sargeanb

Hello all,

I'm currently a 10 year regional capt. I live 10 miles from CVG, I've been making the long drive to my base in CMH for years, and it's beginning to get old. I'm becoming interested in Allegiant. A few questions for you all.

1. Is CVG a solid base? Do you see it closing anytime soon? (Tough question in this business, I know

2. Are many assigned CVG right out of training?

3. What is take-home pay first year typically, including per-diem, etc.?

4. What is the general consensus on job security there? Are most ready to jump ship at a moments notice, or is Allegiant a good place to throw anchor?

That's about it. My worst fear is starting there and then having the base close and being forced to move or commute. I'm just trying to make an informed decision if/when I leave my current employer.

ecam

1. CVG is solid, and will probably grow. Nothing is certain in this industry, but it's a very good bet.

2. CVG is somewhat senior for both FOs and CAs. One of those places where people already live, and once they get the award, they stay. Plan on being assigned LAX, PGD, FLL, or OAK as a new hire on the Bus or LAS and SFB on the 80. Our bidding is 6 months out (in other words, 6 months from award to effective date), so plan on commuting and crash pad for at least that long. CVG as a new hire is rare but not unheard of. VBD is an option many commuters choose until they can get the base they want, but it's shrinking and hasn't been offered in a while.

3. All told, first year will probably be $60-$75K depending on how long you take in training, and how much you fly. Anything picked up on off days pays above guarantee, and once you cross 81 hours "PCH" (our term for pay credit), everything above it pays at 130%. So there are opportunities to make money, but you will still take a first year hit from CA pay at most regionals.

4. Most people are happy here, and plan to make a career of it. Those who are unhappy are vocal, but usually move on pretty quickly. Research our business model. We're unlike any other airline. It's not for everyone, but for many, it's a dream flying job. It's definitely better than any regional out there, and if you hate it, apply to the big 3 from here.

labbats

If you are a ten year captain the experience you bring will be a great advantage. However make certain you are ready to learn a new airplane by drinking from the fire hose.

Unfortunately being a ten year captain will make that a real concern as most study year after year just enough to brush up and are unprepared for new systems, callouts and procedures.

Either way you choose I wish you the best.

ecam

To build on that, everyone considering coming here should be aware that our training department is different than most regionals where they spoon feed it to you. They do not do that here. You will be required to be self motivating and self learning, especially since most of it is online. You're basically old to read the manuals and do the exercises, exam is next Friday. No class lectures. In SIT and SIM activities, there's more checking done than teaching. The first few SITs, you will feel like you don't even understand what you're supposed to be studying. Some of the non-seniority list contract instructors (retired legacy pilots) act like it's the 1960s. Our APDs are notorious for 4hr orals where you get the kitchen sink; you're expected to know EVERYTHING. The gouge is out there, and you'll be told where to find it. Actual check rides are industry standard type rides or pro checks. We don't have AQP yet. So know going in, they expect you to put out the effort and prove you want to be here. I won't say it's hazing, but that's what it feels like. Cooperate and graduate. Once you get on the line it's a whole different airline, almost everyone is laid back and fun to fly with. I've yet to fly with someone who didn't have skills.

skydisaster

Everything in this thread is good info except for this. There is not much way that you are making $60-75k your first year here. You will be in the training pipeline for 4 months making min guarantee. The next 2-3 months, you will be on a composite schedule while you are trying to get to 100 hours. So plan on min guarantee for 6 months. Even if you flew 95 hours a month for the next 6 months, that would only come out to about $55k for the first year. You would have to chase Open Time and VFNs all over the country to make $75k. Even if you include Per Diem (it is not salary, so please quit calling it that), you are only talking about another couple thousand. To make $75k you would have to be VBD based (again including per Diem) and that is not going junior on the Bus. So, there may be some circumstances where you could make more, I would certainly plan on making min guarantee your first year hear.



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ysslah

Firehose that frequently jams and or feeds you substandard quality water

CAirBear

😂😂😂 Omg! That is absolutely hilarious. A ton of truth to this statement. Well played lol

dutch rudder

The hard part is over, you already live near a base! I came here pre contract with a stepping-stone mentality. Unless our business model changes dramatically (ie, majority overnights), I can say with confidence I tossed my anchor. I think the majority of our pilot group can’t imagine returning to the old lifestyle. Give it a shot, it won’t hurt your career to do so… and you may toss your anchor in the process.

While it may have been “fire hose” style, the training was more than adequate in my opinion… borderline excessive in areas. Several good people in the training department that care about the future, and a few bad apples. I have heard some horror stories but they all took place 4+ years ago. Just be prepared to study harder than you have in the last 10 years.

sargeanb

Thanks for the info, all. It's a tough decision to make. Sounds like a pretty rough first year with commuting, crash pads, and a pay cut to just over half what I'm making now. However, all that is par for the course if I went to any legacy, minus the pay cut. But the potential pay under the new contract, a 10-minute drive to work and the ability to be home every night sounds pretty nice. I write this as I'm on day 6 on the road.

As far as the training difficulties, when I started here at good old Chautauqua it was still very much a firehose/build the airplane training mentality, enforced by a bunch of turboprop guys that started here in the 70s and 80s, so I think I'd be ready for that...with alot of studying. I'm about 50/50 on applying or not, but I'm starting to lean towards going for it. Thanks again.

KC135

If you think about the pay cut as an investment there really isn't a better way to get such a great return on your money. It's not that hard to make over 10k a month as a year 2 FO or 250k-300k yr as a mid to senior CA. The premium pay really helps out with that. I wouldn't recommend commuting, you will sabotage the best gig in the industry.