I agree with Rick. Go to work for SKyWest. As he said you can easily commute to DEN, SLC, or wherever. Also with the amount they're hiring it probably wouldn't be all that long until you could bid TUS, which is not a bad drive at all from PHX (if you only have to do it once a week that is).

 

No Great Lakes pilot has been denied a jumpseat for a non-legitimate reason in recent memory. I j/s'ed on three different flights last week, all crews were cordial, as has been every crew I've ever dealt with. Further, Mesa crews (with the exception of Freedom A-listers) jumpseat on us and every other carrier without difficulty or aspersion.

For the record: You'll find once you get your airline job that these internet forums are polarized to a greater degree than the real world. Around these boards there's lots of generalizations and branding with titles and categories (*****, scab, defender of all that is just, etc.) In the real world of the airline industry it's shades of gray. Compared to members on this board, the average line pilot cares a lot less, and has much less passionate feelings about airline politics. Such mellowness, while a blessing on one hand, is also the source of our professional downfall. Your average mainline captain, if he had to guess my salary, wouldn't get within $20,000. Heck, he probably couldnt guess his FOs compensation with any greater accuracy.

I'm all for solidarity and presenting a strong, united front to management, don't get me wrong. But don't get tied up in knots over this one. For the moment, don't go to GoJets, anywhere else you're safe.

 

Something to consider. I just looked at the list. The most junior guys hired into PHX were hired in June of last year. They are still at the bottom of the list. PHX movement is at a snails pace.

For example on the airmidwest side, "I know your flying a super deluxe 172 now and a twin turbo prop would be a big step down from that shinny 172 but..." the most junior guys on reserve on the 1900 have been here 3 months max and they have lines right around the corner. Upgrade when you make ATP mins.

I will say however, I live in my base and would sit reserve every day of the week to do so. Commuting sucks. If they are going to POS Space to and from home because you live in base sit reserve somewhere.

Remember "Don't hate the player, hate the game!"

PS. Keep in mind when you interview you may not be offered PHX or an RJ and if you stick your nose up because they offer you a prop job or an ERJ in ATL you can probrably kiss the job goodby. Have your whole interview group stand up and walk out when they ask for the $50 bucks for the application fee. That would so ROCK!

 

For clarity, I believe the last poster is discussing life on the Mesa side of the equation. The information is helpful.

 

Jeeezuz...can you get hired with 500TT and 50 ME????

 

I'd venture to say that even as a SKW commuter, your QOL would be better than a PHX reserve biotch at Mesa with 8 days off per bid! However, commuting does suck. It's also a better place to be 'stuck' (SKW)if things come to a halt. HSLD's post was spot on and it appears they are on the path to unionization.

 

Hey slice, not sure how long you worked at Mesa to know what sitting reserve biotch in base is like. I can tell you that commuting to sit reserve out of base for anybody blows much more than sitting it at home. A lot of people seem to know how bad it is at Mesa but have no real experience being there.

I am sure life at SKW is better but to each his own. As for Skywest becoming unionized the only really good thing to come from that will (may) be unity with the guys at ASA and maybe the whip sawing will stop or at least slow down and the people at ASA will have a chance of a life again. Good luck to them.

 

If they do away with the ready reserve abuse I agree with you. But given the past history, I would go with SKW and commute. I'm still on the seniority list, but thankfully on mil leave. Ask the crews in IAD how great reserve is!