Please Don't Hate Me (I didn't do anything)
 

Hey guys,

I understand why everyone hates GoJets, but I was wondering if I would be hated if I went to Great Lakes or Mesa. I want to get based out of Phoenix because my wife will be getting a PhD. at Arizona State. I really don't want to commute either. I got some crap for even asking about GLA in the regional forum because, "they don't pay enough." I say that a quick upgrade along with location is a possible tradeoff. Please tell me what you think. Thanks all!

I don't think anyone would "hate" you but wonder why you'd want to go to a lesser regional when at this point in time even the better ones are hiring.

CaptainTeezy
What are your times?

Hey Edik, my times are currently about 500 tt and 50 ME...I am going to be getting my 100 multi in pretty soon...I am finishing my CFII and I want to get my MEI. Once I get my MEI I am going to go on a few multi trips.

Another thought if You go somewhere where you can get a line quick on the west coast commuting is not bad at all. Its commuting on reserve that makes you say "Why the heel didnt anyone tell my this sucks so bad!! I would have been a dentist!"

Captain Teezy,

If everyone hates you, don't be bothered. Pilots are supposed to have thick skins. Work where you want and live where it's convenient. Help your wife get her PhD, then let her go to work, while you stay home and tend the house. It's a rough world out there and my advice to you is to stay at home, raise the kids, and enjoy life.;) And, seriously, I'd not worry about what anyone else thinks, after all, it's your life.

Good luck with your decision.

LoL I appreciate it, mainly I just didn't want to work at GLA and then be treated like a GoJets pilot and not be allowed to jumpseat. Thanks!

The first "real" flying job after flight instructing is pretty exciting, congratulations for getting yourself to the point where you have to make this decision.

I admire you for realizing so early in your career that there is more to a flying job than just getting hired, some guys never seem to learn that lesson. Also, I'd say if more pilots spent the same energy working to improve their own working conditions as they did criticizing other groups, the industry would be a better place.

So about your question, think of it in terms of playing musical chairs, if the music stops (i.e. hiring and upgrades) where do you want to sit for a while? Not to dredge up the age 60 debate in your thread, but the if the retirement age does go to 65, it could be an example of what could stagnate hiring in the industry for a few years. If the upgrade path doesn't go the way you expect, which company would offer the best quality of life?

Another factor you'll want to consider is representation, having a union on the property is a big plus in my opinion. Union representation provides a structured path to improve and maintain pay and quality of work life. Keep in mind that the quality of any union is only as good as the elected representatives and more importantly the collective resolve of the pilot group. Unfortunately there is no free ride in an effective union, but the benefits of group participation are worth it.

I wish I could tell you which company to accept a job offer from, but ultimately it's up to you. Best of luck in your decision.

Great Lakes is not anything unusual in the realm of small prop operators...they are not replacing anybody else's flying (I think scope still applies to them :confused: )

Like somebody said, PHX is a VERY easy commute to any large western city. I would commute for SKW and even eagle before I worked for mesa in PHX (actually Mesa is getting downsized out of PHX anyway).

CaptainTeezy

Iff you have 500 right now, and is going to get your 100m soon, just apply at expressjet. Good pay. and sure is much better then Mesa. The upgrades not that long. It is a 2.5 hour flight to IAH form PHX. Maybe the 2.5 hr commute will be worth having a better quality of life.