It's funny, because my friends in ATL at DAL say the same thing about SkyWest in Feb 2015...

 

It's the regionals bro. The only constant is change.

 

Ouch. That was hardcore. How long did it take you to whip that one out?

 

Just asking questions dawg, please accept my olive branch.

Be well,

F.B.

 

Well said and accurate.

 

Gentlemen,
This thread didn't last 500 pages by bickering and acquiescing to trolls. Let him be so we can get back on point.
Speaking of being on point, have sims ever been in a location other than STL and MSP? I'm hearing of another possible location starting soon!

 

Long ago we had sims in YUL. That sim time was paid for by Embraer and my understanding is that the CAE Simulator we used there was subsequently sold and moved. I would think CPZ needs every second of sim time they can muster, I'm sure they've got some FA on light duty looking in to it.

UA

 

Do you guys really believe that Compass will continue to staff FO position even after the quick upgrade opportunity is gone? Also can anyone give me a rough breakdown of the types of patterns flown out of MSP (Day trips, 2, 3, 4 days, CDO's).

I have a class date with Compass and literally need to put in my 2 week notice sometime in the next day or two. I'm currently a 7 year FO at a now bottom feeding airline.

Thanks!

 

Yes, Compass will continue to be able to hire even after the "fast upgrades end".
In the beginning of the year, more than half the flow eligible pilots had left and compass was no longer looking at a fast upgrade - they still managed to hire. When AA flying was announced, the game changed a little but they can and will hire if it goes back to a "normal" upgrade time. Most pilots at Compass have previous 121 time and are looking for PIC time. There are very very few lifers so everybody is looking to move on. Upgrades will be fast even after AA deliveries stop.
Things will still be moving up at CP. No downgrades, losing aircraft, pay cuts, etc that other regionals are plagued with. There is also the promise of additional aircraft with AA. The airline is cheap, young and poised to grow. As other carriers continue to shrink, there will be enough applicants leaving for a better future to staff CP.

 

All indications, as of now, is that the company is not having a hard time hiring pilots. Obviously that can change quickly. The biggest worry right now, IMO, is the training backlog that will begin sometime early 2015. That is a good thing for pilots in training (extra time off waiting for OE) and a bad thing for qualified line pilots (not enough pilots on line = a lot flying, with less days off than if properly staffed). Some people like to fly a lot though.

I know you are struggling with your decision to leave or stay at your current airline. When I came to Compass, I felt the same way. Since showing up to class though, I have not looked back. Easily the best decision of my career, which had been proceeded by many bad decisions(In hindsight). For me, Compass is the best regional I have worked for. The chief pilots we have now, are incredible. I like the pilots I fly with, training is good, plane is easy to fly, and there are quite a few very efficient parings to bid for. Bottom line, I guess I have just been treated better, here at Compass, than any other airlines I have been at. I don't think it is just me either because, of the people that I have flown with/talked to at Compass who came from other airlines, 100% of them said they made a good decision.

Hopefully that will also be true for you. Good luck in your decision.