Originally Posted by
newpilotusa
-What is it truly like to be a pilot at EAS?
-Is the quality of life okay?
-I read that the average pilot logs between 400-600 hours per year based on the fleet. Which fleet would you say gains the highest hours?
-I've read that EAS is a regional fractional organization. Does that mean they only fly to certain areas? I.e. MSP-DFW. But they don't fly routes like JFK-LAX or DFW-SFO?
-Is it a company where pilots go to gain experience and then move on to the majors or a larger fractional operation?
-How difficult is it to get hired here? Can one get hired with just CFI experience?
-I do not have a bachelor's degree, how much will this affect me?
-Are pilots getting hired at 1,200 hours? What are competitive numbers? Is there an age restriction? (meaning applicants will not be selected for an interview if they're under a certain age) What fleet are pilots currently getting hired into?
Sorry for the many questions, I am just very interested in EAS.
-As has been discussed here previously, the QOL is entirely subjective. It depends on what you personally deem valuable. If it's decent pay and rapid accrual of flight time and hotel points, definitely. If it's free time and a predictable schedule, ehhhh....
-I never got 600 in a year but you're in the neighborhood. The busiest assignment is Phenom 100/300 and 300 in particular.
-"Regional fractional" is more a characteristic of bases. EAS flys all over the place. You'll be going to LA and Teterboro as much as the next frac/135 guy. Being based centrally allows greater nonstop access to the coast for midwest owners/charters. Coast-to-coast isn't typical of the flying.
-EAS is definitely a stepping stone. A large gilded comfortable one, but a stepping stone nonetheless. Rough schedule, but puts TPIC time within easier reach than the regionals (more or less).
-EAS hires on personality period. And they do so very, very well. The pilot group has a cool/turd ratio that is unlike most in the industry. They're out there, but few and far between. If you meet the basic minimums, personality and group dynamics are 90% of your interview (and they do assess these).
Hope that helps! It's a good operation, just go into it eyes open. The schedule talk on here is all very real. If you can handle that, you'll have a good time.