Originally Posted by
MaxMar
Alternatively, it's a sign that the regionals are hiring, and it's hard to convince someone to fly a single engine turboprop for a few years when brand name jets are calling from across the ramp. Even for a lot more money and a better schedule, people would still use PS and Boutique and Surf Air to build time for the jet jobs because that's the career they want and it's their job to lose. When airline hiring slows back down, PS may become more appealing for some people. I have a hard time believing a PC-12 could compete with a 50,000 lb RJ regardless of the QoL.
I have to disagree with you there a bit. I came to PlaneSense as a pseudo career move. Im not here for life but I came for more than just time building, and planned to stay past my 1500 hours and contract. It IS some things that the company are putting us through that is making me teeter totter on a decision to stay or not past my contract. Im really not concerned about the money the airlines have to offer. The QoL that PlaneSense promises is what got me here in the first place. Having every other week off is a lot better in my opinion than having 3-4 days off when 2 of them are commuting days.
That being said, when youre gone for 8 days and min rested a majority of it, and then scrounging for food like a savage. It makes those 8 days feel waaay longer and those 6 days off not nearly long enough to recover physically and mentally.
If I leave for an airline, its simply because the QoL here is not what I was expecting it to be. That being said, I have just under a year until my contract is up so who knows what can change in the pilot group and schedules. It could get way worse, or way better. I also have pilots in my class who wont stay past their contracts and CANT go to the airlines (due to multi-time), but theyre so fed up with the mistreatment theyre getting from ops that they wont even think about upgrading or staying longer than necessary.
Everyone has their own stories. I dont have it as bad as some, but some days still make me question whether this was the right choice. So I dont blame those who leave for other options, airlines or not. A lot of people choose jobs for money, so the appeal of the airlines is ridiculously strong, but some of us dont. And when we leave that shows theres a bigger issue in my opinion.
Here just a few things that would make me stay longer...
-Longer min rest. 12 hour. 10 hours is unreasonable. That gives you an hour from the time you land to be ASLEEP In your hotel to get a full recommended 8 hours of rest. Obviously theres no time for dinner or breakfast on a min rest night if you plan on sleeping 8 hours.
-7/7 schedules. Everyone says itll never happen. Im hopeful.
-Turn times no shorter than 45 minutes. Thats already the minimum and its not frequently followed...so...
-Less responsibility on the pilots for frivolous things. Part of the reason I dont want to be captain is because of all the damn paperwork it comes with. I dont want to be a bookkeeper and a captain. Idk how you guys do those expense logs I give you major props...