I don't NEED to fly the big jet... but it certainly does look more like a real airplane!
I don't know if seniority will play a big role right now, especially with all the projected shortages that are supposed to be going on in the next few years. However, I do know of guys that missed the big '08 furlough by five numbers or less...
As far as switching planes... The way I understood it, you can only switch airframes if it results in a pay raise. And since all FOs are on the same pay scale, I'm not sure you'd be able to switch, since, technically, it wouldn't be a raise. I could be wrong, and someone currently at the company may be able to shed more light on that. I'm not quite "in the know" yet.
And yes, I did fly that Widgeon! I got my Comm. AMES in it, back when I had money to burn
It's a 1946. What a blast it was to fly!
I'm from Long Island, so the LGA base is most appealing to me. Coincidentally, both offer LGA bases...
I spoke with a few Republic Captains after I interviewed (just folks I met randomly who happened to fly for them) and the first thing they've said is RUN! Run as fast as you can, Republic is growing way too fast and is a sinking ship! I spoke with a CHQ Captain, however, who thought his job was the greatest in the world... But did say to take a 170 spot if I could get it, but that was based solely on the airframe.