HI GUYS ! I know posts like these have been posted before, but I just need some help from you guys in this particular situation (I'm completely new to the Airline business and don't know much)
Soon I'll be a newby for Pinnacle and as you know they have Hubs in Memphis, Detroit and Minneapolis-St. Paul. My problem is that I live in Mobile, ALABAMA (Gulf Coast) and I heard that most of new hires are being spread between MSP and DTW. If I was going to be based in Memphis wouldn't be a problem at all, actually it would be perfect since there are 3 daily flights from Mobile to MEM (Pinnacle) and another 3-4 (FedEx). But the thing now is that looks like this is not going to happen. There are no non-stop flights from Mobile to MSP or DTW, I would have to connect in MEM and it could be a very long commute. By the way Pinnacle doesn't let you choose your base like AE. My questions are (specially for you guys working at Pinnacle):

1. If I'm sent to MSP or DTW, is commuting an option for me? Will I have to move?

2. If I get based at MSP or DTW, can I request later to be transfered to MEM?

3. What is the best way to tell the guys at Pinnacle that I would really like not to move and be based at MEM without sounding "picky"?

 

It is not an option.

 

Commuting is always an option. Go to www.passrider.com to find how many flights from MOB to MSP, DTW, and MEM. I do not work for PCL, however you can change bases as your seniority allows. If you get MSP or DTW and want MEM, you can put that on top for your wishlist and when a slot opens, its yours.

 

You will get memphis before you know it, attrition is so high here and they are going to be hiring a lot of fo's so dont even worry about getting memphis, even if you have to wait 3 months, just suck it up until then. In Class you will place a bid for memphis, if you are awarded it, good, if not when the next vacancy comes out a month later, as long as your first choice is memphis they will change your base to memphis.
I bet you get memphis on your first try.

 

Thanks PinnacleFO ! I hope so too. I think I'm really going to enjoy pinnacle despite hearing some people complaining about them. How long you've been with them?

 

Man don't listen to George, you will be in memphis probably before you finish training... i.e. we had about 9 lines that couldn't be filled due to lack of pilots. you will get memphis, and it is an easy commute.

 

I heard MSP is almost impossible for 9E, as it is at XJ. I would think MEM would be pretty easy, although I think DTW is the most junior for you guys.

 

WHO CARES DUDE! Go to www.nonrev.net or www.eskyguide.com and look for yourself. Take some initiative.

 

Are you asking if it is possible to fly(even non rev) from MOB to MSP or DTW? Then yes, it is an option.

Are you asking will you have a life outside of sitting in your crashpad waiting to get called out, and sitting in airports waiting for a flight to and from work, and sitting in a cramped jumpseat hoping this crew will fly fast & atc won't slow them down so you can make your connection to your NEXT flight, and hoping that that flight isn't delayed so you dont get tagged with a missed assignment?
Then no, it really isn't an option.

If you're asking do you have to move your family to your new domicile halfway across the country - then no you can commute; if you don't mind not seeing them most of the time. (I was gone 220 days last year. I worked perhaps half that.)


The answer, as always, really depends on your own situation. If you don't have a family then there is less reason to not move to your new domicile. If you do, how much seperation can they tolerate?

Commuting to sit reserve is a very difficult proposition. A two leg commute is equally difficult. Doing both is just crazy. In unique circumstances, it might be your best option. But, it is most likely not.

 

I guess you're right. Is not a way of living. But seems like it wouldn't be hard to get transfer to MEM after a few months. Seems like my best bet would be to give it a shot and if I don't get transfer to MEM in 3-4 months then I'll move. It is going to be complicated but, heck, getting to this point in my life where I finally get to start my lifetime career has been hard and complicated since the beginning.
Thank you guys for your honest advises.