Airline Pilot Central Forums - Advice for best regional.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Excargodog (Post 2860825)

There isn't ONE answer to your question for everybody. The right answer depends on your own geographic or social constraints, your aspirations, your risk tolerance, your prior experience.... A whole multitude of variables.

For example, the regional where you can progress most quickly might have cr@ppy pay and work rules and overall quality of life, but it may get you too the majors years before a regional that you would find preferable if another economic downturn trapped you at a regional for a decade.

'Flow' generally is a sucker play, like the house edge on slot machines, the extended warranty, or that true coat they put on at the factory, but if you've got three DUIs, four training failures, a FAR violation or two, and a breaking and entering conviction, cr@ppy though it is, it may be your ONLY possibility of getting to the majors.

Everyone's situation is different.

I have to agree with a lot that has been said. My suggestion: You said it doesn't matter where you live, so, choose 2 or 3 locations that you would like to live, (commuting sucks, especially if on Reserve). Look at those locations and which airlines have a domicile there. This should help you narrow down your options.

I've heard the AA flows can take 5 years or longer. Unless AA is the only one you are willing to accept an offer from, as good as they are, I would recommend one without a flow. I know individuals who have went to a Major that didn't have a flow after 3 years at a Regional. On the other hand, if you are young enough and have enough years that waiting another 3 - 5 years to go to a Major won't make much difference in the long run, then don't overlook them.

Don't just look at the bonus' and the first year pay. You will be there a few years, so look it as a three year investment. A few offer good bonus' the first year, but by year three their total payout is less than others.

If you read enough of the forums, there are a lot of doom and gloom comments, regarding how terrible this regional is, or that regional, and how they will be going "bye bye" soon. If that is a concern of yours, and I suggest you ignore these comments, then look at those that are growing, adding planes.