Need B-737 Advise
 

Dear Experienced Fellow Pilots

Which of these B-737 operators are a good start in 121 world :

1) Southern Air
2) Swift Air
3) Sun Country

Thank y’all

Sun Country hands down in my opinion, especially if you move to MSP. If you want any kind of quality of life, take the bonus and quick upgrade at SkyWest or a "respectable" regional in your area. Another life bonus if you don't have to commute. I have the 737 Type and I would trade it for PIC time, trust me. If your goal is a legacy, I'd keep out of the charter game and get that PIC time. Good luck!

B737
 

Southern air is gearing up for growth on the 737. Captain in under two years. Southern has an excellent safety culture, and schedules are good, especially if you live near CVG. Pay is better than the regionals, Sun Country, or Swift.

YGBSM, thats laughable. Go elsewhere, you will thank me later.

With regards to Southern Air,

Per our Flight Operations Manual, any potential captain must have:

(1) 2,500 hours of total time on a turbojet aircraft of more than 41,000 pounds max take-off weight

and

1,000 hours of PIC time in a turbojet aircraft of more than 41,000 pounds max take-off weight

OR

(2) 1,500 hour of SIC time in a turbojet aircraft of more than 41,000 pounds max take-off weight and 500 hours as SIC with the company.

If Southern is your first part 121 job, there is absolutely no way that you will upgrade to PIC in 2 years. My understanding is that they average about 300 hours per year, which would be about a 5 year upgrade.

Also, remember that as an FO at Southern on the 737, you will see no change in pay until year 4.

Expect to make minimum pay. I have only credited more than minimum pay at Atlas (same CBA as Southern now, essentially) 2 months so far this year.

That would mean that you should expect to make $80x61x12 or $58,560 for your first three years.

Take a look at Northern Air Cargo’s 737 program too, if you’re set on the Boeing.

Absolutely NOT true.

Look at the APC airline profiles:

First year Southern/Atlas pay =
4 months at $1600 = $6,400
8 months at 50 hours (min guarantee) x $80 = $32,000
Total first year pay = $38,400
Next three years = 62 hours x $80 x 12 months = $59,520

At PSA (for instance) first year First Officer makes 75 hours (min guarantee) x $38.50 x 12 = $34,650 PLUS a signing bonus of $16,560 for a total first year pay of $51,210.

At PSA first year captain makes $59,400 at min guarantee.

Southern Air 737 life seems to be a special kind of hell...

I’d go to Sun Country out of those three.

Can't say enough bad about Atlas/Southern. A completely toxic miserable existence.

If I was searching for a 737 job, I would definitely consider NAC or SunCountry before I thought about the others.

And of course, Southwest is hiring.