Originally Posted by
05Duramax
Thanks for the reply. 4-5 years? Why would Horizon be upgrading all these guys if reserve is that long? What is the point?
From what I have heard the guys on the Q400 are flying the most and upgrading the fastest. Obviously as they draw down the Q's at some point that will not be the case.
I'm just trying to decide if I go to Horizon is it worth waiting the 3 months for an ERJ class or get seniority and the extra 5k bonus and go to the Q. I'm Seattle based, why I'm looking at Horizon.
After the 2017 staffing debacle, the company began a hiring frenzy in late 2017. We were anticipating another 23 ERJs, but deliveries stopped. So for the first half of 2018, we were very heavy on ERJ Captains and FOs to the point any ERJ reserve pilot was barely flying. At that particular point in time, the most junior lineholder was around 5 years. We didn't resume ERJ deliveries til April/May, but we only took 5 during that time period- then there was a break over the summer. Then another 5 recently showed up.
As more ERJs show up the number of lineholders will increase and reserve should go down slightly. Throw in some attrition as well. I know some ERJ captains that have barely been here a year and surprisingly got some trips awarded for December instead of straight reserve. Perhaps some of the senior folk bid reserve in hopes of more time at home during the holidays?
You will be guaranteed SEA on the ERJ since it is our only base. If you go the Q route, you're going to need to wait at least 6 months before holding SEA.