This is further on what mking has already said.....
Originally Posted by
skystruck
-How are the work rules? Pay? Is it Union?
Work rules are pretty good, pay is among the top highest for 50 seaters, yes we are ALPA. Current contract good through 2010.
Originally Posted by
skystruck
-Where are new hires getting based? I heard ONT/LAX?
New hires are MOSTLY getting west coast (ONT/LAX) however many are still getting COEX bases (IAH/CLE/EWR)..... wouldn't take more than a couple months to get where you want to be either through bidding or base trading.
Originally Posted by
skystruck
-How are the lines/schedules? (early shows/late releases?)
Lines/schedules vary by month, by base and by person. Commuters of course always look for late start, early finish. If you plan to commute this is something to look for. If you are living in base, people prefer days off typically. Reserves get min. 11 off, lineholders min 12 off per month. Your schedule/line will improve with seniority as it does anywhere.
Originally Posted by
skystruck
-How long will a new person sit reserve?
Depends on the base. CLE might be 1 year or more. IAH/EWR maybe 3-6 months. Branded/Delta (SAT/LAX/ONT) would be shorter maybe 2-5 months id guess. SAT is getting longer but LAX/ONT seem to be the shortest.
Originally Posted by
skystruck
-How long was training? Where is training? Are you paid while in Training?
Training is accomplished in Houston at our training center at IAH.
Training from day 1 through the end of IOE is 2-3 months. 1 week basic indoc (company/faa rules/regs.) 2 days CRM, 2 weeks aircraft systems, 1 week (5) FTD sessions, 2 weeks (7) simulator sessions. Then the PC (checkride). Add days off in there and you end up at about 2 months. IOE will add on another couple weeks.
For what i described above from day 1-PC you are paid a per diem check (about $1500). After the PC you get Min. monthly guarentee of 75 hours.
Originally Posted by
skystruck
-Is there truth to a rumor that SMF might become a base?
Never heard of that and I wouldn't plan on it.
Originally Posted by
skystruck
-Upgrade times?
These are getting longer..... 2 years is no more.... 2.5-3 years currently and I'd honestly expect that to be closer to 4 for a new hire unless something changes. The current/expected times right now for LAX/ONT are about 2.5 years. IAH/EWR/SAT are moving closer to 3. CLE is 4+.
Originally Posted by
skystruck
-Can you where a leather jacket?
Yes if you buy one.
Originally Posted by
skystruck
-Company culture? Are you happy? Are the people who have been there longer than you happy? (I know "happy" is relative; I mean are you looking to leave as soon as possible or would you be happy to be CAP at XJET for a while?)
Culture is good. The pilots overall are happy to work here and know that we work for a solid company. I am happy and most pilots I fly with are too. Many pilots will stay here for the long haul if that says anything. Many are leaving to go to majors as well..... depends on the individual. Not many FOs are leaving unless they can get on at a major..... There really arent any "better" regionals so any move to another carrier would be a lateral move. This is definitly a step up from the TSA's/Mesa's and we get many people from those companies..... Id venture to say you will never find an XJT FO leave for those companies.
Originally Posted by
skystruck
-Does it look like XJT will be hiring into 2008?
Hiring will be for attrition/growth only. If you can figure out how many of our captains will be hired by majors I can tell you a number...... (its anyones guess). My guess would be in the 400-500 range for 2008.
Originally Posted by
skystruck
-What is the company's growth driven by?
Currently there is no growth. Growth will be driven by the success of our Branded, Delta, and Charter operations. Also, our future with continental will play a large factor in this. Growth will come if/when the company decides to order more airplanes. Until then, expect normal attrition rates of about 30 CA's/month to majors.
Hope this helps