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.

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.

:eek: 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!