Upgrade is 8-9 years and not coming down unless Skywest gives us growth, which doesn't seem to be their plan.

Believe it or not, DTW is a much better commute from FL, and reserve may not be too long since we are so short on FOs. Other airlines have faster upgrade and bonuses. But we start at $40/hour and have by far the best work rules in the industry, including the majors when it comes to reserve rules and 117 compliance.

 

So, after scrolling through 51 pages of replies, I still cant make up my mind on xjt. I'm still in the military for another 10 months and going to flight school shortly thereafter and will come out debt free (awesome budgeting and GI bill). Trying to decide if xjt is the regional to go to, since my main goal is ual, and I have heard that pic time isnt required anymore so I'm no so concerned about upgrades. I talked with the xjt recruiter and being in the military, I'm usually good about finding out BS quickly, he tells me that upgrades will be about 5 yrs, with less than that to move to ual through the cpp. So I want y'alls opinions bc there is no sense in applying if it's just going to go belly up. I have really no preference in bases but I really dont want to commute...Thanks in advance!

 

Got hired in 2007 . Still am FO. There's your 5 years.

 

Everything positive he told you is only going to happen if new hires continue to come in behind you.

 

Certainly not trying to rain on a parade with this, but if I understand you correctly....you have yet to begin a flight training syllabus? Meaning you have very little time so far? If that's the case, then there isn't a lot today that anyone could offer that would be relevant to which regional you should look at. This industry changes so quickly that what is true today could be totally 180 out in 3-6 months. Stay with your plan, work hard on the flying stuff, keep that good financial position and when you get closer to the minimums required for your situation, start working it then. There certainly will be opportunity for you, I just recommend focusing on the close fight. That way you're not wasting energy on a situation that's rapidly changing on a monthly basis. Again, plenty of opportunity when you are ready to jump in. Good luck!

 

How many hours do you have now? It will take some time if you will start flying in 10 months.


On the CRJ side, in about a year, we will be down to a 6 year upgrade and falling.

 

But in a year. Those 6 year upgrade guys will be 7 years... I think the CRJ side of XJT would be a good place to go if you want ATL. I would shy away from the ERJ side, do to uncertain future..

 

Thanks abunch guys, I'm solely focused on saving up and studying my own manuals at home before I enter flight school so its not such a shock and i end up spending more $$ for hours. I guess we'll just have to see how xjet and the industry is doing in 2 yrs when I'm finished with school and doing the CFI gig. And WMU, I got a whole lotta no hours at the moment. It'll take some time but it what I love to do so gotta stick it out lol

 

Why would Inc give SW more flying and open a base where you guys already have a base? Because you guys have work rules that they must follow and they can force 90+ hours on us and intimidate our pilots into flying those hours forced on us. We can have bases that month after month have 0 reserves and CS can ignore our PPM when it serves them best (company need trumps all).

Our pilots have bought into the mindset that we don't need the protections you guys are afforded. I think it's a crappy deal but unfortunately we have many lifers at SW that are happy to help the new hires fill up their cups with that yummy kool-aid we serve. Once CC was put over that side of the house, I'm feel your fate was sealed. He doesn't see pilots as anything but a line item on the expense report.

 

I agree. SkyWest opening a DTW base is not good news gor XJT...,