CommutAir v Expressjet v Air Whiskey
 

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!

Are you only considering these 3 because of the AVIATE program?

If those are the only three you’re considering, I think ExpressJet is at the top of all five parameters you listed. Except QOL, which is very subjective and varies a lot from person to person. No brainer.

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.

While AW is no longer on my list for domicile reasons, I still prowl the forum and saw a comment that stated the reason they have a relatively high percentage (not that I've seen any actual numbers) of training failures is due to the older demographic they attract with their very good health insurance. Not sure if there's any truth to the training rumors or the causation but it makes sense to me.

I’m at XJT now and am very happy with my decision. It covers all the bases of your 5 items. If you have any specific questions I can try to answer.

As for AW training, I have two good friends that are currently there. Both came from GA. One a CFII the other a survey pilot. Both had no issues with training.

ZW training has a rough reputation because of the demographic it’s attracting as mentioned above but also because it’s tough. I came out of that program extremely confident in my abilities and knowledge. It was mentioned elsewhere, but if you can pass training at Air Wisconsin, you will have 0 issues the rest of your career. You’ll fly plenty here too. It’s not for everyone and that’s ok. Feel free to PM me if you have more questions.

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?

Contract negotiations are due to be wrapped up by mid December. The website will be taken down soon. It was political leverage to get the company to the negotiating table. It worked.

Zw does indeed seem to be the place where the older and 2nd career types tend to go, and subsequently wash out. The program is hard but fair. Only safe and competent pilots are sent off to fly the line. Upgrades at the moment are as soon as anyone has the time. Pay, benefits, and the people are good.