Plenty of XJTr's at SkyWest. I've flown with several who left XJT when you guys shutdown ONT and LAX and then furloughed.

For those who need information avoid Nevets. If you read his previous postings you'll realize why, he's a hater who obviously has issues. And if you don’t want to look back through his history just wait, he’ll be all over this soon like a rabid dog.

 

Now that's funny, and so true!

 

I've never talked to an insider at Republic but from an outsider looking in I think they just seem to have so many unknowns and different operations mixed together that what little comfort you can expect from a regional may not be found there.

Now I'm sure being at SkyWest will taint my view but I think SkyWest is the obvious first choice, then ExpressJet as my alternate. Sure they may seem to be moving toward similar contracts and work rules but if push comes to shove my gut says Inc is more committed to SkyWest maintaining the status quo if not benefitting from future opportunities. If it can bring ExpressJet along for the ride, then great, but if not...

This is an oversimplified view and glosses over the many great things at each company as well as the negatives but again it's my gut feeling. I wonder if the original poster has made their decision? If so, who did you pick? We're you offered an opportunity at all three? If so, congratulations. I hope you are excited for your future. Know that your dues paying will make you jaded at times, but I'm still glad I switched over to aviation. I'm enjoying the process, just wish I didn't have so much debt.

 

Lot's of bad advice on this thread.

DON'T pick an airline for where you'd want to be based. Regionals drop, swap, and open bases a lot more frequently than majors. Displacements are common. It would suck to go to a place with a crap contract, just to live in base, then have the close that base, or displace you out of it.

Go to the main part of this site, and actually research the contracts. Don't take anyone's word "my crappy regional is the best, and yours sucks". Go for one where you can have decent work rules, decent pay, and a relatively quick upgrade.

 

I've been quite happy at SkyWest. It is a regional, but once you're off first year pay and holding a line, it's not a bad place to be until something very good comes along

One thing I've noticed about the Internet forums... There are a lot of people slamming where they work. With SkyWest, most of the hate talk comes from people that don't even work there, yet most people that work here are relatively happy and (gasp!), even defend it.

 

I'm not aware of any regional that has decent work rules, decent pay AND a quick upgrade.

 

Offered all three and Still up in the air with the decision. Thanks for all the input.

 

Thor,

Captain Tony above I think is at least partially right. However, you cannot really chase upgrade. I didn't take a job at Eagle in 2008 because I thought I was too old to be in for a 10+ year upgrade time. So I went to Chautauqua instead. Turns out Eagle would have been a far better choice. I would have avoided an 18 month furlough and would be a very senior FO now.

Bases are tough to chase too, but some are more stable than others. I personally would only consider Republic if you happen to live in Columbus, OH. or Indianapolis. If not, I would cross RAH off your list first. Also, our contract is about the worst in the industry and I don't see that changing anytime real soon. I think Skywest or ExpressJet are tougher to choose between. Overall, I think Skywest would be the better side, but where you live and your willingness to move plays into to it heavily.

Good luck.

-SR

 

It was called Atlantic Coast Airlines....

 

I worked there! It did not end well. Don't chase the best regional. Get your time and move on..