Originally Posted by
dera
I fourth that. ExpressJet is a great choice right now for someone who can play the high risk high reward game.
I fifth the recommendation for ExpressJet.
To OP:
Originally Posted by
JustAsking
I have read probably 40 hrs and 6 months of back threads, and am just now barely beginning to understand what everyone is saying. Having said that, I have always had a preference for Envoy as the regional I want to fly for, so that's why I'm posting in this thread. Basically, my question is what really matters the most when picking a regional, a base, and an aircraft type? I am just barely 21 years old, have just barely over 1,500 hrs (over 1,000 dual given), already have a BS degree (in business admin), did not participate in the cadet program, and have no kids or wife. I want to fly and dont want to be on reserve forever, but can/will live in whatever base I get assigned so commuting is not a factor. If I go to envoy, I will certainly get last pick of everything because I will be youngest non-cadet in class. I have all the time in the world, but dont want to waste any either. Advice?
1. XJET has had consistently good QOL, soft pay, hourly pay rates for a regional airline. Have been the top in QOL work rules in regional industry for a long time. Always matching to be among the top regional carriers in hourly pay rates as well.
2. Biggest issue at XJET last year had been no movement from the top & no upgrades. A lot changed at XJET over the past 6-12 months (relating to movement from the top). Many have gone to K4 due to preferential hiring after K4’s much improved contract passing with substantial pay and QOL improvements. Others took lateral movement to regionals. That has changed the dynamic at XJet. Upgrade time is falling fast according to one classmate of mine from CFI days still there. Likes the direction of the company and opportunity for United coming up.
3. They have career advancement program to United (Hogan & Interview). You don’t have to be stuck at a regional forever ANYWHERE! Almost all regional carrier have some sort of career advancement program to mainline!!!!!!! (LET THAT SINK IN A BIT).
4. ExpressJet is a highly respected regional carrier & known for having one of the best training programs in the airline industry! I know 3 people that can attest, after jumping ship laterally to other regionals a few years ago. They loved still say XJET training experience by-far was the best training program.
5. Consider pilot group to management relations when also considering a regional carrier.