Tom Kazansky

Main reason to stay away from XJT? Or Skywest?



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astaz

The ERJ contract with United is only through the end of 2018 at the current time, just extended from the end of 2017, allegedly going to be extended to 2019.

All regionals at this point have questionable futures based on current staffing. Anyone who claims to have the crystal ball on who will be around, and what the best choice is long term is full of it. Choose your regional based on QOL, and if this means not commuting that should be a huge factor in your choice. If you want to be in IAH, SkyWest shouldn't even be on your radar. XJT and Mesa should be.

Paid2fly

The only "list" Mesa should be on is "avoid, no matter what".

AtlCSIP

While there are some valid arguments for your opinion, it is not necessarily the truth. I have some buddies at Mesa that are quite happy. I also know some who left Mesa to come to ASA/XJT at some point. As far as choosing a regional is concerned in this day, I would, and did, make my decision based on the ability to drive to work. That single issue, in my humble opinion, is more important than pay, vacation, sick time, soft credit, scheduling, or career progression. I like my job at XJT (CRJ), but I would never try to convince someone to come here if they could drive to work at another carrier.

KaiserSoze

Could someone do me a favor? I used to be employed at XJT (ASA). I had to leave for family issues, and I am going to try to return after the first of the year.

Could you tell me the number of lines in ATL for CRJ7/9 and how many total FO's there are on the 7/9?
And, if it is not too much trouble, what is the hire date of the lowest line holder?

Thanks!!

AtlCSIP

Roughly 220 FOs and 190 lines in ATL. We have 7/9 FOs in DTW also, and should have some in DFW soon. Most junior line holder looks like 05/2015. Welcome back.

KaiserSoze

Thanks for the information!
I wish I could start back today, but I need to wait until the first of the year. I miss flying like you would not believe.

AtlCSIP

I would believe! It will be great to have you back.

Tom Kazansky

As a Houston resident, XJT seems like a great place (especially being able to live on base).

This brings up 2 questions:


1) I know this is a touchy subject... but what are yall's thoughts on upgrade time with base in IAH? I'm considering Skywest or Envoy to upgrade quicker than the current 9 year upgrades (at the sacrifice of commuting)

2) a family friend is a 15-yr FO at Delta and lives on base so he can pick up last minute trips that are 1/5, double, and even sometimes triple pay.... is that common at the regionals? or would I already be flying at the legal limit (because this could significantly change one's take home pay)

thanks yall!

astaz

1. The CPP program will hopefully begin to reduce upgrade time. Some of the most senior guys will leave, go to UAL, open up slots for mor junior guys. Once we get through about 100-150 guys, upgrade times will probably be closer to 4-5 years tops. If we keep a healthy movement after that, it will continue to drop. Obviously this depends on fleet size staying constant and contracts getting renewed etc... Also SKW is not the best choice of you're thinking IAH/not commuting. Lots of shrinkage and poor line quality lately, so SKW would definetly have to be a commute as well.

2. We used to see 200% premium pay, now 150% premium pay is common, but not an every day occurance, staffing levels aren't that bad, yet. Living in base allows you the most flexibility when it comes to picking up premium flying. I can tell you as a commuter, if they announce 150% pay for flying tomorrow, I'm not jumping up and down to sign up. As far as whether you are legal or not, that's just going to depend on how much you fly. Some guys manage to credit over 110+ hours a month with soft time, premium pay, and a good understanding of the work rules.