Q vs ERJ and class dates
 

Got a CJO for the Q with a class date in January and requested Spokane as my base because they said the Q pilots there are the busiest. If I want the jet instead I need to let them know very soon and those class dates are closer to end of spring (May). They seemed optimistic that there would be more flying available for Q FO’s on account of the new Q400s they are adding and it sounds like people are finally starting to get upgraded to the ERJ from the Q.

I am a California native who will be commuting from the Bay Area for the first few months while my significant other sees if she can land a job up here (she will know by March most likely). If that doesn’t work out I may be stuck commuting for the foreseeable future from the Bay... I also have an interview soon with SkyWest, but their class dates are June/July.

My questions for you guys: 1) I want to fly as much as I can, ERJ or Q? 2)Does 5 months of seniority matter since I just want the most flight time? Q might be the high risk, high reward option: I start sooner, but would also start before I know I’m moving up here. If I request ERJ I could just play it safe and choose Horizon or SkyWest based of off where I end up living. 3) how difficult is the commute from the bay to Spokane or even for that matter from Seattle to Spokane.

Thanks for any and all help - AP.

First off I don’t think you want to be Spokane based without living in Spokane. Some people do it but Spokane has a lot of 1 and 2 day trips which make commuting difficult and even once you are able to hold a line you would still need a crash pad.

Q reserve FO’s have seen a small uptick in flying recently however for practically the past year they hardly got any flying at all. I once went an entire month without getting called off reserve at all, however like I said that seems to be changing. I can’t speak for the E-175 as much since I’m on the Q but it seems like their reserve time is getting just as bad if not worse than the Q reserve time. Someone else might be able to better answer that question for you.

Lastly, 5 months of seniority ABSOLUTELY does matter and can make a huge difference in your QOL especially if hiring slows down.

Thanks for the reply. What base would you recommend then? Not only for the amount of flying but for ease of commuting?

Portland.

Filler.

Portland or SEA but on the Q you’ll get more flying out of PDX.

There hasn’t been an FO vacancy in SEA in months. I don’t think that’s a realistic option for a new hire these days. There are a few people waiting on it to open up.

I'd recommend SkyWest ERJ if you want Seattle..... SEA is supposed to more than double in size in the next 6 to 9 months.... you could potentially get SEA right out of training..

Everyone keeps saying that but then what about captain upgrade?

Seattle upgrade for OO assuming thats what you wait for (and not take the 1 month CRJ upgrade) is currently 4.5 years. Witt the base set to double. Looking at the bid list for SEA that would drip Seattle under 3 years upgrade.. (assuming the bid closed today for doubling it)

I am hearing from a couple of Compass guys that Skywest is telling them SLC, DEN, or SEA is a possibility quickly after IOE. Personally, I don't know if I'd believe that as I know people who have been with the company over a year who are waiting for their chance to move to any other base besides DTW and ORD.

At one point SF was pretty junior on the CRJ side... I have no clue if that remains true. I could find if staying put in the Bay area interests you.