Originally Posted by 123AB

I have not received any PMs yet, so providing more info here in hopes of generating some input/discussion.

My situation:
My FO interview is coming up and I was previously sold on the CRJ. The CRJ was looking like shorter reserve times and faster upgrades. Also, LAX, PSP, and FAT are all within a 2-3 hour drive from me. Two years from now, I will move out of California due to my wife's job and it's likely we'll move to either AZ, CO, TX, UT, or maybe ID. The CRJ currently offers more options in those states than the ERJ. I prefer to live in base if possible.

Why I'm now re-considering the ERJ:
In the long-standing SkyWest Questions thread, there has been some chatter about CRJ flying at LAX being reduced and the ERJ seems to be picking up steam. Also, while LAX CRJ used to be somewhat junior, no CRJ FOs has been let into LAX in over 8 months, which could confirm the reduction in CRJ flying and downsizing at LAX. This concerns me because I prefer LAX over PSP or FAT. Aside from the chatter in that thread, I am hearing from several SkyWest pilots that the ERJ is really picking up steam at West-coast bases and it has better trips, plentiful flying, etc.

What I'm looking for:

1) Can anyone that's actually based at LAX offer any input on whether or not they are seeing an actual downturn for the CRJ and an increase for the ERJ? I know current performance does not equal future results...but I'm looking for some ground truth on what LAX-based pilots are actually seeing today. This is the most pertinent question that might help me make the decision on which airframe to choose.

2) Obviously this is a choice that only I can make, but if I go ERJ now...I wonder if it will really be that much sweeter at LAX for the next two years, but then will I have handicapped myself when I move away in two years and I am faced with less ERJ bases in the states I want to live in.

3) I am also starting to question if the CRJ would actually give me more flying and faster upgrade times at LAX, PSP, or FAT...or is the ERJ starting to produce the same results?

Cannot state enough how much I appreciate people's inputs since I have to make a decision soon. And I would be super appreciative if any LAX-based pilots on either airframe could let me know what they are seeing.