Well, all I can say is that I used to fly Dash 8's. Most had an FMS of some kind and a few did not. Without the capability to go direct somewhere made for a long flight. I certainly hope Silver management is looking at an alternative.

fly heading___ direct when able, just like Colgan did it is my guess

Long flights in a Saab?? I'm confused.

I suppose its all relative.

Who in the states operates Dashes without FMS? Ours had dual units and I think I only once saw an inop one.

I used to fly for Allegheny and we had two DHC-100s that did not have the KNS-660 installed. These aircraft were originally from Ireland: EI-CBJ and EI-CHP. And the rest of the fleet only had one KNS installed on the captain's side and all electro-mechanical flight instruments. These people were cheap!

Not to be taken as flame but as an actual question.

I was watching you guys taxi out of Atlanta today and wondered, how you do you fill new hire classes? I glanced through the pay scales and you guys are about $10 an hour less 2nd year pay than any RJ carrier. I know Eagle, Republic and ExpressJet have seen some issues with the 1500 and I beleive you guys need to follow the same hour deal. Are you seeing issues with classes? Are new hires close to 1500? Is there a restriction on DUIs? Anyways, just was wondering.

Speculating here... Domiciles. People would rather not commute. It makes for a much better lifestyle regardless of pay (to an extent). Contract, seems Silver at least has some rigs and maybe cancelation pay... And finally, you go where you get hired, because that's the best airline for you.

You know what they say: The best airline is the one that hires you first! Anyway, I'm pretty sure the likelyhood of a quick upgrade at Silver was what attracted applicants recently. However, with growth slowing rapidly, the ability to find new hires may soon be difficult.

We have cancellation pay, 2:1 duty rigs, and green incentive bonus pay for CLE and Florida 1900 crews. If you live in base, with loan payments that are small enough, it's doable. As with all regional jobs, it's all about when you get hired. I came back from furlough about 18 months ago and i'm now in he top half of the seniority list. I spent 4 months dead last right after I came back. If you want in, better sooner than later.