Tailhook85

I'm a high time military pilot long out of the cockpit. I want to regain currency in the regional airlines. Which outfit is best for DCA/IAD?

Otterbox

The ones with stable/ expanding bases there. I think that list is:

Commutair
PSA (just opened)
Air Wisconsin (coming soon)

TSA seems to have a shrinking presence. Not sure about Republic.

Fleron270

Air Wisconsin currently has a DCA base but will switch over to IAD as we begin flying for United. I don't think you can make a wrong choice, but I do think that Air Wisconsin has the best overall pay, work rules, and is the best regional airline to work for in the D.C. area. Lots of military guys and gals have come here in the past because of those reasons. If upgrade time is a concern, know that we are at about 475 pilots and will need to grow to about 715 to staff 65 aircraft. It will go down dramatically.

They are having interviews in IAD on March 17th, and they will be back.

Best of luck with any decision you make.

Wise81

TSA has its issues: upgrade time, no viable replacement for the EMB145, no flow or preferred path to a major. But...
several ex- mil aviators have used it as a springboard to a major.
TSA/Dulles lines are better than average for a Regional: none show before 0730, many take you out West/Denver and vcty. Solid Captains, good mgt in domicile and in STL.
Having said all that, its hard to ignore PSAs (out of DCA) guaranteed flow to AA if you suspect you might have trouble getting an interview. Flying out of DCA's regional remote parking is very painful; Dulles is way more normal ground ops-wise.
Turbulence at Air Whisky as they switch from DCA/AA flying to IAD/United flying may not be worth your while if you don't know think you'll be around that long.
Finally, if you think PIC time is important, consider one of the ISR vendors; they are starting to hurt staff-wise and would be motivated to put you in the left seat after an initial 90 day tour OCONUS.

Tailhook85

Thanks to all for the perspective and advice. I'm lucky enough to have a couple choices and this certainly helps.

ugleeual

you're going the smart route on this... a lot of guys in your shoes are waiting without recency of flying hoping they get the magical call... which is hurting them. Get on board with anyone who will hire you the fastest, get your flight time, update resume(s) and wait for the call.

Tailhook85

Thanks. I have a very finite time horizon, in other words, I'm an old guy, so I needed to get on with it. Now if I can just learn how to flare.

weekendflyer

No other regional can match the quality of life PSA pilots have. As a round 1 line holder you make your own schedule, you can work and much as you want , or as little as you want. PSA has a variety of aircraft 200/700/900. Most guys don't fly the 200 as much simply because the airplane is junk. The benefits at PSA are far superior to any air Wisconsin or TSA have to offer. Health insurance is pretty much the same as mainline American, and we also have the same priority when non revving as Mainline does. AWAC is a great company, but old airplane that break all the time, anyhow I don't even work at psa anymore but I would recommend it.