I am curious about what flying the EMB-120 for SkyWest is like. Just got hired and I haven't found to much info on the turbo-prop life at skywest. What kind of schedules are there? If you're based, say in MRY or PDX, where will your trips take you (just trying to get at if you stick to flying in and out/around your bases or do you get to make your way around the system)? Pros and cons for the Bro ( I know it has props...I fly a t-prop now and enjoy it)?
Are you having fun? Just looking for your 2 cents.
Thanks for the input and look forward seeing it for myself.
Cheers

 

If you are based in PDx that means you've been with the company 7+ months (about the upgrade for captains in some other bases). Someone who actauly flies the damn thing can give you better info, but unless you get SLC or PDX most of your flying will be as UAL in CA (SFO and LAX). Seems to be a lot of 8 leg stuff out there, builds charecter. I've only spent time looking at the PDX lines and they don't seem so bad (thanks to a few longer segments like Redmond and Medford). Sometiems Californians get up into the PDX system and vice-versa, but mostly they seem to keep to themselves.

 

Don't fly the EMB, but welcome to SkyWest.

 

I have done only one 4 day trip so far in the BRO (On IOE) and I had a blast! We have many days where we fly 4-8 legs a day and can be quite tiring to say the least. I am glad to have started in the EMB and is very fun plane to fly. My next trip starts out in FAT and I end up flying threw SFO, PDX, and SEA for 4 days before returning back to FAT. For the most part if your based anywhere besides SLC you will be in the United system flying though SFO or LAX anywhere between Yuma and SEA. There is lots of movement around SkyWest right now and the shortest upgrades are in the BRO. I have moved up the list quite a bit so far and should hold a line in FAT by July or Aug at the latest. PDX has been pretty senior esp for Capts but we did have one person in our class get awarded there. It all depends on your timing and what is available when you bid. Good Luck!

 

The bro will make you a better pilot. it will also make you appreciate the next airplane you fly more than you can imagine. it's not a "fun" airplane to fly...but it will challenge you. start doing some squat thrusts to get the right leg strong enough for the amazing amount of rudder that hog requires.

the schedules will build character, especially out in the california system. having said that, 8 legs a day thru cali ain't so bad, just ask those guys who do it out of say Bos, CLE, PIT, CLT, etc. whether they would trade places in a heartbeat.

Mookie

 

Great info guy. Thanks a lot. The job looks like a lot of work but it also looks like fun.

I was flying a day or so ago and was coming into MRY and a SkyWest 120 was on the dep. and sounded like he was going just up to SFO, 7000' the whole way. Couldn't be more than a 15-20 min flight. Cool.

 

Chics dig BETA......................nah they really do

 

It's the only reason I get dates... Oh! and they think I make a lot of money...I have to tell them my old car is a rare and exspensive "collector"

 

Just thought of another question. What kind of head set do most of you use for the Emb 120? I'm guessing it's not the quietest beast out there.
I have a ANR and a standard D. Clark.

 

And you keep the rust on so thats its in absolute original condition with no modification (worth more), right?