Hey guys, just wondering for new hires how long it's taking to hold a line and would it be difficult to get LGA right out of training? Any responses would be appreciated.

 

You could hold a line in LGA, no sweat. Not only are they short FO's, LGA is the least favorite base. (Unless you are from NY, or you are a commuter.)

 

There was a recent post on that other forum site that mentions LGA is somewhat full right now, so unless that poster is out to lunch, it'd be a crap shoot to get right out of training. Like Lax said, though, it's one of the least desired bases and things are always changing.

 

i've heard the PDT lines out of lga aren't commuter friendly (alot of out and backs and 2 days). is this true? Will commuting out of lga be expensive (hotels)? Would it be easier and more practical to do a 2 leg commute to one of PDT's smaller bases?

 

Last I saw LGA lines were a lot of out and backs. A crashpad is needed if you're going to commute, the hotel bill would add up pretty high really quick. The two leg commute to another base all depends on where the commute is to, everyone's situation is different. Commuting in general sucks, PDT commuting really sucks. If at all possible move, if not, take the easiest commute you can, if you have frequent service to NYC from where you live, it'd probably be your best option. Good luck.

 

I did a two leg commute to EWN for two years out of EWR. Wasn't too bad until they closed the ORF-PHF and CLT bases. That added about 5 captains and 3 FA's to the mix of commuters and every trip was an AM start with a PM finish. It's much easier to live in base if you can. Even if it means driving for an hour...

 

I understand that everyone has a different perspective, but I would like to know current or former employee's perspective of Piedmont. First and most general, are you happy with Piedmont? What is the good, what is the bad? I've noticed the pay seems better than most. That seems good. About how long on reserve? Upgrade? Chances of getting LGA for domicile? Any other things I should know? Thanks for the help.

 

A search will take you to threads that cover almost all of your questions in depth. The pages of opinions will reveal a good cross section of opinion as well, rather than one reply for you to read that will not necessarily be the whole story. Search is the tool third from the right along the bar at the top of the page, search for Piedmont and then PDT. I'm not being a smart alec, seriously, reading responses from more people gives you a better view of popular opinion. Good luck!

 

Never worked for them, but here are my observations on PDT (based on living with a current PDT FO and having a good friend there that just upgraded).

Pay is okay, but the company is going to do everything they can to push the limits of the contract. Junior manning is a definite reality. Scheduling will take every advantage of pilots who don't know the contract.

Lines are okay and you'll probably sit reserve for a short period, particularly if you're based in a junior domicile (MDT/LGA).

The company is severely understaffed. As such the life style of reserve pilots tends to suck. Particularly those in more senior bases.

Upgrade is gonna take a while. I can try to find out who the most junior captain is, but it's several years and longer than most companies out there.

Dash is a fun plane to fly, but PDT's are desperately in need of continual love. Plan on flying regularly with MEL items, sometimes multiples in one flight.

Some good folks there, but also some burnt out captains that I wouldn't want to fly with.

Chances of getting the base you want in a short period of time (within 1-2 months of getting on line) seem pretty reasonable.

 

thanks guys, i really appreciate all of the help. i'll keep you posted...