LGB Based Pilots
 

Im currently going through Phase II, but if successful, I would like LGB when it comes available. Just curious about the flying, Long call, short call reserve, is there such a thing as a typical trip, 1,2,3,4 day trips etc..... Crashpad cost? Sorry for basic questions but been out of the country flying for 13 years.

From other posts, people seem to think West Coast base can come 6 months to a year. Any thoughts about that?

HappyD

I would prepare yourself with the fact that you might never be based in LGB, and that probably a good thing. I could be wrong but 6 months-1 year seems unrealistic now. Lots of 4 days with multiple redeyes, with pretty boring overnights from what I hear. None of the all-inclusive islands that some of the other bases see.

thx

happyD

If your not within 3 hour driving distance of LGB then I’m pretty sure your better off commuting to JFK for a bunch of different reasons. Does that sound correct?

Man you really don’t want to come here for LGB. Unless there is some massive change JetBlue isn’t even close to being interested in the west coast right now. This is a tough airline for west coast guys.

Congrats on phase 2! Like others have said you may be able to get lgb soonish but you should probably use that time to apply elsewhere too. 5 years on property, I could be a lineholder 190 CA in jfk or below 50% FO in lgb. Where are you planning to commute from?

West coast is very disappointing. I like this company but it’s not worth it to come here to be a permanent FO. Keep in mind. If you ever want to upgrade you will need to do a transcon commute. You (and I) will never hold CA on the west coast.

Holy Smokes,

Thanks everyone for chiming in. I currently live an hour south of LGB. with no traffic, with 6 hours :eek: not really but those that are unfortunate enough to sit on the 405 you know what I mean.

If you dont mind me asking why is the west coast no bueno? Career advancement is pretty obvious, but is the flying nothing but red eyes and more red eyes?

Thx

Happyd

Regional flying up and down the west coast and transcons, many of which are red eyes.

Career advancement is the main thing though. JB has tried to come up with a plan to do something with the west coast but can’t seem to do it. Could change in an instant with a merger, or over the next few years with a strategy change. But it’s kind of a gamble. JB had a 3-4 year guy leave for SWA not that long ago. And I think he was 2500-2800 or thereabout on the JB seniority list. I know another 4 year JB guy in LGB who is about to go to United. You’ll be around 4,000 with very few retirements in the next 10-15 years from LGB, so without growth, and a lot of FOs not leaving, there’s very little movement overall, and almost none in the left seat.

I won’t say don’t go to JB, just know that as of today, the short term prospects for a good west coast career aren’t good. Long term is unknown. 5-10 years from now could be a lot different than today though.

I live locally and agree with everything mentioned previously. Trips, as addressed briefly, are predominantly 3 and 4 day affairs consisting of one or more redeye segments. Overnights are generally at airport hotel of the month and rarely surpass 12 hours (unless you go to the DR where you get 24 hours in a neighborhood not suited for anything). Occasionally you’ll luck into something decent, or maybe even something on the west coast, but these unicorn assignments are few and far between. If you’re feeling brave, you can potentially bid into the odd line once in a while... Tried it once and never did it again due to the heinousness of the pairings. As someone that lives within an hour of LGB, it’s doable as long as you accept that fact that you’ll never upgrade and your trips will be repetitive and boring. The reserve grid is entirely red before the month even starts, which means swapping or dropping days is often impossible. That and the fact that the future of the base is perpetually in question.

On a positive note, most of the captains are good to fly with and you’re still driving to work. Other than that, keep those apps updated... Good luck and welcome to B6.