I am prior military (non-pilot) relocating to Florida with my family and am stuck between choosing these 2 regionals. Piedmont seems like a great gig except for the schedules, plus I would have to commute from Orlando. However, short upgrade time and short PROJECTED flow through. Not that the flow should really matter but if all else fails I would still rather a shorter wait for AA.
Envoy would be great because I could live in base, however no guarantee I would get the E145. I know there are barely any CRJ slots but it's still a concern since I am pretty young relatively speaking and don't want to commute to ORD. Also, people seem happier at Piedmont than Envoy...even the recruiter seemed a little disgruntled with Envoy. That being said I could be home more.
So is a commute worth it for a quick upgrade/possible quick flow through of about 5 years or worse case scenario stay at home and flow in 7 years?
My family and I are use to being spearated for extended periods of time, but I would like to see my son grow up too.
Please keep all replies respectfull.

 

Piedmont has both the fasted Projected and actual flow... folks are currently flowing at the 4-5 year mark at PDT vs... 12.5? At Envoy. Piedmont is expanding- taking 2 jets a month this year and 3 jets a month next year. Piedmont's schedules aren't great but at least there's no reserve time as either a FO or Captain once you upgrade.

Apparently Envoy had someone (assuming prior 121) bid for CA in 4 months. Piedmont is sitting at about 6-8 for prior 121 folk and 12-18 months for non prior airline.

You'll get arguments for and against both. Both are strong, stable companies (at least at the moment). You should apply to both, interview and see which is the right fit for you. Neither is perfect by any means but there are plenty of worse places out there.

 

I would hesitate to tell you to commute to Piedmont, but the quick flow is true here. I would get the projected flow number from Envoy and compare. I might trade anything less than 12 months for a nice in-base QOL.

 

I've commuted in the past and now I live in base. There is nothing like living in base.

 

Piedmont isn't flowing 4-5 year pilots yet, but will soon. Aside from a smaller group, Piedmont didn't hire from 09-10, and there are just a few handful of hires from 11 and 12. This is why the flow is working well and should continue to do so as long as the economy stays good.

 

envoy offers 3 month upgrades, flow to AA and E175's. Plus you are an AA pilots the moment you are hired at envoy.

 

Envoy does not have a true 3 month upgrade for 0 time 121 pilots. That 3 month upgrade had prior 121 time. Pilots starting out with zero 121 time will take at least 1.5 years to reach the required 121 times. So stop saying Envoy has 3 month upgrades. You need to look at how long a guy with zero time is upgrading.

 

I'm actually home more because I commute. I can bid overnights in the city I live in.

 

I'm curious why not PSA? All 3 WOs are a great choice for someone looking at a regional airline but if you can't get the 145 in MIA, then commuting to CLT or DCA will likely be easier than a commute to PHL.

In a nutshell:

PSA: best QOL of the 3 WOs, worst flow language
Piedmont: best flow language of the 3 WOs, bad schedules and only PHL is commutable
Envoy: bad schedules and good flow right now but it will decrease with time, best bases for commuting and 175 (if that's a consideration of yours)

Of the 2 options you've laid out I would go with Envoy IF you may be able to get the 145 in MIA. If not go with Piedmont.

 

Yes, they are. 5 and it's about to be 6 per month. Also have the best flow language out of the 3 WO'd airlines.