Originally Posted by
Nathanio
Anybody have any insight on which airframe would be the best choice for somebody looking to live in the DEN area? Haven't interviewed yet but most likely looking at a potential October class date. The seniority tab has roughly similar dates for holding a line as an FO out of DEN for both the CRJ and ERJ. I understand upgrade time would be shorter on the CRJ and I'm not sure how much that should weigh into my decision. COS is nearby (and driveable) with only CRJ's although SLC doesn't seem too much of a commute by plane and seems relatively junior for the ERJ. I also have family in Chicago I could crash with any time which seems junior for both. Initially was leaning towards the CRJ because of the upgrade time and have heard it's a better airframe to learn how to fly a jet but have recently thought with the longer wait for IOE and all else being relatively equal choose the nicer newer ERJ which may have better trips? Thanks in advance.
RJBus makes some good points, also worth considering that the ERJ and CRJ are almost equal in seniority now - my understanding is that previously was not the case - and most of my class was told you'll be able to hold whatever base you want by the time you get to IOE. We're getting told 3-4 week wait on ERJ which is about 1/2 to 1/3 of what CRJ guys are expecting. Also worth noting that while the CRJ is probably a better jet to learn on, the ERJ is far more like modern jets, and I haven't done a 1:1 comparison but everyone says the ERJ pays better. Generally longer legs. I haven't heard of anyone doing the 8 leg days you'll do on the 200.
One last thing that may or may not matter to you. Pretty much the whole training footprint for the ERJ is done in DEN. Locals that had their cars here seemed to enjoy life a bit better than those of us walking to the taco place again. ERJ sims here, you can do CQ here, etc. Hope some of that helps.