Originally Posted by
FTN616
Hey guys. FO new hire here. I'm trying to figure out which regional I will end up at. I know you all love this question....The 3 I have offers from that I'm considering are Skywest, PDT, and PSA. I've pretty much got it narrowed down to PDT and Skywest. I know this is a personal question as there are multiple variables, all of which I've considered. For me the flow is enticing at PDT. Strictly on QOL and bases I would prefer Skywest. However it appears career progression will occur faster with PDT which is also important to me. Numbers currently show flow to American in 4-5 years at PDT. If anyone has selling points they want to throw at me for PDT or Skywest, go for it. I fully anticipate the smart ass remarks and belittling these forums are rampant with. 13 years in the military, I can take it.
Seriously though, this is a big decision obviously and I'm pretty much at the point of flipping a coin so any input helps. Thanks.
Are you a former military aviator? In that case, the flow is completely pointless; you'll be at the majors long before your flow number comes up. (And I would take that "4 year flow" number with not just a grain of salt, but a chunk of it large enough to hobble a camel.) So, I'd say: pick whatever regional allows you to live in base and not commute. It is a totally different job when you live in base vs. commuting. And commuting to reserve is a special h*ll that hopefully you never have to endure.
If your military experience didn't involve pointy things that burn kerosene, then perhaps PDT's flow might be a bit more enticing. But honestly, these figures being quoted on 'flow times' are not based in reality, just like someone getting hired today at SKW won't necessarily upgrade in 10 months, despite the fact that our most junior CA has now been here all of 10 months.
My advice, and that of pretty much everyone else here, remains the same: Work for whatever regional is most convenient for you to live in base. Whatever you do, do not commute for this job. It will challenge your sanity and your personal relationships....