Originally Posted by
Taco280AI
I appreciate the responses. I have my Bachelor's and two graduate certificates. SkyWest does stand out from the others from what I've read in QOL and offers west coast bases and would absolutely be my top choice, but from what I'm seeing (and again, may be missing something) others are paying up to $25k more with higher hourly and bonuses. That's a big chunk of change. Now I'm not driven to fly based on money, but I do have to pay the bills.
What I really want to do is fly again. In the past four months I've flown a combined total of 9 hours. Yes, 9 whole hours. Minimums are 8 per month, but with numerous AC in reset, transferring AC to different companies since we're getting new ones, flight hours are very low right now. At least in Afghanistan we were getting 40+ a month (30-60 usually). Came to the Army to fly, and that is the smallest part of my job. Certainly appreciate everything it has provided, but will move on asap.
Not saying SkyWest would take me, but for those who are with them is the QOL worth the lower pay? In your opinion and experiences, for yourself. Just brainstorming options for the future. QOL with a few years of lower pay vs suck it up (the Army way) and get paid better for a few years.
Probably enough talking from me for a while. Stay in the books, continue with FW training, eyes and ears open, mouth shut.
Not to completely throw a wrench in your plans but have you considered just staying with helos when you get out. As a relatively high time helo gut myself (7500 give or take) who is tossing around the regional idea, there are several openings with the various EMS outfits. AMC, Evac, PHI etc. looking for helo guys. Especially if you have actual IMC in category time and can fly SIFR. Depending where you end up, you can be making close to 6 figures from the start. Also, the 7-7 might be a good deal for QOL. Just my 2c. Best..