I'm on board with all of that. I've been following several companies for a while now...like y'all still had Dash 8's when I first talked to somebody about the company. It's been nice to see the changes and improvements and these forums really help prospective folks out because of the inside scoop. From sign-on bonuses/pay factors to seeing how contract negotiations have been panning out for everybody, its exciting to be on my way. Profs tell us back in their day you had to pay for your regional type rating and would take a pay cut as a CFI to go fly small jets, and obviously times have changed and will keep changing for better or worse.

Just over the summer, Mesa seemed like bad things were coming their way because AA pulled some planes, people thought they'd get bought out, whatever. Now they have 20 175's coming. I'm eager to see what happens with C5 and the contract and how growing the in house captains might help attrition and staffing. I know by the time I finish IOE many many things could change and it could very well not be the same company I signed on with, but that's why I'm annoying pilots on these forums and trying to get the best idea before I drink too much kool-aid for any one place. And thank you to everybody giving some insight!

 

Whats a realistic salary for a junior captain with a line who flies an extra day or two a month?

Since no one posted in the regional salary survey thread, I'm looking for a few data points with what is realistic for CA's, in terms of salary, credit hours, and days off. I know of course 2-300% is common.

 

Capts usually credit about 80-85 a month. Throw in some 300% and you can get that up to 100 hours per month × 64 =$6400 plus per dien gross.

 

If you want IAD I wouldn’t write off ZW. I’d suggest you compare the contracts of the three and let that influence your decision.

 

Just to add another data point for your information gathering, I’ll share thoughts based on my experience with C5 and the Aviate. I chose C5 specifically for the Aviate (previously CPP) opportunity, and I would definitely recommend that path as long as you understand what Aviate is and isn’t before doing it.

Aviate is essentially a guaranteed interview as long as you have the ability to put together a professional application, don’t have major disqualifiers in your past (felony, etc), and have the ability to
follow basic instructions during the application process.

Now, what is a guaranteed interview? It is not a guaranteed job, a preferential path, or any other inside track that gives you an advantage over other candidates; it is a one time opportunity to present yourself and show United why they should hire you. The four hours you spend with them is what you have worked your entire career for. This is your one chance to earn your career dream job. Based on what I’ve seen, I believe the acceptance rate of those who treated it in this way has been very high.

The big question in placing a value on Aviate for you personally is “how valuable is a guaranteed interview”? This will be different for everyone, but for me it was a no-brainer. As a reference, many folks have spent many many years trying to get an opportunity to interview before they get their chance. And I’m some cases, folks have spent decades trying and have never received the call.

Also, please keep in mind as you use this forum as an information-gathering tool that the opinions shared here vary greatly due to the personal experiences, histories, and profiles of the posters—experiences, histories and profiles that may or may not correlate to you and your likelihood of success.

Good luck on your journey, and much success to you 🥂

 

So that’s the interesting point for where I am personally; ERAU was announced as a partner university last week. Pending the whole application and interview process they advertise a CJO for United after going through whatever UAX carrier you go to that’s on the list. I’m hesitant because it seems like a good deal to get on board with before you leave university, especially if the partnered regionals were already on your preferred list and UAL was already your goal.

However, the ‘one shot’ piece of it makes it seem almost too scary to apply. Since it’s a big deal it’s suppose to feel overwhelming and uncertain, but at the same time how could a couple hundred hr Cessna pilot make that cut? They opened it up to university / professional pilot programs so I imagine the completion at that level is comparable but it’s an unknown. I have friends who made it to the Delta Propel program which is the same sort of deal with Delta and they’re all very sharp and deserving students, but the idea screwing it up and that sticking with you after 5 years and making regional CA seems worrisome.

 

i sent you a pm