Originally Posted by
IcedOutAP
Got a CJO for the Q with a class date in January and requested Spokane as my base because they said the Q pilots there are the busiest. If I want the jet instead I need to let them know very soon and those class dates are closer to end of spring (May). They seemed optimistic that there would be more flying available for Q FO’s on account of the new Q400s they are adding and it sounds like people are finally starting to get upgraded to the ERJ from the Q.
I am a California native who will be commuting from the Bay Area for the first few months while my significant other sees if she can land a job up here (she will know by March most likely). If that doesn’t work out I may be stuck commuting for the foreseeable future from the Bay... I also have an interview soon with SkyWest, but their class dates are June/July.
My questions for you guys: 1) I want to fly as much as I can, ERJ or Q? 2)Does 5 months of seniority matter since I just want the most flight time? Q might be the high risk, high reward option: I start sooner, but would also start before I know I’m moving up here. If I request ERJ I could just play it safe and choose Horizon or SkyWest based of off where I end up living. 3) how difficult is the commute from the bay to Spokane or even for that matter from Seattle to Spokane.
Thanks for any and all help - AP.
I feel like the jet is flying more hours/month right now. It’s been a fairly slow year on the FO side for the Q400. I hired onto the Q in Fall 2018. I’m on track to finish this year with 500 hours and 9 months of that was reserve. It really depends on what base you’re looking at. I spoke with another FO in Spokane who was finishing year one on airport reserve and still under 200 hours in-type. If you stick with the Q, I’d definitely come to Portland. We have the largest pilot group and the most flying for the Q. Plus, there are plenty of flights to the Bay Area.
If you definitely want Seattle, I’d bid for the jet.
As far as upgrade prospects, the jet is becoming more senior. People are struggling moving from the jet to the Q. In the Q, there are more upgrade classes and less competition, but it’s a lot to take on. You may be able to upgrade as soon as you get your time, but you might not feel ready.
Yes, there is a little more flying on the Q relative to the start of the year. Nearly all of it is in WA/OR with average segment lengths ~40 mins.
It’s a lot to weigh, but I’d sacrifice a few months of seniority or a few hours/month for better quality of life. You’ll get there either way.