35RSLC

Hey guys,

A bit of background about myself: I'm a FO with shuttle America based out of JFK (E-145). I've been here for just over 2 years and while my experience has not been as bad as some of my fellow RAH have had it, I'm ready to pull the cord and make that lateral move.

The main reason I'm thinking about leaving RAH is my commute to JFK. It's true that they say commuting is a pilot's worse nightmare. I live in the west coast and although there are 5-6 daily directs to JFK from where I live, I honestly can't see it in me to do this for much longer.

So I have 2 interviews coming up with compass and PSA (street captain) and I'm trying to get a bit of help from those who work for these companies. (Assuming I get an offer from both companies)

I have gotten some conflicting information about PSA's street captain deal. Rumor has it that even if hired as a street captain, you will be paid as a first year FO until your fed ride is completed. Also, once that's done, you'll be flying the right seat until you reach 100 hours in the CRJ. Additionally, although the commute to any of the PSA's bases would be pain in the behind, I think I will have the required motivation to do it, if I'm being paid at the captain rate. But at the FO rate, it would be extremely hard to justify it for myself.

As for compass, I have always wanted to work for them. I feel they are one of the most respected pilot groups with a good reputation. However, word has it that LAX is no longer a guarantee (well there's never guarantee but pretty much all new hires were going to LAX up until recently). So for those who work for compass, what is the likelyhood of getting LAX right of the bat? What is the projected upgrade time at the moment for those who meet the 121 requirements? How's life on reserve at compass? Do you guys use long call reserve and if so, how long would it take for a new hire to be able to get long call reserve ? Are reserves used frequently (this is huge for me since as a commuter, I'd rather be working than being at the crash pad)? What's the story with compass not having zed fares (read it somewhere here)

thanks for reading and I look forward to the constructive feedbacks

Realtalk

Please go to compass. Commuting on rsv to clt for eternity? Yeah no thanks. Compass living on the west coast is the best choice. Don't think past that trust me

TalkTurkey

pSA equals reserve for a long time since the senior FOs are approaching their 1000 mark. Training will take you a total of no less than 6 months due to loads of downtime and they are experiencing a training bubble that's fixinna burst.

Compass equals being at home. Can't see the reason behind this inquiry.

35RSLC

Captain at PSA or FO at compass. That's the biggest reason behind my question. But assuming upgrade time at compass is reasonable, that could change everything

Realtalk

Upgrade time is Redonkulous at compass. Aka less than a year, heaven forbid you'd have to spend sometime learning how to actually fly the plane you'll one day be in command of.

Plus coming from a 145 it's probably similar

FirstClass

It sounds to me that you are narrowing your choice down on a decision between $$$ and not commuting.

I would start by examining the primary reason for your departure from shuttle, as you stated its the commute. Jumping ship to PSA as a captain for more money is not going to alleviate the pain of your current predicament.

Living on the west coast has got to be a real drag commuting. But at least in NY I would imagine your commuting options are better than say PSA in CLT.

If it was me, I would be looking to join a west coast regional if you are not willing to move to base.

I don't know how your schedule is today being there for two years but I would imagine you are going to lose 2 days off per month making a switch anywhere.

TalkTurkey

Captain at Scumbag airline hated by the industry and disliked at airports nationwide, or compass, known for above-average airmanship, most adored aircraft by passenger comfort, great place to work and being home. There's no argument dude, it's so simple. Write to Valerie or whatever her PSA name is, and tell her no thanks?

35RSLC

Thanks for the reply. Believe it or not, after 2 years at RAH, I'm back on reserve with 11 days off a month. Either delta or RAH decided to shift our flying back from JFK to LGA and that has caused me to go back on reserve. You would think 2 years is enough to to get 13-14 days off a month a regional but at RAH, unless you're on the 170, that doesn't really apply.

Utah

How much longer till an upgrade at Shuttle America?

3inthegreen

Remember if you go to PSA as a DEC you will eventually down the road be displaced back to right seat. AAG will find a way to do it, no way they will pay two captain rates to fly a CRJ 900.