Pinnacle vs. Comair vs. ExpressJet
 

The thread title says it all. I've narrowed my regional choices down to these three airlines and am now at the crossroads. I've received an interview invitation from Pinnacle, my Xjet app is 'screening', and Comair is still pending (I've got a call in for some feedback, but haven't heard back yet).

QOL is important to me, which I'll define for these purposes as living in domicile and/or having a short reserve period with a short commute. I live in Orlando and can't move (I'd lose too much money selling my house in this housing market - if I could sell it at all), so Comair has been high on my list for their MCO base. I think MEM would be a fairly short commute, so Pinnacle would be OK, too, if I wasn't on reserve for too long. Likewise with IAH & Xjet.

I'm not too hung up on upgrade times, though that's certainly important to me, as extrapolating current times into the future is too much like wishful thinking to be relied upon for life-planning. That said, it seems as though Pinnacle & Xjet will have better times than Comair. I'm starting with over 1000TT, so my time shouldn't be the limiting factor.

Anyway, I'm off to study for my ATP written. The Pinnacle interview is 4/25, so I've got a lot to do in not much time. Gotta get a new suit...

Ken

Order of preference: XJT, Comair, Pinnacle last. Until Pinnacle hammers out their contract, they are subpar to the way you would be treated at ExpressJet or Comair. I know for sure that my friends at XJT really enjoy being there. That's where I'd go.

One more thought... you and the rest of the industry will thank you later for picking the best possible company to work for. Doing this will help force the sub-par operators to come up with better working conditions. Go XJT or Comair.

XJT...though I dont work there...so take it for what its worth.

I hear what you're saying, no doubt about it, but the reality is that I'm going to need to accept the first offer I get. My wife will thank me for that. :-)

Ken

The reality is that that attitude is what kills our industry. I recently had a friend give up a Pinnacle class date for a XJT interview and he says that it is the best decision that he ever made. Waiting out a few weeks is worth it.

I'm trying to keep this friendly, but you don't know me at all. The last thing I want to do is get into an online debate with a total stranger about my 'attitude'. I'll join the union and not cross any lines, pick up disputed pairings, or anything else that'll upset the majority's political applecart, but I'm not interested in being any kind of crusader on a personal level. Some people may be willing to sacrifice their own short-term interests for the uncertain chances of improving things overall, but I simply can't afford to take that view. That's reality, at least from where I'm sitting.

Ken

XJT hands down...

Comair just recently took concessions, DL's redheaded step child.

Pinnacle is in contract negations, how long nobody knows and how much better will their contract be? Their contract is sub par compared to the 2 airlines above, and my guess even after negations will not touch XJets.

I apologize, I am not into arguing at all either, I am just saying that if we hold out for good companies then this industry could eventually improve.

Keep in mind that an interview at XJT could be just a week later from a job offer at Pinnacle... and if it is that close then choose your best option! ;)

It's totally cool. Thanks for the kind words. I completely agree that good companies and contracts should be encouraged by whatever means possible.

I'd certainly be inclined to accept an Xjet offer if I received one, but I'm nervous about blowing off the bird in the hand, as it were, for one that might not even be on the bush. So to speak. :)

I'll keep my fingers crossed for another interview invitation before the Pinnacle appointment next week.

Regards,
Ken

N2rotation,

I thought that SABB's damn monkey was bad but your Avatar brings back nightmares!!!!:D

I heart Martha King ;)

Ok throw ASA into that batch (XJet, Pinnacle, Comair, and/or another low minimum carrier of your choice). Same question: how would you rank them by preference to base (Atlanta is my area), upgrade time, QOL, or whatever you want to base it on after that. I seriously lean toward ASA now because of the ATL base, but have not put in my apps yet.

Yeah, she's fine:o

I think it's her 'do that makes her so hot...

You left the best airline out of the picture! Mesa, is going to have a base there for the 900's.

ASA was also on my short list, but they told me (in the phone screen) to call them back as soon as I get 50 hrs. in the last 90 days. I've been adding hours every day or so, but still have a way to go. If I can avoid paying to put more time in my logbook at this point, then that alone is a good enough reason to go elsewhere. Money is extremely tight at this point. So tight that I'm missing SnF for the first time in nine years because I don't want to be tempted to buy anything I shouldn't... :)

Ken

I lean away from props because of the need for jet PIC and the wider options you have with it. It's not that I am in love with jets, I like all aircraft and Saabs, Beeches, and ATRs alll have very good reputations. Either way, since ASA still has some ATR42s I would still consider training for it since there's no beating a home town base (Atlanta). Mesa is bad news, I'll drive trucks before flying for them. ASA has a solid reputation, though training might be a little hard. I just wanted to see if anyone knew anything I didn't.

Anything turbine being a jet or a "turboprop" will count as turbine PIC once your in the left seat of course. A caravan will count as turbine PIC not favorable put it will count...

Oh yes Mesa sucks I used to work there, just a little joke:p .

Having lived in Atlanta many years I feel I could tolerate reserve and other troubles easier with a base there. I used to see ASA at the airport when I had a fueler job one summer, and wanted to work for them since then. I am glad your kidding about Mesa... NOT a good choice! I still gather data about all low min regionals, it's good to have an open mind. My feeling generally is that you should actually want to work for a company you apply to. I do not subscribe to the "use them while they use you" idea. The idea is to leapfrog to a better job, but it may be years before that happens.