Originally Posted by
Acoustic2
Congrats on Skywest!
I am an extremely low time pilot (98.1 TT). I know...I know- what am I doing on this board? I have read this entire thread and have found that you guys certainly know what you're talking about so who better to ask?
Please take a look at my info
- 98.1 TT
- 23.1 ME (1.2 PIC ME)
- Working on Inst Rating now
- Working on Commercial immediately after Inst
- Working on ATP written now
- Following all of that, should have around 350 TT (?? ME)
- Currently have BA degree in Finance / Accounting
- Working on Master's
Not-so related:
- 1,800 hrs in back of helo as Navy rescue swimmer
- CRM Instructor for Navy squadron
- Squadron NATOPS Instructor
- 10yrs in Navy
- Squadron Standardization Board Member
I aspire to get hired at a good and secure Regional, such as Skywest. I know that I still have quite some time remaining until that is realistic, but would love to hear anyone's advice about the best way to get there. Here are a couple of questions:
1. Can someone please tell me a ballpark figure as to their actual take-home pay? I have been studying the pay rules, but have no idea what you guys actually make. Currently I make around $65k/yr. I know that I will take a drastic pay cut...just want to know how much.
2. What is Skywest pay rules?
3. I have a former flight instructor at Skywest who has offered to recommend me. How much weight does that have, if any?
4. Since I have a little while, is the hiring expected to continue through the next few years? I was hoping to be marketable within the next 9 months. Is that realistic?
I really...really appreciate you taking the time to read all the above and posting a response. I will read every reply.
Thanks!
1. FO pay...approximate numbers, depends on how much flying is available and how much you want to work.
- Year 1: $25K.
- Year 2: $40K.
- Year 3+ $45K.
- Assuming upgrade at year 4: $75K.
2. SKW has some of the best workrules in the regional industry, they are too numerous to list but if you specefic questions, throw them out...
3. An internal rec will help you get an interview...most folks who interview have one. You still have to pass the interview...I did not find it execeedingly difficult, but it was thorough. You must be prepared, and sim practice is recommended.
4. 900 hours in 9 months is asking a lot unless you have unlimited cash or a good instructor job. It's possible, but I'd say 12-18 months conservative.
Also be aware that they will like the fact that you were in the military. But they will not care about the details unless you were a winged aviator, so don't make too much of that. Non-pilot crew time is meaningless in airline-land.
Good Luck.