Class Drop List
#321
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2017
Posts: 3,624
so what exactly are forced upgrades? Sounds self explanatory but why would someone not want to upgrade? Because they may have to switch aircraft or location? And if I have this correct seat locks only apply if you proffer (basically volunteer right?) to upgrade, but if the company forces it there is no seat lock?
#322
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Apr 2018
Posts: 108
I'm a new hire starting class in mid Jan, looking for some advice if anyone can help me out or point me to the correct forum. I'm trying to put a list of aircraft/locations together in case I have options when I go to indoc. My goals are to fly as much as possible and upgrade as fast as possible, just looking for some insight as to what my best options are. Right now my #1,2,3 choices would be 175 ORD, 145 ORD, 145 LGA. I would like to be in DFW but the upgrade times are a lot longer from what I understand. My thinking is that the 175 will see movement over the next few years with the increasing fleet size but not sure if that is accurate. I read in this forum that there were some 175 only classes, is that still happening? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks guys.
#323
New Hire
Joined APC: Dec 2018
Posts: 9
I think it's important to mention something. You like everyone as soon as they get here aspires to "fly as much as possible, upgrade ASAP, build your PIC time and get out". Not that any of that logic isn't sound, but I will tell you as much as any other line pilot here that you shouldn't burn yourself out in these pursuits. Fly your line, pick up OT when it's convenient, and enjoy your days off. We don't make enough money to sacrifice our days off to pick up OT, especially if you're a commuter. You don't want to dread coming into work and I can personally tell you that after flying 90+ hours consecutively month after month will do that to you. Be someone who likes coming into work and is able to spread that positivity out on the line. Enjoy the ride, you're going to be doing this until your 65.
#324
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jul 2017
Posts: 1,729
Thanks, I completely agree, I definitely don't want to burn myself out, I would be happy with 75 hours per month and upgrade within 2 years, which seems reasonable at this point? Please tell me if i'm way off. I have a friend who has been with envoy 5 months now in the 145 and only flown 150 hours so I would like to avoid that if at all possible.. but I guess being on reserve can be hit or miss. Is this the typical hours I can expect to fly while on reserve or are there ways to fly more? I know it gets easier to fly as a lineholder but that will take 4-8 months (according to an earlier post). Thanks again.
You have two options:
1) Want to fly lots; pick the growing fleet junior base.
2) Want QOL; pick the aircraft that will have you driving to work soonest.
It’s really that simple. There’s going to be peaks and troughs in flight time, glut of pilots or thin on pilots, all of which can’t really be predicted too well.
#325
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2017
Posts: 3,624
You’re wayyy overthinking thinking this.
You have two options:
1) Want to fly lots; pick the growing fleet junior base.
2) Want QOL; pick the aircraft that will have you driving to work soonest.
It’s really that simple. There’s going to be peaks and troughs in flight time, glut of pilots or thin on pilots, all of which can’t really be predicted too well.
You have two options:
1) Want to fly lots; pick the growing fleet junior base.
2) Want QOL; pick the aircraft that will have you driving to work soonest.
It’s really that simple. There’s going to be peaks and troughs in flight time, glut of pilots or thin on pilots, all of which can’t really be predicted too well.
#326
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2017
Posts: 3,624
I think it's important to mention something. You like everyone as soon as they get here aspires to "fly as much as possible, upgrade ASAP, build your PIC time and get out". Not that any of that logic isn't sound, but I will tell you as much as any other line pilot here that you shouldn't burn yourself out in these pursuits. Fly your line, pick up OT when it's convenient, and enjoy your days off. We don't make enough money to sacrifice our days off to pick up OT, especially if you're a commuter. You don't want to dread coming into work and I can personally tell you that after flying 90+ hours consecutively month after month will do that to you. Be someone who likes coming into work and is able to spread that positivity out on the line. Enjoy the ride, you're going to be doing this until your 65.
Keep in mind a new hire won't flow for at least six years, so just sit back and enjoy the ride, as you will quickly find that trying to always fight the system or fly max hours becomes exhausting.
Even if your goal is to get out before the flow, you have lots of people with lots more hours that need to go first, so at the very least you are looking at several years here. You will get the hours, trust me. They come slow in the beginning and then next thing you know you will be searching for ways to drop trips and maximize time home.
I know of only a handful of people that actively maintain that breakneck schedule and they are often the most ragged looking. Its a tough life on the road that much.
Anyway, that's my two cents, best of luck.
#327
New Hire
Joined APC: Dec 2018
Posts: 9
This is spot on advice. While everyone sets out with the dream of flying max hours to upgrade as soon as possible, it is not a very sustainable enterprise, especially for a commuter, someone with family or both.
Keep in mind a new hire won't flow for at least six years, so just sit back and enjoy the ride, as you will quickly find that trying to always fight the system or fly max hours becomes exhausting.
Even if your goal is to get out before the flow, you have lots of people with lots more hours that need to go first, so at the very least you are looking at several years here. You will get the hours, trust me. They come slow in the beginning and then next thing you know you will be searching for ways to drop trips and maximize time home.
I know of only a handful of people that actively maintain that breakneck schedule and they are often the most ragged looking. Its a tough life on the road that much.
Anyway, that's my two cents, best of luck.
Keep in mind a new hire won't flow for at least six years, so just sit back and enjoy the ride, as you will quickly find that trying to always fight the system or fly max hours becomes exhausting.
Even if your goal is to get out before the flow, you have lots of people with lots more hours that need to go first, so at the very least you are looking at several years here. You will get the hours, trust me. They come slow in the beginning and then next thing you know you will be searching for ways to drop trips and maximize time home.
I know of only a handful of people that actively maintain that breakneck schedule and they are often the most ragged looking. Its a tough life on the road that much.
Anyway, that's my two cents, best of luck.
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