scubadiver

This is a PRO/CON question I am going to post in this forum and the other mentioned airlines forum to see opinions and input from their respective pilots, and possibly update if more information is obtained.

I am at 850 hours (I have to go to 1500 for ATP). I am looking at all 3 regionals hard now, while I have time to think and make the best strategic decision. I am an employed CFI/CFII and getting about 100 hours per month.

Here is the best I can do with organizing the hundreds of things going through my mind. I would appreciate relevant comments to help find the right place for me.

Obviously QOL is important, base location is as well. I am 40 and have a family so I can't really move right away, but may eventually.

Reserve time is pretty minimal in most of them.

I live in reasonable driving distance to GSO (a little over 1 hour) and RDU (1.5 hour) for commuting. I am not sure whether the commuting is a pro/con/neutral because they can all be workable but I did my best to decide.

Endeavor
Commuting by air to ATL, many flights from RDU and GSO daily
Best pay
Wholly owned
Don't personally know any pilots who fly there
Interview with Delta (not sure how long)
Probably the best commuter policy
Typed and fly CRJ2 or 7 and 9 but longer reserve for 7 and 9

Piedmont
Commuting by air to PHL, about 4 flights from GSO and RDU daily (Only one base currently)
Less pay than some others
Wholly owned
The pilots (friends) I know who work there are happy
Supposedly Faster no interview flow to AA than PSA - Smaller pilot pool and larger flow numbers
Decent commuter policy

PSA
2.5 hours drive to CLT (2nd closest domicile to me)
Less pay that some others
Wholly owned
The pilots (friends) I know who work there are happy
No interview flow to AA (supposedly a little slower than PDT)
SAP program
Decent commuter policy
Typed and fly CRJ2,7,and 9

GoJet
RDU base closest airport domicile to me
Less pay that some others
Not wholly owned, future much more uncertain
Don't know anyone who works there for true unbiased opinion

prex8390

This is all rumors but I’d say the future of gojet and their RDU base, solely based on rumors alone is bleak. Also why would you even consider them.
Also I’d imagine the RDU to ATL commute would be pretty tough.

flydiamond

Rdu to NYC commute would be very easy. Three airlines, mostly Endeavor, lots of overnights.OP: good to weigh your options now but do not lock yourself into any one airline this early. It's too soon to make a decision. This industry is rapidly changing now. Interview at all of them and make a decision around 1400 hours.

Casualinterest

It's not bad, the commute

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Casualinterest

Rdu-nyc is one of the easiest commutes out there. Most of the flights are on us so you have priority

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Groundpointfife

Avoid GoJet. Find someone there and talk to them for personal experience. Listen to what they say and use your personal judgment to see if they are just being a negative Nancy or if you’d feel the same under those conditions.

My rule of thumb is talk to 5 pilots at each place you are considering...if 4/5 of them hate it, it is not just them, there’s a real issue. If 2/5 hate it then it might just be those 2 people. The best thing is you’ll end up with 5 different people giving you information on what the pros and cons are which will help you make an informed decision.

I would avoid Trans States Holdings and Mesa unless those are the only places that’ll offer you a 121 gig.

CaptYoda

If you are aspiring to get on with a major airline then I would suggest you consider one with a flow in view of your age and current time. It also depends on whether you have a college degree or not. I would interview with a minimum of 5 regionals when you are within six months of meeting all the qualifications and accepting a class date. (CJO are good for six months). Interview with your least desired first for the practice and save the best for the last. Good luck.

msprj2

Think of it this way. Do you want a 5 year relationship with whoever
picks you first or the other way around. Pick the best 1-2 and put your
best effort into those.

Mesabah

How strong is your resume, especially your college grades? If you think you can get Delta, then come here. If your resume is weak, go to an AA wholly owned.

scubadiver

I'd say my resume is very strong. 20 year retired from Marine Corps (not a pilot), short but honorable service as a Police Officer, Bachelor's in Aviation; Magna Cum Laude. Current CFI/CFII. I think the best advice I have seen is to avoid locking in to one now so that is what I am going to do, but still research and explore over the next few months. As I get more hours I can see what option is best for me at the time.

It's a blessing that we have this luxury, with right now being a pilots market.