Originally Posted by
holygrail
Hi, I’ve been absent from this game for many years and considering getting back into the airline game. I’ve got 23 years as a professional pilot but have flown corporate for the last 10. Needless to say I’m no longer a young hotshot with a wife and girlfriend on separate coasts. My kids are raised, my (only) wife is still with me and my cars are paid for. It’s obvious that this world has changed drastically since I left as there were no startups, DEC’S or committing stipends in my heyday. The DEC thing has peaked my interest both at Breeze and Avelo but I’m curious if I’d be the only gray haired captain on the property? Are most of you guys early/mid career? Just out of the regionals? Sounds like the daily grind is manageable at both but I’m curious what you all think?
I commuted to SLC WAY back when but I’m curious how a KPVU commute would work? There are very few flights there! With a PVU base, why is the training CTR in SLC?
is there actually a commuter stipend?
Is the 15~18 days off realistic?
How does holiday flying work?
Am I crazy to think that the DEC option is the best case for a guy to finish his career?
any positive advice is welcome.
Breeze is no longer hiring DEC’s. That could change with attrition or with more A/C being acquired.
Most guys are probably mid career, they either lived through the lost decade, they’ve passed up a job at a major or they’re trying to see this thing through and haven’t applied anywhere.
PVU commute would be horrible, as you have stated. The training center is in SLC because that’s where the company is headquartered.
Commuter stipend went away. You can choose to have funds held (tax free) to buy airline tickets and hotels.
15-18 days off a month is realistic on the Ejet and if you live in base.
Holiday flying is at 200%.
I’m getting the feeling you don’t want to sit in the right seat because you’re a little older. I would maybe then look at another corporate job. Avelo was doing DEC’s as well (I’m not sure they still are) but they seem to be struggling over there. The start up game is tough and breeze has had hard times but it’s certainly improving. The best option would be to go to a major and hopefully not commute to finish your career. But that means you’ll be flying right seat for a year maybe 2. Hope this helps. Good luck.