What to choose - CRJ/Ejet?
 

So, I'm going to be interviewing with Mesa in the coming weeks/months (can't start work till November). Let's assume I get a CJO, can someone shed some light to help with my aircraft decision - CRJ or EJet? I live in Austin, TX so I'm commuting in some fashion regardless. DFW and IAH are 2-3 hour drives or a quick 1hr flight... PHX appears to be pretty easily commutable (with a number of nonstop flights between PHX and Austin. AUS to IAD only has 4 flights daily - so that is not ideal.

I want to get as much flying in as possible as I already have 500 applicable TPIC hours military flying.

Is one significantly better than the other to fly? Is one significantly harder to learn? Will one get me more time/less reserve..etc...?

Your thoughts are greatly appreciated.

By the time you start, IAD will be an EJet base and not a CRJ base. The only other EJet base will be IAH and people are saying reserve is long there.

disclaimer: I don't work there but have been thinking about it.

Pick the airplane that has better schedules, possibilities of overnighting where you live, etc. Not that what I know is current or even valid anymore, I'd do the Ejet this time. I despise AA.

I believe we are fat on FOs in IAH for now so reserve is longer. Don't know about IAD if transition to all ejets.

I expect some forced or offered TDY for Ejet FO as the FO in IAD are trained. CA - I expect some Forced CRJ CA TDY in IAD while the CAs are trained.

Looking at applying to Mesa...thought I'd bring this thread back alive. A few questions:

Is united aviate only available on the E175 side?

Is there a major difference in upgrade time between the 900 and 175 currently (or projected)? My gut says more planes flying for united...more future faster upgrades on that side.

If you train and fly as an FO on the 900....can you upgrade and switch to the 175 as a CA?

Where are jr FO's sitting reserve for the 175 and how long?

If I am assigned the 900, am I allowed to jumpseat on united flights to commute to reserve or am I restricted to the options AA gives?

Thanks for your help!

If you have the option, pick the 175. The CRJ is a dead end.

Things are constantly changing. The CRJ used to be the junior jet now the 175 is. IAH is the junior base for the 175 however IAD for FO’s might be where you are sent first. DFW is the most junior CRJ base. As of now there is no upgrades on the CRJ and only the EJET. Many of us CRJ guys and gals are upgrading over to the 175.

Can we get an update on your progress? I’m starting the 900 soon.

I was an FO on the 700/900 for about 2.5 years. Racked up just under 1,800 hours with COVID. Training is excellent still. Footprint is about 2 months from DOH to end of checkride. When I upgraded to the 175 I was accelerated through with only again about 2 months from start to checkride. New hires it’s about 7-8 months and only gonna grow with no dedicated systems and FPT/SIT instructor. Definitely recommend the 900 for short term it’s a fun airplane. You’ll get great at MEL’s. Good luck.