Originally Posted by
DoNoHarm
I got a post card in the mail yesterday from Commutair saying that you are hiring jet pilots and your airplanes are "Operated By Prospective United Pilots". Also that you are Tripling Fleet Size!
Also that you have $74,000 in first year compensation. I assume this includes health care, 401k, travel benefits, and just about everything else.
I assume this is just really sleazy marketing and little of it is true.
To be fair, CommutAir wasn't the first to advertise annual pay that way (several months ago, Air Wisconsin did- they now show it in a 3 year window; Trans States currently does, etc). Beginning in December, First Officers will begin @ $36.91/hour. At guarantee, that equals $33,219. Conservatively, most people figure crediting (not block) 1,000 hours in a year without trying hard, that would be $36,910. Honestly we don't have many work rules, but there are extra soft pay provisions not being included here. Add the bonus being paid to EVERYONE $22,100, that equals $59,010. Yes, they add in the cost of insurance, 401K, POSSIBLE (not guaranteed) performance bonuses, per diem, parking, uniforms & commuter hotel rooms. So put your own dollar amount to those benefits. My spouse has a really good job at a really big company and other than a few areas, our medical & dental insurance is better (again, subjective).
Will you fly with people that are in the CPP program- yes. Are there many awesome pilots here that aren't in the program, or haven't applied to it- yes.
As of now, our fleet is scheduled to go to 40 jets (we currently have 21 or 22). There is a MOU with United to go to 61 jets total. I don't think anyone here sees that happening without huge changes in contract, recruiting and retention improvements/additions. Right now, based on how upper management is handling many things, I don't personally know anyone who would recommend working here. Honestly, the next few months will be quite telling for our future...
Hope that gives you a little more insight.