New Poster - Long time lurker
 

Hey all. Just wanted to introduce myself as a noob. I guess an introduction is preferred before one just jumps into the conversation. I am a former XJT guy (until 2015) I work in sales now with some part 91 flying now and again but I am really missing flying, which is crazy considering my current QOL, which is home by 5, off weekends. The problem is....nothing will ever really change drastically and the ceiling for where I am is around 100k in a good year.

I live in Texas and have really been reading the opinions and information for the regional carriers with Texas bases. I dont know that I am serious about jumping back into it....yet.....but I certainly am following the threads. I thoroughly enjoyed the pilot group at XJT. I just couldnt deal with (at the time) an 8 year upgrade on a 35k paycheck as an FO. I know APC has all types and I take everything with a grain of salt, generally.

Anyhow, I appreciate everyones perspective. Like I said, I am not there yet....but I feel the itch. Im in my 30s so I have plenty of time, I suppose.

Express went through a pretty rough time post Skywest buying them out, however they are about to be a pretty great place with United taking them on.

As for Texas bases, that leaves Envoy, Skywest and Mesa. Envoy is stable, albeit a ****show at the moment and the lowest paid of the wholly owned. Skywest is a pretty small base but they are not going anywhere anytime soon. Mesa, well its Mesa. Nothing wrong with them but you will have a stigma to some.

Good luck, if it were me I would stay in sales, lol.

Don’t wait too long.

Republic is by far the best airline with a Texas base (IAH).

Huh, I guess I didn't realize they had a base down there. Well if that is true, then yes they are, by far.

It is indeed true; however, it's a very small base, and hard to get. And, after waiting many months to get it, you'll be on reserve for many more months beyond that. Not trying to turn you away from Republic, just putting the facts out there. I'm a new FO there, feel free to PM with questions.

Thanks for the replies. I defintely appreciate everyones unique perspective. It is a shame that flying gets into your blood like it does but I cant really fight that feeling. Yes, I know that many would prefer flying a desk and getting home everynight and I do too.....mostly.

The good news is, I do not have SJS and am in no hurry to jump into a difficult situation for my family. I remember what it is like to commute, to sit reserve, to not get released to catch that last flight home....only to go back to the crash pad in CLE in defeat, step over the urine puddles at the train station and sleep in a bunk bed as freight trains lumber by. Then, on day 1 of my 2 days off, eat up half the day fighting for a seat to IAH, only to catch one MORE flight home.

One thing is that I do live close enough to DFW that I can sit short call reserve at the house. I know that several companies have DFW bases but my predicament is that it sounds like ENY will possibly forcibly upgrade me??? Which would not bode well for my chances ofo holding DFW.

Lots to think about.

As of now ENY will force you to upgrade if you have the time. This will ultimately mean you will have to commute, most likely, for a brief period. However, being close to DFW will mean you can move back to DFW sooner than most because you won't have an issue sitting reserve, versus someone that would have to commute for it.

I will add though, there is always the chance you snag DFW right away. Best of luck to you.

But not as a captain, correct? Because ultimately I would be snagged to play captain on the 145 and only the 175 is in DFW?

What is the seat lock situation if i get bumped to CA and then my ultimate goal is to hold dfw (even if on reserve)?

Thanks!

Edit - showing my ignorance. I am going to guess that 145s are in DFW too......because I see them going to places like TYR. Pleaes forgive that stupid question. It made it sound like I wanted the 175, which isnt true. I want QOL and have no issue on the 145. Afterall, that is what most of my time is in anyhow.

You worked under Skywest at XJT. If you're willing to work for them again you will get industry credit for your time there. That will put your pay scale at the number of years you worked there, as will your 401 match and bonus payments.
Doesn't help seniority bidding, but pay will be much higher and DFW is able to get soon as a new hire