Originally Posted by wolfpack99

How are upgrades looking at Silver? PSA is looking for qualified FOs that meet 121 mins to come on board. They are offering incentives on top of what is already offered to new hires.

Originally Posted by James White

It’s not all about upgrade young pup. Lemme tell ya if I chases upgrade I would’ve been at a major by now probably because I would’ve stayed at mesa before going to another regional but I’m glad I didn’t because I enjoy my quality life hear at silver living at home and driving to work is better than going to PSA

Originally Posted by flightmedic01

Well, that depends on your perspective. If this guy wants to hang out in Florida and fly for a regional for a while, then fine. But if he's looking at going to a major soon, then upgrade is important. Remember, every month that goes by is another bunch of new pilots hired senior to you at (name your major airline here).

Originally Posted by James White

Yeah that’s one way of lookin at it but look at it this way. Is a major gonna wanna here some young punk who chases upgrade or is a guy cutting his teeth on Silver metal grinding every day and gaining experience going to be the one that gets the call from the majors? I think its pretty easy choice. I mean look go to via air and see how you like life. Guarantee you will be applying to silver in a few months. I’ve been around the indus long enough to know experience matters. Whatever you do just make sure you get that four year degree.

Originally Posted by Johnny Skyhawk

I can answers some of the questions about Silver. I am a new FO based at MCO. I started in the April 2018 class and I got to the line at the end of June.

ATP/CTP: I came in with 1500 hours. Silver paid for my ATP/CTP course and FAA ATP knowledge test fee and for that I signed an agreement that I would stay at Silver for one year. The value of the agreement is $5000 to be paid back if I leave early. I think they reduce the amount I owe by 25% after each quarter with the company.

Emerging Aviators Program: I did not use this program. I recommend talking to one of our recruiters to get the details. There was an Army helicopter pilot in my class who used the program to build fixed wing multi time.

Training: All new hires go to the SAAB. Average class size is about 6 (mine had 5). Ground school is 4 weeks in FLL. Sim is in MIA and takes 3-4 weeks. OE is 30 hrs and takes about another 2-3 weeks to complete. Training cycle is straight through with a short break after the Sim before starting OE. The SF340 type ride is a PIC type ride from the left seat.

Bases: The bases are MCO, FLL and TPA. My class was awarded their first choice. From what I've heard, subsequent classes also got their first choice of base.

Bonus: I'm eligible for $12000. I received $3000 after OE. Then $3000 at end of first year. $6000 at end of second year.

Reserve: A 90 minute call out. 11 days off a month. I have been on Reserve since finishing OE in June. I have been flying about 30 hours a month. I anticipate being on Reserve 2-3 more months while we get through the slow season.

Current Pay: FO start at $34.77. Per diem $1.90. Monthly guarantee 75 hours.

CBA: The contract negotiations have been underway for over a year. The union and the company meet on a regular basis. I do not know how long the remainder of the process will take.

ATR: The sim is also in MIA. There is one aircraft with a Silver livery at the MCO Hanger. There are 4 others ready to go sitting at ATR in France. I've heard the Company anticipates receiving FAA certification by the end of this year.

Moving on from Silver: I know of pilots who've recently left for Spirit and Frontier. I've heard of a few that left for other regionals.

I think I've captured all the questions from previous posts. If I missed something or if you have more accurate information, please add to the thread. PM me with specific questions and I'll try to get you an answer.

Originally Posted by av02

any pay raise anytime soon?

Originally Posted by James White

They’re will be a pay raise when you leave for frontier haha that’s what I’m planning on doing soon or maybe staying for Moxy. If you do a little research youll see some info regarding Moxy looking at silver guys. That would be huge we could be real senior baby bus captains real soon. Either way don’t get cushy flying around at silvers current rates no raise is coming management won’t give one to us if the contract isn’t due and we don’t get a performance payout I would work hard here maybe some overtime and move on but that’s just my advice some guys like it here and remain captains forever but teamsters won’t give them a raise either

Originally Posted by sailingfun

Moxy is not looking at any line pilot hiring. At the moment they are a paper airline. The only hiring is a very limited number of non pilot management personnel. Once they are in place a flight ops supervisory team will be hired and at that point they will start looking at recruiting line pilots and where they will hire from. Probably 2 years minimum before they reach that point.
All of the above assumes they can get investors to back the airline. Interest rates are rising and startup money is not a sure thing.