So just what could a new hire envoy pilot expect working there if hired? This is serious question and answering with BS dribble like "expect a pitot tube shoved up your bung hole for 6 years" isn't an acceptable answer. I'm really interested in what a new hire can and could expect if hired soon.

 

Expect to be based in either DFW or ORD. Expect at least a couple years on reserve due to a declining fleet count. Expect to fly with many disgruntled pilots. Expect management to **** with you every chance they get, to include ignoring your contract. Expect your paycheck to show up on time, though, not necessarily correct. Should the flow continue as promised, expect to flow to AA sometime next decade, possibly the first half.

 

I think you can expect furloughs and downgrades in about a year. A precursor to them shutting their doors.

 

You could expect some of the most professional training in the industry. You'd be assigned to one of three fleet types. You'd be based in either DFW or ORD. Your hotel would be single occupancy in training. You'd be going to the AA Training Center for all your sim sessions.

You would have the best travel benefits in the regional industry, even if it is hard to non-rev; you learn how to get around the system fairly quickly. You'd be on reserve, which now provides hotels before or after your reserve block of days. If on a trip sequence and you misconnect, cancel, or somehow end up in base for whatever reason, if your trip had an overnight, you get a hotel in base. We have guys getting rid of their crashpads. We do have ready reserve shifts, and while you're junior you'd probably get your share of them.

Forward looking projection based on what they're saying -
You chould expect the upgrades to restart soon, the flow to continue sending our pilots to fill 50% of each AA class. This would be 270-360 upgrades a year as that many flow to AA. With a 2200 pilot company, 200 on some type of leave, and 300 going to retire here that leaves about 1700 that will flow. With 300 a year flowing, it's about 6 years from street hire to AA.

You can do your American Airlines interview now, work at Envoy less than 6 years and just transfer to AA with no interview at all. Just fill out the AA paperwork, and go to class. A nice backup insurance policy to have. We get 50% of every new hire class, and recently we've gotten 66%.

 

I really hope they furlough so that way the flow goes up to 75% and PSA guys will have to wait more, since they have to interview.

 

There is some really good news coming down the pipeline.

Expect:
Reserve times to drop, but plan on being on it for 12-18 months. If you live in base RSV is tolerable. Do expect to fight with scheduling and that they will try to get you with additional flying.

Our flow is now (after 16 years of fighting) working better than advertised.

Well maintained/safe aircraft.

Reliable paycheck, though you will have to audit it when your a line holder. OT is now paid at 150% critical coverage days are at 200%.

To learn a lot from very senior Capts. We of course have our duds, but most are great

We do have our problems. Current atmosphere with management is toxic. I do expect this to improve. We are almost done shrinking

 

I'm not really sure you are being at all honest here with your representation. How many FO's have upgraded this year? What is the longevity of the most junior pilot to flow to AA this year?

To the person who originally asked the question, I do not think you are being given a honest answer with this cujo's post.

Let's see if he is willing to provide a response to the two questions.

 

If they furlough, chances are you will have to seek a job at another regional. Is that what you want? To fall on your sword to the detriment of another carrier?

 

You can't be serious, it hasn't even started yet.

 

Depending on your expectations I would expect a good flying job and place to get quality experience flying with experienced crews in well maintained equipment. While applying to other airlines, you will have a plan B of flow to AA. Our new dir. Of Flight Ops. is is kicking the bee hive and feeding us our own honey. The relationship with management is disfunctional and you will be regularly disappointed by there actions. From what I hear, other airlines are suffering from similar disfunction, including the Majors. If you bring good vibes to the cockpit you will get good vibes from your coworkers. Always paid on time, occasionally shorted but corrected (I have heard of others having bigger discrepancies with pay). Reserve sucks. Right now it is long(3ish yrs) but this should become shorter as we "right size."