Piedmont vs CommutAir
 

Anyone care to engage in an honest discussion between the two?

Both offer some sort of flow, new contracts, massive growth, east coast basing. The flow Piedmont offers is better, if AA is your thing.
CommutAir offers commuter friendly hotels and $36/hr out the gate with a much better sign on bonus. Piedmont currently has a shorter upgrade for experienced candidates....

Thoughts?

Looks like you got it all figured out. Thread closed

Piedmont also offers commuter friendly hotels. To me they both seem like a toss up if you get in early.

It really comes down to only 2 factors. Where do you want to live or commute from while at the regional? Which major AA or United do you want to work for.

Both seem like they have good stuff to offer newhires if you get in early.

Thanks. You're a real help (sarcasm on full).

I'm glad I could help.

Does Piedmont have jets yet? As in flying the line? Are turboprops looked upon any less favorably when applying to legacy or LCC?

Personally, I'd choose Piemdont. A solid flow in 5-6 years makes that decision.

Why yes, we do have jets...proving runs are going on now. Second jet just delivered and revenue starts on 11 Feb. The other 18 tails are known and more are planned.

I'll plug for PDT here, as there is no interview required with AA to flow, jets already arriving, etc..

So the more correct answer is no. No jet is yet flying a regular line. I've been reading they were coming, but were delayed as the infrastructure wasn't what it needed to be to support them. Good to hear you guys are putting it to use soon.

Any idea on the timeline whereby the 20 will all be on property? Is it like 2 per month or similar?

I'd go with commutair and try to get on with United. UA is growing by taking regional flying back in house while AA is trying to keep a large regional feed. Plus UA has a much stronger presence in the Asian market, which is soon to be one of the largest markets in the world. I think AA has something like only three destinations in Asia.

It was more of the FAA being.... well, the FAA. People put in a lot of hard work to make this happen. Flight 4855 on 11 Feb is the first planned revenue service. 1-2 airframes per month are planned for the first 20.

That makes no sense at all. You don't think AA is moving to keep flying in house? Piedmont/PSA/ENVOY is eventually all Parker wants and maybe one contract carrier. Basically 3 WO'ed doing all the flying.

As for AA presence in Asia you are about to see major expansion with more 777/787 and 22 new Airbus 350 coming next year.

Look at the retirements also at United versus American.

I'm not saying who to choose because they are both great. However with American's retirement and all the widebodies coming it ain't to shabby of a place to be.

I understand. Not saying it's Piedmont's fault, though someone at Envoy told me the jets were delayed because of the whole training issue. But no one ever gets jets at a rapid clip at first, lots of moving parts to put into play.

Good for you guys getting them up and flying. Now if only the company would pay you what you are actually worth. ;)

They haven't yet pulled any flying in house. In fact, in the last year, they did the exact opposite. Also, pulling flying back to the WO is not pulling flying in house. That would be growth in small narrow bodies to replace all the RJs, and they haven't done that either. Point stands.

True, but keeping the flying at the WO's keeps the money in AA's pocket. It might take time but operating 3 WO's with about 100 planes a piece is what they want. Eventually get rid of a few contract carriers.

Now if all that flying eventually gets pulled into American that would be great for everyone. We shall see. We can all agree the less Regional flying and more mainline flying the better.

How many 145's does PDT plan on getting ?

Minimum of 20

20 to start, these are known. 40-60+ is the projection as the Dash fleet winds down.

Seems like you either want to fly the dash, or you want a flow to keep in your back pocket. Apply to both. Go with the one who gives you the best (if any) offer.

If you're going to be a commuter, keep in mind that all but one of Piedmont's crew bases are out stations. Commuting is stressful enough in and out of hubs. This is one of the bigger reasons that lead me to CommutAir.

Thanks for all the replies so far. I was hoping this thread would help others as well. Both companies offer a lot of the same and look similar on paper.
Personally, I'm interested in TPIC and a flow in the back pocket.
I've been there, done that with regionals, upgrade included. However, I'm still short of the 1000tpic number. Otherwise, I have a very competitive resume with lots of heavy int'l experience and a couple job fairs as well.
From my discussions with recruiters, the extra TPIC would be the big boost.
Both airlines would be an easy driving commute.

The point about UA was that they are bringing regional flying back to mainline. AA wants to staff their WO carriers by the carrot of flow, but keep a good portion of flying as regional flying. It's a different model. Also, most of that paragraph is major speculation. We don't know exactly what Parker wants - what you posted above is the narrative that they have been pushing on us, it helps recruitment and retention. I'm not saying that's not how it goes, but I am saying buyer beware.

I interviewed and was offered both.

Chose Commutair.

Bases was first consideration and I personally United if and when I ever get to flow, The signing bonus didn't hurt either.

Was the current gouge on the C5 interview accurate? Skype interview?

Yes. In fact, many look upon the interview with derision, because it's not in person. Oh, life's lessons...

Hahah. I'll happily interview from own my house after a cup of coffee, followed by taking a poop in my own bathroom. All for $0.

Not that flying to Cleveland and wasting two days off doesn't sound fun.......

I hear ya. Or read ya. Though I could have done without the poop part. :D

The same things can be accomplished in a Skype interview as doing one in person, save for the logbook scrub.

Nobody has to buy in this market. I've always said go to the regional that will give you a quick upgrade time and one that gives you no commute or easy one.

Piedmont and Commutair might have some really short upgrade times. Win Win for pilots. You can still go to either one and get your PIC and apply to other airlines. Win Win

Going to a regional with a 4-6 upgrade time would be a big mistake unless you live in one of there bases.

I think either one is great. It really comes down to the commute or if you live in one of their bases. I agree with everyone who said chose the one which will have the easiest commute. I know Piedmont has ALOT of outstation bases which is a real pain trying to commute to. Also CommutAir plans on getting 40 145s with an option for 20 more. From what I heard right now Piedmont has 20 coming to them with options for more. Might make movement at CommutAir faster