Originally Posted by afterburn81

First off congrats on nearing the end of your college experience! Secondly, you might as well send out some apps now. Of course that depends on your flight time. Currently most of the regionals don't require a degree to get hired. So you could probably get in and get the whole interview process out of the way. Of course you wouldn't start until you finished school, but it can be a long process sometimes. That way you could start right after you graduate.

As far as info goes at ASA it is actually a pretty cool place to work. If you sit down with someone that works there and have a serious conversation with them, 80% of them will tell you they really like it. Pilots are really good complainers so sometimes it's hard to get past all the negativity. Starting at the end of Jan 08 the new contract here should be in full effect. Just a snap shot of my experience here: Training was fully paid for, they pay about 1200 a month for a new-hire, and you get put up in a great hotel. The training program was very professional and effective. The first line I was able to hold which was after a month on reserve was weekends off and 13 hard days off that month. The usual assignment initially is the CRJ200 however, they take guys straight to the 700. Im not really sure what the story is with the ATR. Hear a lot of guys like it. Seems more people are picked for the jet and that is based on age in the class.

Im sure you are aware of the regional pay which is pretty much a joke all around. So to comment on the pay at ASA, it is one of the least worst pays around. First year FO is 23/hr no matter which equip you are assigned. We have some other improvements to the schedule coming up which could be pretty beneficial when it comes to QOL as long as the company lives up to what they promised. Commuting can be a pain in the butt if you are on reserve. I wouldn't suggest it but it can be done. Good thing is you will not be on reserve long. I live in ATL an use the train to get to the airport. I would have to say living here in domicile is definitely better than commuting from far away. There is so much to say about that company. Hopefully that helps somewhat. Goodluck