Congratulations on achieving what you have. In all seriousness. PC12NG tells me you just might be a mil pilot (prob Spec Ops) and I know what kind of life that can be - especially if you were at Cannon.

Now, in terms of your application, being former military myself I will mention that despite the new aircraft, this really isn't a place I would recommend to anyone right now. Consider those words keeping in mind that I actually benefit in seniority with each new hire. The money may be better than some regionals and/or what you're currently being paid, but I'm sure you're aware that there is so much more to it than pay.

First is the training contract. This tactic, while some debate the legality/validity of enforcing it, is pretty much the biggest indicator that this is not a destination for any self-respecting pilot. Of course, the tactic is common at regional airlines and for good reason - almost all regional airlines are viewed as "stepping stones" to bigger/better airlines. As such, as soon as you're hired, you will most likely realize the attitude and treatment and, once again, aggressively start your job search again. The fact that a company that flies the size of aircraft that it does needs a training contract in the first place should be a dead giveaway about what must be going on once hired.

Second are the basing options. Unless you live in Denver, basing is an issue from an "open time" standpoint. You may become a line holder fairly quickly but trip exchanges and trading is limited simply because there are not many trips to select from. Once you get a line, you're pretty much stuck with it. And the pairings are built by the company - the union only has say so on the lines.

Third, and most frustrating for me, is the treatment/regard, or lack thereof. Crew scheduling is also a high turnover position within the company and lots of schedulers don't know the contract. So, while on reserve (and even with a line), you can expect to spend a fair amount of time on the phone debating/discussing the contract language wrt being assigned on reserve or when being rescheduled after a snow day or any number of various other issues. Ive been stranded for hours awaiting a hotel - especially after turning down an extention. I've stayed in vastly subpar hotels. I've been asked multiple times to accept an extention. And, for the most of the first year or so, a fair amount of the flying is backside of the clock.

As a professional pilot, I have found that this job is just not worth the heartache. Of course, there is the hope that conditions and pay will improve soon but from the looks of it, soon isn't really that soon and the improvement will only be to industry standard. I, like many others I know am, of course, seeking to move on. Of course, our union is recommending that same action.

At this point, about the only thing this job is worth is the Airbus type rating (which might help w/ getting hired overseas) and/or if you plan on living in Denver for some time. BTW, Denver is not cheap...

Of course, you should do what is best for you and your family and I wish you the best of luck in whatever decision you make. If you are hired, welcome. Fly straight, don't shy away from filing grievances if needed, and display your orange lanyard proudly.