I'm currently an active duty military helicopter pilot leaving the service this year and trying to make a decision on which airlines to target (I've got all my ATP prereqs knocked out, no need for an RTP). My family will be moving to the northwest suburbs of Chicago to be close to other relatives so being based out of ORD is a no-brainer.

With Envoy, Air Wisconsin, SkyWest, Republic, ExpressJet, GoJet, and TSA all having ORD bases, there are plenty of options.

Right now I'm split between Envoy and Air Wisconsin.

I like Envoy because of the flow -- not because I think I'll ever flow myself -- but because it guarantees seniority movement and attrition within the company. That said, upgrades are fast for the almighty TPIC time. The work rules seem terrible though and the overall morale seems horrible (but this is an internet forum after all).

I like Air Wisconsin because they have great work rules and a really solid compensation package (healthcare, 401k). I find their situation problematic, however, since their future is a bit of a wildcard even with the new United CPA. I'm not convinced of their projected 18-24 month upgrade, either, but time will tell.

For ORD-based regionals...
Why should I come to Envoy?
Why should I go somewhere else?

 

Envoys flow is currently projected at 9-10 years.

 

I don't care about flow time, I don't ever plan on flowing. I like flow because it guarantees attrition and movement on the seniority list.

 

Lately it seems that about every 3-4 years or so AWAC has a crisis where they don’t know if they’re getting a new CPA and their pilot group has to worry about them shutting down which causes mass attrition from the bottom of the ranks, stifles growth and qol.

I would stay away from them just for that reason and stay away from any non-Wholly Owned regional that flys for just one carrier.

I’d go to Envoy for the reasons you mentioned. You’ll be living local so reserve in base won’t be as bad.

 

That's a great way of looking at it. If you are going to be living in ORD, then I think Envoy would be the way to go. Air Whiskey is a good airline, but over the next few years as pilots become harder and harder to find once the retirements at the majors get really out of hand, I'd feel like the safer place to be would be at a WO regional. In the very recent past, it was looking like Air Whiskey would be closing its doors when AA decided not to renew the contract there. Luckily, United came in an threw them a lifeline with some flying. There are many things that could be improved here at Envoy to make it a better place to work. It doesn't take a lot of browsing through this forum to see what some of those things are. But if you can drive to work here, it's not a bad place to work.

 

I would be between republic and envoy if it was me. The problem with republic is that Chicago is a small base for them and it's future is not guaranteed.

 

All very good points.

I feel like AWAC could be a great option, especially if UAL expands their scope or even buys them out (scope permitting), but that hinges on so many unknowns. I agree with you - very true about any non-wholly owned carrier that flies for just one carrier... flying here today, gone tomorrow. United has even publicly stated they're ready to move on from 50-seaters. Envoy at least isn't going anywhere anytime soon...

 

I think you hit the nail on the head. As much as I'd like to think I'd be up and out of a regional in 4-5 years, there's no guarantees in life. I think things are only going to get crazier and more chaotic at the regional level in the years ahead and Envoy at least has the vested interest of AAG. Who knows, United may renew their CPA with Air Whiskey or better, but that would be just speculation at this point.

 

Republic would be great if upgrading in ORD wasn't at 10 years. I know that'll probably come down a bit, but everyone I've talked to over there says they don't think the ORD base will be around much longer anyways.