It seems logical in that someone who went to school for accounting would be a better accountant than someone who went to school to be a doctor... is someone with an aviation degree a better pilot? Maybe not, but they have formal education in the subject matter.

 

I've got a crj class coming up in 2 wks, but after reading these forums I'm unsure of what I should do. I interviewed in August and xj was the 4th offer I've gotten so far. Others were psa, mesa, and republic (shuttle America side). I in no way shape form or fashion have sjs. I only want to get my time and get out to the majors where I will worry about how big the jet is. I'm 25 with a bachelors and ATP so I feel like I've set myself up well. Here's the kicker though, I will be commuting from knoxville (KTYS) so many will probably say PSA because of living in base. But that new ta, if it passes, will make commuting worth it from anywhere. Also, as crappy as the mesa pay rates are, it looks like they have some serious growth and looking pretty stable vs xjets 200's uncertainty. I guess what I'm saying is I need some reassurance that xjet is the best option for me. Thanks guys.

 

kflyguy:
The answer is no one knows anything beyond today. Look at the facts today, and decide where to go. And, as PilotYIP says, in about 20 years you will know if you made the best choice. It is impossible to make the best choice now, as there are too many changes that will occur in the future. The "best" choice is only knowable in the future...looking back on your career.

 

Here is the thing! You need to do what is best for YOU and your family. Nobody on here can make this decision for you! Educate yourself and talk to current pilots, don't read too much into some of these threads here on APC!

Bottom line is this, every regional sucks, some suck more than others! You need to decide what is important to you. For "most" guys it all comes down to QOL, Bases and work rules and that is the reason they chose that particular airline. Just like you, everyone wants to "get in and get out", but guess what? It is a lot easier said than done. Also keep in mind, that bases can open/close in a heartbeat, more so on the regional level. Upgrade time can fluctuate big time! And what holds true today, might not be valid tomorrow. I also just wanted to get in and get out, and now, almost 7 yrs later still right seat at my second regional airline, not by choice. But at least I'm not scraping for food stamps every month, get paid when my flight cancels, and have some control over my QOL, but I'm not flying a brand new E175 with power outlets with big growth coming my way. What's important to me is being able to feed myself and my family and a good QOL without having to ***** myself out for new jets and the possibility of a quick upgrade.

 

Well said!

 

We're missing something crucial here. Your school must be specifically approved for the Restricted ATP.

You can't simply have an aviation degree and apply at 1,000TT unless I'm missing something else.

 

I had the opportunity to spend some time with some Shuttle America pilots yesterday. After comparing notes, I wouldn't go to any RAH certificate. This industry is fickle, and you can get stuck. Go somewhere where being stuck isn't awful.

 

Where do you work?

I'm not sure there are any regional airlines that aren't awful to be stuck at, unless you have something otherwise to say.

 

CRJ side of ExpressJet. Compared to what I hear from my friends at AE, Endeavor, RAH, GoJets and this guy from Shuttle, this is a great place to be. Definitely could, and should, be better, but it isn't awful. I've heard SkyWest is better, but this isn't a bad place to get stuck, if that is what happens. Of course, when the new contract comes out, who knows?

 

Fair enough. Your positive attitude and ability to realize the grass isn't always greener will take you far.

I'm all out of positive attitude and hope.