DCA/IAD regionals
 

I live in the DC area and want to narrow down best options for locally based regionals. I understand PSA, Republic, XJT, Commutair, Mesa all have domiciles locally. I’ve got a couple options but not too sure where to go. Here are my priorities:

1. Quickest time to a line in DC
2. Maximizing flight time
3. Pay/work rules.
4. Upgrade
5. Local training


Thanks so much for the advice!

Expressjet closed their IAD base several years ago. Just go to republic or PSA. Don’t submit yourself to the torture QOL of Mesa or Commuitair.

#3 should be #1. You’ll burn out otherwise.

1. Quickest time to a line in DC 2. Maximizing flight time3. Pay/work rules.4. Upgrade5. Local training If you specific question you can send me a PM. CommutAir is not perfect, but no regional is.

Right now it's hard to get into the good Regionals that have the higher pay and great work rules. You are looking at almost a year delay to get into training. People with seller resumes and internal referals are getting the TBNT letters.

Pilot shortage? What pilot shortage??? It was a pay shortage all along. You may have no choice but be stuck going to some of the low pay/QOL Regionals.

Thanks so much for the info! I still fly with the ANG but I need more hours and to check the 121 box. Driving to both jobs would be clutch. Fingers crossed that it'll be a relatively quick (1-2yr) touch and go before getting picked up at the majors. I've got >500 mil PIC...does this mean I could potentially upgrade once I hit 500hrs 121 time? What are the thoughts between PSA & Commutair...I really am looking to hit the line the quickest and get those hours.

What do you fly and what are your other quals and hours?

You want to go to the regional with the highest pay/QOL. Everyone transitioning into 121 thinks all that they should care about is hours. Once the novelty of flying the line wears off they wish they had a better quality of life. 1-2 years can be a real grind if you choose a place with low pay and QOL to crank out a few more hours. If the economy tanks or something else happens to delay your departure to a major you’re going to wish you went some place else... hard.

Of the list you published your only real choices are Republic or PSA in that order.

Thanks, I guess it’s tough figuring out work rules/QOL. The pay doesn’t seem to be too much different between PSA/Commutair. Republic hasn’t called yet and I hear training is backed up until 2020! I’m currently flying the 737 at Andrews with 2500TT/600TPIC. Had apps in for 2 years...with no bites so it’s time to make a change and kick into gear.

Then in your case I would go to what would get you through training and out flying the quickest, which I am not sure of between those two. Republic is backed up for now, but that could change by the time you get out. I would not give that advise to anybody else who doesn't have the qualifications to get picked up by the big 6 as a Jr. FO.

I’m in a similar situation. PSA interview to class is about three weeks.


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Yes, at CommutAir we have had several upgrade at 500 121 based on prior military crew aircraft commander time.

We are currently not filling our upgrade classes because not enough FO's are qualified.

Training is pretty much a straight shot from indoc to sim with as few breaks as you want (sim slots are bid during systems, so you may end up with a break there) FO's are being held up a bit in IOE as we prioritize captains right now, but figure 3-4 months to the line, possibly less if you mention how close you are to upgrade requirements.

All the ground training is at Dulles, so there is that as well. It has also been going junior on the FO side, but once you upgrade it is quite senior (though, in 6-9 months that could change as well)


Its not the best, the reserve rules can be rough at times. But it has been a good ride for many of us the last few years.

Have you gotten a 737 type-rating based on your military experience yet?

14 CFR § 61.73 - Military pilots or former military pilots: Special rules.
CFR
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§ 61.73 Military pilots or former military pilots: Special rules.
(a)General. Except for a person who has been removed from flying status for lack of proficiency or because of a disciplinary action involving aircraft operations, a U.S. military pilot or former military pilot who meets the requirements of this section may apply, on the basis of his or her military pilot qualifications, for:

(1) A commercial pilot certificate with the appropriate aircraft category and class rating.

(2) An instrument rating with the appropriate aircraft rating.

(3) A type rating.

In fact, you probably qualify for a couple of them.

I realize it won’t make a damn bit of difference to anyone who knows anything about the flying you have done, but it often will to the computer that’s scoring which applicants for a human being to look at first.

Yup I’ve got ATP & 737 type rating with about 1600 time in type. The rest of my time is mostly C-130s. C5 sounds like a good fit and I’m looking forward to expanding/diversifying my experience there. I really appreciate all the great info on these forums! Cheers.