Leaving 135 for Regional
#23
#24
New Hire
Thread Starter
Joined APC: May 2019
Posts: 8
One flight a day, 3.5 hours each way.. I would avoid SEA if you will be commuting from ELP.
If looking at commuting I would probably look at a different base, probably some of the ones I mentioned such as DFW/IAH/PHX. One flight a day would suck for commuting. Also, keep it as short as possible. I’ve done 1-1.5 hour commutes when multiple choices. Those commutes really aren’t bad.
I used to live in El Paso and probably know your boss. Great city.
If looking at commuting I would probably look at a different base, probably some of the ones I mentioned such as DFW/IAH/PHX. One flight a day would suck for commuting. Also, keep it as short as possible. I’ve done 1-1.5 hour commutes when multiple choices. Those commutes really aren’t bad.
I used to live in El Paso and probably know your boss. Great city.
#25
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Sep 2008
Position: B767
Posts: 1,901
I’m a former 135 guy, so I know where you’re coming from. I’m also a former regional pilot, and I also used to commute. Your plan sucks. You’re going to spend many of your days off either commuting or stuck in whatever base you end up at in the northwest.
You WILL be much, much happier and so will your family if you find a regional with an easily attainable DFW base. That’s the truth from someone that has been there, done that.
#26
Line Holder
Joined APC: Apr 2019
Posts: 29
But how do you know you’ll be based in SEA. You could be in PDX, GEG, MFR or BOI. You’ll hate commuting to small bases. And one flight isn’t enough. Honestly, commuting for QX from TX isn’t worth it. Even if your end goal is AS. Their pathway program is slow and they hire from other regionals too.
#27
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,888
If you want to live in ELP and stay happily married then find a different 121 operation with an easier commute.
Life is full of compromises and this is one of them. Pilots who have been there, done that and gotten the t-shirt are pretty much unanimous on this advice. It’s pretty unusual when pilots on APC actually agree on something.
#28
Banned
Joined APC: Feb 2019
Posts: 18
ELP to DFW
I'm doing the ELP to DFW commute and it's nice having plenty of flight options everyday. I live about 7 minutes from the airport so I can leave last minute and show up right on time to get on the flight. I have noticed an increase in folks commuting out of ELP. I'm guessing some of the 135 guys as well as RTP guys that have signed up for the regionals out of Fort Bliss. Also, I used to commute to ORD and it wasn't bad at all but DFW or PHX are quick flights with lots of options. Envoy or Skywest might be better options considering the pay rates for each and deciding what works best for you and the family.
#30
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2019
Posts: 358
Here we go. I was hired at a small 135 right out of flight school. My total time is 1100 and 800 of that is twin turbine. I've absolutely had my fill of 135 life style so I'm biting the bullet and heading to the regionals. I live in west Texas and will be commuting. Horizon Air seems like a good choice. Taking suggestions based on pay and schedule. Thanks!
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