I would not have a problem recommending AWAC to a newhire. My biggest problem with it is the incredible amount of change we have had.

Also, contrary to popular belief, we are not losing flying. The shrinkage has all already taken place. The loss of the contracts to Skywest for Midwest and some other flying does not mean we shrink. It simply means we will not grow.

For a person who is happy on the East Coast, AWAC is not a bad place. We have what amounts to now an industry-leading contract (or at least equal to others), generally professional managers in the flight department and above all, we have what I would say is quite a good pilot group. We have lots of experienced pilots among our ranks.

The reason I ***** and moan about AWAC is because I did not sign up for what it became shortly after I got here. But all in all, it could also be a lot worse.

I will reiterate what the others say. Don't work for GoJet. It is a scab company which undercuts their supposed brethren at Trans States Airlines. Don't work for Mesa. They have attrocious work rules and a tyrannical owner who puts low costs above all else, including your QOL.

Mesa and Go Jet are the ones to avoid.

Air Wisconsin and Skywest are solid companies and I have no hesitation recommending them.

I can't speak about the others, but I think they are OK. I just talked to a Chautauqua dude recently who will be upgrading around 24 months (probably a slight exageration on his part) and he seemed reasonably happy.

Just don't go to Mesa or Go Jet because you surely don't need to. There are plenty of jobs which will allow you to avoid those companies.