Originally Posted by
pilotguy7
I've been here since January - but have not made it to the line yet due to training staffing issues. BUT - Good company, very different than most regionals as far as scheduling goes it is based on 18 days of availability a month - that does not mean you are working all those days, you just have to be available during that time. That can include both long call and short call reserve. Short call is 2 hours (and if you are home based, you are sitting at home relaxing going on about your life - just no drinking). You are salaried so, if you fly a lot or not at all its the same paycheck. That can be a good and bad thing.
The airline has plans to grow - grow - grow - grow! They have had growing pains in the past and really are transitioning from a small 135 to an airline. We are hoping they are learning from past mistakes. (you can read a lot of the above writeups to see things from the past).
As far as travel benefits - you and your family can fly on Via Metal.... They are actually in the process of writing up new rules for the whole travel benefits thing . . . as of right now, no friends, or buddy passes . . . that "could change" but we shall see. Yes MyID90 is what you can use to get discounts and jumpseats on partner airlines. . just google it for more info.
Training contract is 1 year - there has been rumors of folks who have left and not had to pay back a training contract - but that is only rumors. If you are planning on not being here more than a year-just go to Envoy, or some place that doesnt have a training contract.
Much of the growth is in AUS - it's a true hub-spoke system. Basically all flights are out -n - backs. Which equals a QOL that cant be touched by almost all the airlines out there. If you live at base, its more like a 9-5 job. If you dont live at base, you are positive spaced and provided a hotel room and car when on the road. and you get to keep all your points for hotels and airfare.... let me tell you - positive space tickets (counted as your work day) is a Godsend if youve ever had to experience the "joys" of being a commuter.
Are there issues with this airline - YEP. Could it possible be a great long term place to work - YEP.
BTW - our pilot group is pretty awesome, and tightknit. Our CP is a really good dude that will go to bat for you anytime. Heck, even the owner of the company just spent most of a day with some of our newer pilots in an aircraft showing them the ropes and going over flows... (he flies as well). Not gonna find that ANYWHERE.
Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.
This is a good write up. I enjoyed working there very much. They’re more like an ULCC operating smaller equipment than a traditional regional that does fee for departure for a mainline carrier. Via does their own branded flying, sells their own tickets, and has good growth plans including larger jets.
For a “regional” operator they treat their pilots better than most.
Positive space real tickets to/from work, no jumpseating, and you keep the air miles.
No airport standby or ready reserve. Pilots are home based.
Long call is from home. Short call is only assigned if they’re providing a hotel for you where they need you, or if you live in the hub.
Daily pay covers all work days, flying, layover, cancellations, training... all paid the same. Pay is above average starting. The health insurance is a bit more expensive than some are used to.
Hotels are all decent, no Super8 type crap, and you keep all the hotel points.
Crew meals are provided on duty days over 12 hours.
The jumpseat agreements are continuing to expand as agreements are made with more airlines. Interline family travel is being worked on and ZED (zone employee discounts) agreements should be coming soon too.
The weakest part right now is the schedules. They are getting better, but they still come much later in the month than they should. They are really good about getting you specific time off when needed when you ask.
Good airline, good folks running it, great pilot group.... if all regionals treated their pilots like this place does, the industry wouldn’t have such a bad name. Good company, and continuing to improve.