Any Options Out of San Antonio, TX?
12-01-2017, 12:46 PM
#1
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Thread Starter
Joined APC: Nov 2017
Position: Upright
Posts: 396
Any Options Out of San Antonio, TX?
Hi All, hoping I could get some feedback about any possible basing or recommendations for flying out of the San Antonio area, other than the obvious corporate/charter stuff.
I was a former regional pilot, J41 FO, then made a very quick upgrade to Captain after about 9 months. 3 months in as Captain, 9/11 happened. I stuck around another year on reserve, but clearly saw my company was on the ropes, and decided to get out while I had the option.
As a former military guy, I decided to pursue a government option to take advantage of my years in service. I'm now about to hit 50 and will be retiring very soon.
Although I haven't been flying since 2002, I'm still an ATP with over 2000 TT, most of which is multi-turbine. I know I will need to get back in the sim and probably an airplane, get instrument proficient, and catch up on all the changes that have taken place.
So, I am considering a return to flying. I am planning on relocating to the San Antonio area, and from what I've seen, no regionals are basing pilots there. I was wondering if anyone knows of possible bases opening, recommendations for regionals that may be an easy commute from SA, or perhaps other local flying options that I can look into?
Quality of life is my number one priority since I will have other income, and that includes maximizing time at home and hoping to minimize commuting to reserve or commuting at all.
Going to a major ASAP sounds good, but slugging it out forever on reserve at LGA or some place like that does not. A career at a regional or other type of flying that will meet my QOL objectives is well worth considering.
My first post, so thank you in advance for the feedback.
Regards.
I was a former regional pilot, J41 FO, then made a very quick upgrade to Captain after about 9 months. 3 months in as Captain, 9/11 happened. I stuck around another year on reserve, but clearly saw my company was on the ropes, and decided to get out while I had the option.
As a former military guy, I decided to pursue a government option to take advantage of my years in service. I'm now about to hit 50 and will be retiring very soon.
Although I haven't been flying since 2002, I'm still an ATP with over 2000 TT, most of which is multi-turbine. I know I will need to get back in the sim and probably an airplane, get instrument proficient, and catch up on all the changes that have taken place.
So, I am considering a return to flying. I am planning on relocating to the San Antonio area, and from what I've seen, no regionals are basing pilots there. I was wondering if anyone knows of possible bases opening, recommendations for regionals that may be an easy commute from SA, or perhaps other local flying options that I can look into?
Quality of life is my number one priority since I will have other income, and that includes maximizing time at home and hoping to minimize commuting to reserve or commuting at all.
Going to a major ASAP sounds good, but slugging it out forever on reserve at LGA or some place like that does not. A career at a regional or other type of flying that will meet my QOL objectives is well worth considering.
My first post, so thank you in advance for the feedback.
Regards.
12-01-2017, 01:09 PM
#2
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Aug 2015
Posts: 288
There are plenty of corporate opportunities in SAT (of varying quality) but no airline bases. There are rumors of an AUS base for Via Air and maybe Allegiant. Even whispers of a Delta virtual base with the in progress gate expansion.
As a commuter in the region myself I strongly recommend looking at a place that is between Austin and San Antonio. Anywhere on the I-35 corridor or close to it would be a good start. This will allow you to more effectively utilize both airports. I’ve run into many SAT commuters in AUS that have to drive all the way from Boerne (hour and a half) just to avoid burning a whole day commuting.
I live within 40 minutes of both and it made my DTW commute a breeze. It also made my decision to be based in NYC for upgrade a lot easier too. AUS has 6 flights a day to JFK while SAT only has one.
As a commuter in the region myself I strongly recommend looking at a place that is between Austin and San Antonio. Anywhere on the I-35 corridor or close to it would be a good start. This will allow you to more effectively utilize both airports. I’ve run into many SAT commuters in AUS that have to drive all the way from Boerne (hour and a half) just to avoid burning a whole day commuting.
I live within 40 minutes of both and it made my DTW commute a breeze. It also made my decision to be based in NYC for upgrade a lot easier too. AUS has 6 flights a day to JFK while SAT only has one.
12-01-2017, 01:10 PM
#3
On Reserve
Joined APC: Mar 2017
Posts: 20
Throw darts and apply!
I hear Mesa and Envoy newhires can get DFW and IAH for Mesa as well.
Other alternatives are XOJET (homebasing) and Wheels Up/Gama Aviation King Air 350i . Wheelsup has a KSAT base. Both are 8/6 schedules.
I hear Mesa and Envoy newhires can get DFW and IAH for Mesa as well.
Other alternatives are XOJET (homebasing) and Wheels Up/Gama Aviation King Air 350i . Wheelsup has a KSAT base. Both are 8/6 schedules.
12-01-2017, 01:25 PM
#4
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Thread Starter
Joined APC: Nov 2017
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Posts: 396
Boerne is where we're looking, but 1.5 hour drive to AUS for an easy commute doesn't sound too unreasonable to me.
I am aware of that domicile map, just wasn't sure how up to date it is kept.
I suppose SAT to DFW or AUS to DFW wouldn't be too bad.
I will look into the other companies mentioned.
Any recommendations on a course of action to get myself back up to flying speed after being out of the game for so long?
Thank you.
I am aware of that domicile map, just wasn't sure how up to date it is kept.
I suppose SAT to DFW or AUS to DFW wouldn't be too bad.
I will look into the other companies mentioned.
Any recommendations on a course of action to get myself back up to flying speed after being out of the game for so long?
Thank you.
12-01-2017, 04:36 PM
#5
On Reserve
Joined APC: Mar 2017
Posts: 20
Originally Posted by CrowneVic
Any recommendations on a course of action to get myself back up to flying speed after being out of the game for so long?
Thank you.
Thank you.
https://www.amazon.com/Everything-Ex.../dp/0974261300
Get sim time, shoot approaches. Hop in a real airplane as a bonus for some hood time and ATC talk.
The hiring floodgates are blown wide open for the regionals. The hardest question during the interview you will have to answer is "When can you start?"
12-02-2017, 12:10 PM
#6
sippin' dat koolaid
Joined APC: Jun 2013
Position: gear slinger
Posts: 982
Originally Posted by CrowneVic
I suppose SAT to DFW or AUS to DFW wouldn't be too bad.
Maybe some others can chime in, but I would imagine it's a tough commute unless you're a senior AA pilot.
12-11-2017, 05:37 AM
#7
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Joined APC: Jul 2015
Position: DHC-8 CA
Posts: 462
AA Jumpseats and non-rev is primarily. Based on check-in time, for WO's and mainline. The only difference is metal, pilots always get priority on company metal.
The original poster might look into Ameriflight, or any company that does home basing like Atlas or Delta Private Jets.
The original poster might look into Ameriflight, or any company that does home basing like Atlas or Delta Private Jets.
12-11-2017, 11:37 AM
#8
On call
Joined APC: Jun 2013
Position: 757
Posts: 171
I live in San Antonio, and wouldn’t wish the SAT-IAH commute on my worst enemy! That commute, I’ve been told, has around 100ish regular commuters. I’ve tried it a few times, often being bumped back 3-4 flights and twice being stuck in IAH overnight. There were a few jumpseaters that went and rented a car and drove on one of the nights I got stuck. Personally, if you get an IAH base, I’d just drive it. About a 4hr drive from Boerne with average traffic.
DFW-SAT isn’t quite as bad. There have been a few times I’ve Uber’d From Dfw to DAL and caught a SW flight to SAT.
I commute SAT-ORD and I’d say I get a seat in the back 60% of the time. But the first flight of the day doesn’t land till around 10am, which means commuting the day before a lot.
I’ve commuted to DTW, another tough commute, mostly RJs and usually only 2 or 3 a day.
SAT - DEN is another tough one, however United and SOuthwest have multiple flights a day.
SAT-JFK was actually the easiest commute I’ve done. Usually 30 open seats, I’d usually have my own 1st class row to myself. However there was only 1flight a day which resulted in driving to Austin a few times to catch a flight either going to work and sometimes coming back via AUS.
SAT-STL isn’t hard, SW does it twice a day and has a flight at 530in the AM which makes earlier shows a great option.
Good luck either way! SAT isn’t a commuter friendly airport, as we have a huge population but more regional services...
DFW-SAT isn’t quite as bad. There have been a few times I’ve Uber’d From Dfw to DAL and caught a SW flight to SAT.
I commute SAT-ORD and I’d say I get a seat in the back 60% of the time. But the first flight of the day doesn’t land till around 10am, which means commuting the day before a lot.
I’ve commuted to DTW, another tough commute, mostly RJs and usually only 2 or 3 a day.
SAT - DEN is another tough one, however United and SOuthwest have multiple flights a day.
SAT-JFK was actually the easiest commute I’ve done. Usually 30 open seats, I’d usually have my own 1st class row to myself. However there was only 1flight a day which resulted in driving to Austin a few times to catch a flight either going to work and sometimes coming back via AUS.
SAT-STL isn’t hard, SW does it twice a day and has a flight at 530in the AM which makes earlier shows a great option.
Good luck either way! SAT isn’t a commuter friendly airport, as we have a huge population but more regional services...
12-11-2017, 12:49 PM
#9
Gets Weekends Off
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Nov 2017
Position: Upright
Posts: 396
Originally Posted by bkey79
I live in San Antonio, and wouldn’t wish the SAT-IAH commute on my worst enemy! That commute, I’ve been told, has around 100ish regular commuters. I’ve tried it a few times, often being bumped back 3-4 flights and twice being stuck in IAH overnight. There were a few jumpseaters that went and rented a car and drove on one of the nights I got stuck. Personally, if you get an IAH base, I’d just drive it. About a 4hr drive from Boerne with average traffic.
DFW-SAT isn’t quite as bad. There have been a few times I’ve Uber’d From Dfw to DAL and caught a SW flight to SAT.
I commute SAT-ORD and I’d say I get a seat in the back 60% of the time. But the first flight of the day doesn’t land till around 10am, which means commuting the day before a lot.
I’ve commuted to DTW, another tough commute, mostly RJs and usually only 2 or 3 a day.
SAT - DEN is another tough one, however United and SOuthwest have multiple flights a day.
SAT-JFK was actually the easiest commute I’ve done. Usually 30 open seats, I’d usually have my own 1st class row to myself. However there was only 1flight a day which resulted in driving to Austin a few times to catch a flight either going to work and sometimes coming back via AUS.
SAT-STL isn’t hard, SW does it twice a day and has a flight at 530in the AM which makes earlier shows a great option.
Good luck either way! SAT isn’t a commuter friendly airport, as we have a huge population but more regional services...
DFW-SAT isn’t quite as bad. There have been a few times I’ve Uber’d From Dfw to DAL and caught a SW flight to SAT.
I commute SAT-ORD and I’d say I get a seat in the back 60% of the time. But the first flight of the day doesn’t land till around 10am, which means commuting the day before a lot.
I’ve commuted to DTW, another tough commute, mostly RJs and usually only 2 or 3 a day.
SAT - DEN is another tough one, however United and SOuthwest have multiple flights a day.
SAT-JFK was actually the easiest commute I’ve done. Usually 30 open seats, I’d usually have my own 1st class row to myself. However there was only 1flight a day which resulted in driving to Austin a few times to catch a flight either going to work and sometimes coming back via AUS.
SAT-STL isn’t hard, SW does it twice a day and has a flight at 530in the AM which makes earlier shows a great option.
Good luck either way! SAT isn’t a commuter friendly airport, as we have a huge population but more regional services...
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