See thats the thing, CP is still hiring / new class dates - many unknowns around it but if they replace the delta flying it could still be one of the fastest places to gain time and upgrade especially as more movement happens because of current pilots moving on. So really apply to all that may work for you, interview and if you get multiple CJO's then you will choose the best decision when it's time to start. Right now CJO's for many of the regionals are months away, hearing Skywest is 6+ mo out. Mesa and TSA much sooner start dates. Horizon 6+ mo out last I knew also. So fill out the apps, apply, go to interviews. Not everyone gets a job offer at their first choice.

I agree, except for Seattle. It's just plain expensive here.

As for Horizon, right now new hires are spending lots of time on reserve with sporadic trips. Most Q400 folks are able to get Portland within a few bids after OE, but where new hires can go seems to change monthly so don't count on it. Not a lot of movement right now and not all departures from bases open up vacancies. Lots of us new folks down in PDX waiting for SEA. I wouldn't come here to build time quickly, but it's great if you want to stay in the PNW.

Meh. In this climate it's legit to balance risk of getting stuck somewhere vs. career progression. Ultimately up to your personal risk tolerance but it would take a very bad economic turn to wipe out the retirement-induced hiring to come.

I'd be more inclined to consider domicile geography, worst case if you get stuck you can make up for a lot of low pay and QOL by living in base. Very few regionals offer circumstances which are good enough to commute for vs. living in base at another regional.

San Francisco got so expensive that nobody lives there anymore. :D

Exactly. The COL difference for me between living in Chicago and living where I grew up in Indiana is so minimal that I already come out ahead picking up one day trip. Factoring in not driving two hours, ability and flexibility to pick up more trips, etc. it’d be even closer if I was commuting via air and paying for a crash pad/hotels.

Pretty much anyone. Those are big, junior bases. Multiple airlines and not going away. Living in a Big, junior base allow lots of opportunities to pick up time if that’s your goal.

I wouldn’t rule out CPZ quite yet. If you can, interview and get a CJO. Worst case your class is in 6 months and you’ll know a lot more by then.

SF became so expensive because so many people lived there. Well, not so much now.

Now they live in the central valley, drive in for the work week and sleep in their cars, shower in the gym.

If you don’t wanna commute or commute that far, Horizon or SkyWest for sure. SkyWest will start you off on the east part of the nation, but you can work your way back west. Horizon will get you the PNW right off the bat, but things are a tad slow. As long as you know that, you’ll be good. Can’t speak for other airlines, but the industry is quite open now.

Either way, put in your apps and go and interview. Smile, relax and you’ll be fine. Have fun with it. :D