fenix1

I’m trying to evaluate which WO is my best bet, all things considered and given my goals/situation, and I’d appreciate your objective thoughts toward that.

It’s important to me to live in base & at a base that’s as junior as possible for both FO’s & CA’s, but I have some flexibility on where we’ll live (biggest consideration is someplace where the cost of living is sane in a neighborhood that doesn’t require donning Kevlar to get mail); I currently live in the DFW area, but we have no ties here (other than my wife holding a decent - but not great - job) and we may well choose to move to ORD if we get on with ENY to live in a more junior base. I’ll be starting indoc at age 42. My goal is to fly as much as possible (while living in base) to get 1000 hours 121 ASAP to upgrade as soon as possible & build TPIC - I see the regionals as a means to an end. In a perfect world, I’d like to avoid 50-seat equipment (although don’t care whether I end up in CRJ-7/900 or E-175), but - if there’s enough overall & more important positives - then E-145 or CRJ-200 would be great (ie, no SJS here, but I know QoL is better in larger equipment, all other things being equal). Ultimate goal may or may not end up being AA (another legacy or an LCC/ULCC or even an ACMI could well end up being the primary objective), but I believe it’s wise to have the flow as insurance/backup (I’ve done the work to understand other regional options & what I’m giving up for the flow and WO’s are what make sense to us, all things considered).

Thanks in advance for any objective input you’re good enough to share.

flybywp

I don't think the AA WOs are your best option. There are plenty of other options that will get you what you are looking for while making significantly more money.

If you're looking to upgrade quick, Piedmont is not your place. It will take you ~3 years from date of hire to upgrade with no prior 121 experience. The recruiters tell you that upgrade is at 1000 121, which as of right now is correct, but what they don't tell you is that you'll be in new hire training for nearly a year, and it will take you at least another 12-18 months to build the 1000 hours. Also, because we operate very short flights and very inefficient schedules, it will take you longer to build the same amount of hours here than it would at another airline like Republic.

Don't put so much emphasis on the flow. It's a great tool to have, particularly for those who start out in this career at a younger age, but it's not worth sacrificing pay and QOL. The flow at each of the WOs varies around 7-9 years at least, if not longer. That is a long time to spend at a regional in today's environment.

Otterbox

If you’re looking for QOL a lot of flying and no 50 seat jets then PDT is not for you.

Republic may be your best option, or even Endeavor. Skywest if you want to live in the western US.

AA WO are bottom of the industry pay wise. You might as well earn a livable wage while you do your touch and go at the regionals.

If you absolutely must go to a WO, go to PSA. They’ve got the best QOL of the three and are getting rid of their CRJ 200s starting in 2019.

Once again, Piedmont is not what you’re looking for at all.

evrbodysmugglin

Gojet. One year in ca seat gets you a job at spirit. Not bad for a 40+ yr old. In terms of retirement and upgrade to a NB their new deal is pretty good IMHO

soar2live

IF you REQUIRE a WO I would suggest you go to ENY after doing some research on their status (I am not up to date on them) but since you already live there with the wifey having a stable income I would venture that is your best bet if you can hold a line in DFW fairly quickly.

PROs for DFW...probably one of the cheapest places to live for QOL in the AA system plus the great no income tax in that state. You are crazy to think you want to move to ORD (everyone is moving out of that state and I am one of them that has moved out haha) Great city to visit though! Better flying out of DFW too. I know Spirit has a base there too and after you get a year or so you could go there (You dont need to get on a flow with GoJet to get in there) It costs money to move and you are in a great location in DFW. Enjoy it!

fenix1

Thanks for your thoughts on PDT.

fenix1

Thanks a lot - never say never and I’ll continue to learn & evaluate, but currently I agree that PDT doesn’t sound like my best option.

havick206

Just to put things in perspective. A buddy of mine joined PDT about 3 months after I joined Envoy. Both of us went through training no problems.

He has 550 hours part 121. I have 1500 (nearly 300 of which PIC) all with ENY. So I’ve flown nearly 3x as much and have gone through both FO and CA training at ENY in roughly the same timeframe.

No idea about PSA.

I’m starting to pursue options outside of AA now that my logbook is looking better.

**Edit, no idea why their is a hyperlink to some book on Amazon from my post.

fenix1

Thank you - you raised a lot of great points, although I’m not sure how different living in ORD & DFW will be in a couple years, especially if there’s more flying to be had (at least while junior) in ORD!

fenix1

Not even going to offer to split the G7 referral bonus?! I kid (I think...) and you make a great point about Spirit (and other ULCC’s not named Frontier) being a potentially great destination for someone a little longer in the tooth, but I’m focused on the WO’s for now, although continued to learn & evaluate as new/different info becomes available.