Originally Posted by Cujo665

I actually do not have an ax to grind in the way you're implying. In fact, if you read through most of the message boards, and some other sites you'd find that in general I tend to recommend Envoy to brand new pilots, for the overall stability, flow as a backup policy (even if it is to the worst legacy, it's still a legacy), decent well maintained equipment, and a structure and system that is more like a major than a regional.

I see the schedules the guys around my seniority level are getting at AA. We compare schedules and paychecks. I love where I'm at. The 767 is a great aircraft, I love my schedules, the pay is highest in the industry on the same equipment, we are positive spaced to/from work, and we keep all airline miles and hotel points. I fly 20-48 hours a month, some months like this one, I did reserve and fly nothing at all. Upgrade is about 1 year away at this point. Our application window opens and gets shut within days simply due to the volume applying.

However, for a new guy starting out, there are many worse places to be than Envoy. For guys with a few years experience, I'd recommend actively attending job fairs, getting their resumes out there, networking with friends and former coworkers, and getting into one of the other majors through the front door rather than waiting for flow. Doing things like Check-Airman, and volunteer work are important and should be on your resume for the fastest path to a legacy. There are also some great LCC's and ACMI's to choose from with very good pay scales and lifestyles, especially if you reside in base. The point is there are lots and lots of options for pilots these days once you have a little experience. The flow is a great backup policy, but don't pass up the opportunity for better sooner. I've seen low time guys being hired and Spirit and JetBlue, and not much more being hired at Delta and United. If you go after the job, it's there for you. If you just sit back filling out applications complaining about never getting an interview, well, you can plan on waiting to flow. A few of the ACMI's (Kalitta and Omni) have contracts and rates that exceed the LCC's and approach the legacy levels. There are lots of choices and options for pilots these days. Don't be locked into any one career path. The flow is a great insurance policy, but don't stop trying to get there sooner.