I've got a few questions for the enlightened amongst us. I'm currently sitting at about 5000TT, 2500 Turbine and 250 ME - For family reasons I am needing to relocate to the west coast but preferably the SEA area. How competitive am I with these hours for a PIC spot? I've poked through the thread and past replies indicate a yes however I know how dynamic pilot hiring can be. Is there any talk of opening a BFI base? What does a day in the life at JSX look like?

My initial reaction to JSX from the various forum posts is quite favorable, and I think it would be a good fit for me assuming I am qualified.



'Squatch,
Who is considering ditching the Carhartts for a Polo

 

Upgrades have slowed down but only by a hair. There was a period where the need was so great guys would upgrade while on IOE. Now it’s maybe within a couple of months. Still very rapid. Keep in mind it is still a recommended upgrade - not guaranteed. Fly good and don’t suck and you’d likely see the left seat within 3 months on the line but that is purely speculation.

BFI as a base has been a rumor since the flying started there. Seeing as most of our stations become bases eventually I would imagine if flying increases there, it is definitely within the cards.

A day in the life is different every single day. You usually won’t know specifically what you’re doing on a given day until about five to seven days in advance. Then expect it to change a few times. A common day could look as simple as an out an back, to a 4 leg loop through the system, to 5 legs and a deadhead to a minrest overnight. Seniority won’t play a factor in this so it’s a roll of the dice. 90% of days are pretty simple, 3-4 legs, AM or PM type lines. On an 8 day rotation you’d probably see all three of those examples plus a day of home or airport standby.

It’s a great place to be and a lot of fun working in this environment. Plenty of frustrations but the pros heavily outweigh the cons.

 

It automatically increases on ur next paycheck.

 

Is it easy to hold vegas?

 

I think this is important to mention: I would highly advise to live in base or close to base (reachable by car) if you’re going to work at JSX. I know some do commute but it’s because they have been here for a while and have always been able to hold a 8/6 or 7/7 schedule. You’re gonna find it very difficult to commute when your line is most likely going to be 2 on 2 off 1 on 1 off 3 on 4 off etc...the first couple of 56 day bid periods (since you’ll be junior and will only be able to hold the left over schedules) + the fact that you won’t know until 3-4 days before at any given time where your overnights will be. We also don’t have jumpseat privileges with a major yet if you’re planning on commuting from far away. This may all change next year but just wanted to give those that are considering commuting a heads up.

 

We don’t bid for a base, you pick the one u want. The company will DH you on company metal if your trip needs to start or end somewhere else. In the last 3 months we’ve hired 21 pilots and the bulk are going to BUR and PHX where only 3 of the 21 chose Vegas so I don’t think getting Vegas is a problem at all unless they are now assigning base on needs. Biggest bases right now based on daily flights are LAS and BUR.

 

The only base you cannot get now is SNA. All the rest are available according to the website and jobs postings. SNA you will be on the waiting list for a very long time.

 

Thanks y'all

 

Hi Bobby Lee,

I was at Compass until six months ago (Inflight side). I don't think I ever flew with you though. Went over to the pilot side at JSA. If things don't start to look up at Compass, Jetsuite would be a good place to hang your hat.

 

Appreciate that. Seems like a nice place