Just like any other regional airline. But each of us can make our experiences here more difficult by focusing heavily on the negatives. Given my personal situations, I was fortunate enough to have a choice. I’ve chosen differently. But I’m not the only one.