Anyone have a guess as to how long CAE will be junior?

 

For the foreseeable future. But, same happened with MKE, it started junior and people complained, but now locals are coming because of it... I’m in class right now, and out of my group about 70% want MKE. We have about 50 new hires behind us, so the feeling is as long as hiring keeps up, you’ll have enough behind you to get out of CAE relatively quickly. Seniority is everything, if you’re on the fence, just remember the longer you wait the lower your # becomes.

Good luck with your decision, I also had to choose between AWA and Republic.

 

I’m in CHS currently so being based at CAE is preferable. Also, on the fence between Air Wisconsin and Republic. Appreciate the response, good luck in class/blue skies!

 

What made you choose AWA over republic? I’m also on fence between AWA and republic. I live PHL, so obviously would have to commute or possibly move to base if I went with AWA, but seems to have a great pilot group. Republic has good bases and looks like it’s going to be growing. I can’t say I see AWA growing and has 4 years left on contract.

 

So let's play a guessing game. A guy with an ATP, prior 121 time including 650 TPIC and several type ratings can be a PIC in CAE in how long?

 

My guess would be very quickly. Just playing the guessing game, individual experiences may vary.

 

Just left AWAC for a major after 8 years. I loved awac in the beginning but the last few years were extremely rough there. I also live in Philly but the commute to ORD wasn't bad (although commuting sucks). However, you'll get MKE or CAE for a base which will suck horribly for a commuter. Your commute will suck, your QOL will suck, and you will regret going there, sadly. The only thing they have going for themselves now are the people you'd work with.

Do yourself a favor and go to Republic.

 

I found listening to pilots on the internet give people advice regarding career progression is usually worth about what you paid for it. Everyone has their own reason for choosing regional a over regional b. Remember current Air Wisconsin pilots who lived through the uncertainty of the last 3 or 4 years went through hell, so I don’t blame them for being bitter. Again, I’m still only in training, so my view is extremely limited, but while AWA has its issues (and it has them) it also has its positives. A smaller pilot group means everyone knows everyone, versus becoming an employee ID number at a larger 2000 pilot plus shop, I think that’s worth something. Don’t take rumors of this or that until it’s reality, weigh your options versus your priorities, then make a decision you can live with. Realize that plenty will tell you it’s the “wrong” decision. That’s just how it goes.

 

You’ll look back on this post after your 8th junior man and laugh. If you can’t live with being in CAE indefinitely coming here is the wrong choice. Upgrade times may be low but you’ll be stuck in CAE indefinitely as more senior FO’s upgrade into ORD and MKE. Being a “small pilot group where everyone knows each other” is a very small part of overall QOL. We definitely have some of the best crews in the industry but that doesn’t mean much when you’re home half as much as a RAH/SKW/EV pilot making the same amount of money.

 

I very sincerely hope you're happy with awac. Lots of great people and some amazing chief pilots. I think overall the company cares about their employees and tries to treat them good. If you have a legit problem the company will work with you which was great. However, their issues of being severely understaffed were self imposed and their problems will become your problems. I flew with many new hire FOs with great personalities that regret their decision coming there. Too much smoke and mirrors and then when they got a taste of what their QOL is really like after training they had regrets.

If you live in base and dont mind working a lot (and making decent money) then I'm sure awac will be a great fit for you.

I was a pilot recruiter but when things got ugly I refused. I couldn't in good faith recruit people to come to a company that I wanted out of.