IhateNewark

What does everyone think about going from Xjet (relatively senior- top %15 on seniority list) to JetBlue??? Hate to lose seniority, vacation, QOL, but hate to miss an opportunity for better pay in the 5 year and greater range at JBlu.

B6Guy

Take a look at this thread, similar situation, lots of good opinions


http://forums.flightinfo.com/showthread.php?t=75493

IhateNewark

saw the thread, man this industry is enough to drive a guy nuts!!!! Things here are great but being the "regional" doesn't give much security. But I figure there are alot of eagle guys who plan on retiring there...wasn't aware that the NJA pilots made that much...if I was making that kind of money I think it would be an easier decision. Thanks for the reply B6.

edik

That was a good link, but it is really hard to compare NJA to ExpressJet. It seems like NJA is a place where one can retire, pilots max out at anywhere from 160-227k/yr, vs. ExpressJet is probably no more then 110k. If I was at NJA I would not think about leaving, unless FedEx, UPS, Atlas, or SWA called me.
Also the guys on that forum said they have seen very little movement on their seniority number over past year or so. If you are on top 15% of pilots at ExpressJet, then it will probably take you 3-5 yrs to be making same doe again.

Edik

bluechunks

I hate to say it, but that sounds like a lateral move. Sure, you might make more in 5 years so JB could be a good option. (Consider also what would happen if hiring slowed and you ended up in the right seat of the 320 or left seat on the 190 for several years at current rates.)

However, there are probably several better options out thare right now that would be my first choice. These 'other' options either provide better seniority or better pay/benefits. Don't forget to factor the high cost of living in, or commuting to, current and planned JB crew bases.

This is not a slam on JB, just a realistic consideration now that the quick 320 upgrades are a thing of the past. And if the 'other' options don't pan out JB is still a fine 'plan B.' JB is probably a better job than many 'regional' jobs yet is nothing special once it is viewed without blue-tinted glasses. My $0.02.

Savannahguy

Let me put it to you this way.

A bit ago, you had a dividing line between pilots seeking a job, of those who were "regional" pilots, and those who were "jet guys".

Back then, regional = turboprop, because that is all the regionals flew. Jets meant anything jet.

Now fast forward to today. It seems that dividing line is still there, but it is now "regional" pilot and "transport guys". Regional now includes all of the Embraer and Canadair jets lumped together with the turboprops, while transport means anything larger.

So...?

Let's be honest. Once you have flown something larger than a RJ, you are no longer "just a regional pilot" in the eyes of a potential employer.

Does that mean that regional pilots cannot find a job nowadays...? Nope. I assume you posted this post because you are a regional pilot who has been offered a job. Regional pilots have usually been able to find a job both in the past (when they were turboprop pilots), and today (when they are usually RJ pilots).

But...

Much like it is still "possible" for a turboprop pilot to get a job with no jet experience, it is far easier for them if they have had jet time as well. The same thing is starting to apply to those who only have RJ time on their resume. You can still get a job, but it would be far easier with some time in larger equipment.

Say you stay at XJet, and things go south. It is no secret that the RJ is not as popular as it used to be, and many regional carriers RJ fleets will shrink (or even cease to exist) much like the turboprop fleets. Where would that leave you then...?

Probably wishing you had made that move when you had the chance. Afterall, are Airbuses going away anytime soon, hmmm... Nope.

Do a search and try to find some pilots nowadays that were glad they stayed at one of the few remaining turboprop only airlines. Imagine yourself in their situation years from now (at XJet). Could you move on then? Would you move on to something worthwhile...?

jetBlue is a respected carrier to other potential employers. They have a high caliber training program and a good people. Even the naysayers on here can admit that. On the other hand, even though Expressjet is a decent outfit it still suffers from the "regional" stigma attached to RJ and turboprop flying.

Just calling it like it is.

Blame it on overall public perceptions of our industry, potential employer's ego centered opinons of one's own flying being different than another's, or unfortunate impressions (of all regionals) created by accidents and mishaps (like the Pinnacle CRJ crash).

If things go great for jetBlue, then you are set. But if things do not, then IMO you still will have a lot more options (than having stayed at XJet) because you are coming from a "large jet" enviorment, and can move on to something bigger and better than just the right seat at another regional.

Food for thought. Good Luck to you.

Express pilot

Great advice, Sav Guy. It's a no brainer in my book. Regionals are regionals. A major is a major, make a choice. It's clear to me.

bluechunks

Well, one out of two ain't bad!

And, yes, I have experienced JetBlue's 'high caliber training' on the 320. (It's really hard to type that sentance without spitting coffee all over my computer.) In all fairness, pilot feedback indicates the 190 training is quite good.

Savannahguy

Well I know some of the people involved with the E-190 training program, and they are just plain great at what they do. As for the Airbus, I had also heard that things have changed recently as a direct result of the comparison with the E-190's training program.

Either way, I am willing to bet that even the old Airbus program was still heads above the typical regional airline's training program.

Point is, that someone coming from jetBlue will be considered to have been trained and standardized to a caliber that other employers will seek (rather than question as they might with many regionals)

Fly safe.

SAV

IhateNewark

Thanks alot for all the great replies guys, and also for keeping it CIVIL and on topic!