Commutair questions
 

Hello,
I'm considering applying to Commutair. For those of you that live near Cleveland and non-commuters, how is the QOL?
I've heard there isn't many overnights, is that true?
I'm currently at a job where there is no movement (small charter company). I have 3000 hours, however, I lack turbine time and being in the IFR environment consistantly. Things I need to make that next big step. My goal is Netjets. I feel some time here will help me out to get there. Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Ken

I'd go to Commutair only if they vote in ALPA. That place needs a union and some better work rules before it would be a place to work.

Well, our ALPA vote should be coming very shorty and we do not anticipate the vote going against it. As far as the QOL-I recently moved to be closer to CLE and so far the QOL has improved dramatically. We have day trips that are available as part of the bid which are great if you live in the immediate vicinity of CLE. The majority of our pilots commute and thus take the overnights away from base.

If you are looking for hard IFR, then Commutair is the place for you. We are consistantly shooting approaches to minimus, in icing, at night to such exotic locations as Eerie, PA. (Just kidding) While the destinations aren't the best, the quality of flying you will be exposed to will certainly help you get to Net Jets. In fact, we have a few pilots over there. Let me know if I can help you out further.

Do It!!!! The comapany is great!

Is Cleveland the only base out there for CommutAir now? How commutable is that base, say, for a person living in San Diego? Getting out of the military in a little over a month and am trying to have an idea on where I want to end up.

Hello,
Thanks for the replies. I currently live about an hour west of CLE, not really in the immediate vicinity but pretty close. How would a typical schedule be there just doing day trips (if that's possible). 4 on 3 off etc?
I am looking for more IFR experience, how much instrument time does the typical new hire have here? I don't have a ton, due to the VFR flying I do.
As far as training goes, where is it and how long?
I've been to Erie a few times, exciting place!!
Thanks,
Ken

Training is about a monthor so 1 week indoc, 2 weeks systems and than week or so of simulator. Training is in CLE and sim is either seattle or atlanta. They pay for a hotel with fridge stove etc. You can bid day trips or I belive 2,3, and 4 day trips. Not to sure as I am going through training now that is my understanding. Commutair only base is in CLE. IFR I think I had around 60-70.

COrrect on the above post regarding training and bidding. Only 1 thing to add and that is that we also have 5 day trips as well. Typical New Hires get allot of IFR time due to the locations that we fly. This winter I racked up approx 110-120 hours actual in approx 6 months.

Hello,
WMU2006 and Flyboy060 what type of flying did you do before you started at Commutair?
When training in CLE, what hotel do they put you up in?

Thanks,
Ken

Training hotel is the Cottonwood, same as the one they put you up in for the interview.