Advice from Current/Recent Regional pilots
#21
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2019
Posts: 358
Definitely agree with you that as I delve into this further, Compass looks as thought they’re going down the ****ter. At this point I’m just trying to identify regionals that will get me a lot of hours, without being completely at the mercy of the company. That is my real priority. I appreciate the brutal honesty. Thanks for your input.
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.
#22
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Oct 2017
Posts: 459
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.
#23
That questions is essentially the same as going to a classic car show and asking everyone there what the best car is. The answers will range widely based on each persons preferences / etc. My advice, pick a regional with a strong contract, good work rules, regardless of the equipment. If the economy tanked and all movement stopped, where would you be ok with being stuck for 10 years or more?
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.
#25
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,948
I was in Cleveland for a while commuting to EWR. My rent in CLE was $700 a month for a decent one bed apartment that was 30 mins from the airport. I moved to Rahway in NJ which is 25 mins drive from EWR and only pay $300 a month more. When you take into account the crash pad ($150) I'm out $150 a month.
Well worth it.
I find people who shout loudest about how bad/expensive a city is either grew up in a one horse town or haven't actually lived there themselves.
Well worth it.
I find people who shout loudest about how bad/expensive a city is either grew up in a one horse town or haven't actually lived there themselves.
#26
Banned
Joined APC: May 2017
Posts: 2,012
#29
#30
Line Holder
Joined APC: Nov 2017
Position: Q400 Captain
Posts: 43
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.
Either way, put in your apps and go and interview. Smile, relax and you’ll be fine. Have fun with it.
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Lbell911
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04-22-2012 10:33 AM