Originally Posted by
Pilatus801
Hey all, I'm trying to better understand life at Skywest in the first year for FOs. I realize that mileage may vary. Assume living in base.
How full are the schedules?
It depends on base and aircraft, but in general, Reserve FOs will work 18-19 days a month, usually receiving 3 days off in between reserve blocks. Once a lineholder, you will average about 14-16 days of work each month. It varies based on what you bid and what you are awarded.
Originally Posted by
Pilatus801
Is it mostly 4 day trips with 4 leg days?
It completely depends on how you bid. We have 1-day, 2-day, 3-day, 4-day and stand-ups. Sometimes people that live close to the airport bid for 1-day trips so they are home every night. Sometimes pilots that live farther away might choose to bid for 4-day trips to minimize the number of times they have to drive or fly in. There's something for everybody. As for legs in a day, that can vary from 1-5 legs a day. 3-4 legs a day is the most common in the 175.
Originally Posted by
Pilatus801
Do you have any stretches of decent time off, say like 5 to 7 days or are all trips bunched together?
You can definitely get stretches of 5-7 days off, at least once a month, once you are a lineholder. And the more senior you get, the more control you have over your schedule. Life as an FO is really good right now, for CAs, not so much. But keep in mind that things can and will change in this industry. What is happening today may not be happening tomorrow.
Originally Posted by
Pilatus801
Is there high attrition going on, or are people sticking around?
High attrition. Lots of people are moving on to other airlines.
Originally Posted by
Pilatus801
Are FOs earning $80k to $90k in year 1?
Absolutely.