Current opinions on regionals - new hire
 

Hey guys,

Getting into the 121 world... I know every person has a different experience, but am looking to get some inside perspectives on current situations right now with a few different regionals. Things change so fast, so looking for most up-to-date info.

Situation:
- Live in CLT area (~45 minutes to airport)
- Current offer in-hand from Republic
- Interviews set up for PDT and PSA

Let's say, hypothetically, in an ideal world I get an offer from all 3. I know big thing is to live in base, and I've read that PDT is opening CLT, and I've heard mixed things about PSA in regards to CLT base (8 or so months for FO to CLT, then forced upgrade at 1.5 years to be off base again as a junior Captain).

Other factors are benefits, pay, etc. I want to be able to travel with my gf, so there are obviously pros/cons for being wholly owned by AAG (PSA/PDT) and Republic (benefits at big 3 airlines, but low priorities) for non-rev travel.

In your opinion, what would you go with, and why? CLT base is high priority for me, but it's sounding like that may not be as feasible as I'd hoped. So, wagering in commuting between the 3 (Endeavor/Envoy currently not interviewing), is another factor as well.

Thanks for the help!

I would go Piedmont. You’ll be able to hold it either out of training or shortly afterwards. I am biased (work at PDT). Don’t know anything about PSA besides they have SAP. Our schedules are crap, hoping it improves.

Thanks for the reply! How long until you were able to hold CLT? I'm new to this, so not familiar with SAP, and whether or not it's a good thing. Any abbreviated explanations to help a newbie?

No forced upgrades at PDT and hold a line as a CA. PSA has like a 3 year upgrade to R1 in CLT. (SAP line holder) and no guarantee that SAP will be around in 3 years. Do a bit of searching on SAP it allows you to drop trips and manipulate your schedule. PDT is set to double amount of lines in CLT by years end.

Flow is huge. It's a great insurance policy. And it systematically removes people above you on the list so your seniority gets better, not including normal attrition.

Since all carriers are fly only jets as of yesterday with PDT getting rid of their Dashes, don't get distracted about what jet you fly. It really doesn't matter.

Seniority is everything, so between PSA and PDT, go to whichever you think you'll gain the most relative seniority the fastest.

I'd agree with the above. YX is a good place to work, and commuting out of CLT wouldn't be too bad. But if you can live in base with flow, I'd definitely do that rather than commuting to Republic.

PDT is opening CLT and taking more lines there. Junior FO has been on property 13 months or so... It’ll be interesting to see how junior it goes when the lines double by the end of the year.

PSA seems to be shrinking lines in CLT in order to open other bases (PHL and ORF the newest, and possibly PNS if the rumors are true).

PSA has a better QOL for R1 line holders, PDT doesn’t really have reserves (most folks get at least a buildup line within a month after finishing OE). PDTs training center is in CLT so there’s other non line holding options for you to live and work in CLT.

Both PSA and PDT are growing... % wise PDT has quicker movement and growth at the moment. PSA is allegedly getting a faster flow which may help with movement off the top of the seniority list...

Both are potentially decent choices, both have their shortfalls... goodluck!

Come on over to PDT.

PSA or PDT. Don't commute if you already live in a big hub for two of the AA wholly owned regionals.

Commuting blows. Avoid at all costs.