Originally Posted by
C5Mafia
I was a super early Aviate participant. Worst career mistake of my life since my goal (at the time) was UA. They treated us like garbage, I made less money than all of my peers, sat 6 day blocks of airport reserve, wasn’t allowed to call in sick more than 3 times a year under threat of program termination, and then UA told us retroactively that we had to get even more PIC time before we’d qualify for the transition to United. They also decided that my time sitting during covid related training delays didn’t count toward the program. That was when they changed the slogan from “the fastest way to UA” to “the most secure way to UA.”
A buddy of mine went to Republic the same day I went to UAX. Guess who is at UA while my Aviate friends still rot at places like Commuteair or gave up on it entirely. I wouldn’t go to UA even if the CJO came with a Lambo after my experience working under them.
C5s airport reserve hell is probably the worst in the industry besides true bottom feeders. It's a shame that hasn't been addressed in the contract. Although I guess big United likes airport standby too. I'm sorry you got stuck there because you couldn't fly enough.
Aviate, American Wholly Owned Regionals and Endeavor all have the same basic premise. The carrot is an eventual (maybe) no interview job at the partner carrier. For some it even works out.
The stick (and the main point of the program) is to keep you in line. Don't call in sick, fly fatigued, don't push back against abuse, etc.
Go to the airline which hires you but if you have multiple choices go to the program for the Big 3 you would least like to work for then spend all your free time at the regional going to job fairs for the other 2. Hopefully you get hired, if not you have the flow as a backup.