CommutAir v Expressjet v Air Whiskey

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10-23-2019, 11:01 AM

#11

uipilot45x

Line Holder

Joined APC: Sep 2011

Posts: 77

Quote:

Originally Posted by spacecadet

I've been leaning towards XJT but ALPA's scary website about XJT (The Deal's Not Done - ExpressJet Pilots - ALPA) has made me a bit nervous about applying there. Thoughts on this?

That website was a negotiation point and the emails we’ve been getting from the union have indicated that things are proceeding as well as can be expected and hopefully negotiations will be wrapped up in December.

10-25-2019, 08:22 AM

#12

DBono

Gets Weekends Off

Joined APC: Sep 2017

Position: Whole lotta sitting

Posts: 101

Quote:

Originally Posted by uipilot45x

I'm about halfway through training at XJT and could not be happier with the decision. Upgrade times are going to continue to come down. They are considering whether they may need to create a DEC program by late 2020.

The training has been great, the culture seems great. There are a lot of "lifers" here because it's a great place to be. Even the senior guys supporting the union and the effort to try to scare off new hires will all tell you it's a pretty good place when you start asking them about specifics. Feel free to PM me.

10-25-2019, 08:28 PM

#13

speedbrakearmed

Gets Weekends Off

Joined APC: Apr 2018

Posts: 108

Quote:

Originally Posted by spacecadet

That is part of why I am interested in these three. I understand that there's a lot of justifiable skepticism about the program, but my old man is a CA at United and he seems to think it's legit and has told me the company has been hyping the program internally. He obviously has rose-colored glasses and has been out of the regional game for 30+ years, but he seems to believe the program is worth pursuing.

That said, I know that 2yrs/2000hours service is far from a guarantee, that Aviate is meant to staff the regionals and not the mainline, and it may be closer to 4-6 years at the regional. But, I have a college degree and a clean nose, so I think there's a chance the program might be in my best interest despite the reasonable suspicions many people have about it.

So it seems like you know what you want and that you've done the research for it which is refreshing to see as a lot of people come on here clueless as to where the next steps lay. It's also commendable to see that you realize that your father has been out of the regional game for 30+ years, that the aviate program is created to staff the regionals, and that there is no guarantee with the 2 year/2000 and then still passing the interview. All that being said, I see the logic in leaning towards a United branded regional carrier for the reasons you mentioned. What I will say though is I would not rule out an AA WO like Envoy for example. With upgrades at 950 hours, 29 people being skimmed off the top of the seniority list every month, and 2 175's coming online every month, there is a lot of growth happening. I 100% understand you wanting to follow in your fathers footsteps which is admirable but what I would also say is that thats a benefit that you can use to apply from Envoy straight to UA once you're competitive enough. Worst comes to absolute worst (barring the economy doesn't take a dump, airlines keep hiring, {the potentials that affect all carriers}) you have to opportunity to flow to AA. And even then if you're so compelled to, you can still leave AA for UA. Not saying for you to do one or the other but its definitely something to think about.

10-31-2019, 05:34 AM

#14

flyguy727

Gets Weekends Off

Joined APC: Sep 2014

Posts: 317

Quote:

Originally Posted by spacecadet

I've spent a lot of time on these forums lurking for the past few months, and I know everyone tends to hate this kind of thread, but I am really looking for insight into how these three regionals compare. My end goal is United, and I'm currently a CFI/CFII approaching 1500. Mid-20's and unattached, so I don't care about where I'm based, and aiming to start training sometime in January (pending a CJO, obviously).

Priorities:
1) Quality initial training
2) Fly a lot
3) Upgrade quickly
4) QOL
5) Pay

Obviously achieving all 5 of these goals is what everyone wants, but really if I can achieve the top 3 priorities then I can live with lackluster pay and QOL.

As I see it, C5 and Expressjet both have reputable training departments, while Air Whisky's reputation is less than stellar. It seems C5 might be overstaffed on FO's so that might be the lowest of the three for flight hours, but not sure about Air Whisky or ExpressJet. Not sure how the three compare for the rest of the priorities.

As things stand now, would you come to C5 again? How do things compare at ExpressJet or Air Whisky? Of these three, which would offer the most flying for a new FO? How is pay between these three?

I know APC has tons of info on pay and per diem, but it doesn't really offer any insight on the day-to-day reality on the ground. Thanks in advance for any info!

They are all pretty much the same. You should be looking at ease of commute, or do they have a base where you live. But, to each there own.