AV8ER, what I mean is that I am approaching the 1000 PIC 121. I have over 4000 total. I know it is rediculous to be considering a regional, but I do not want to get stuck where I am when the music stops. I am going to hold out for another year or so and keep updating, but if I miss this hiring cycle I do not want to fly night freight until the next one.

 

My experience - completely luck of the draw. I'm a 145 driver but was orginially offered the 170 for Republic (no prior 121, no turbine...nothing more than a CFI). As far as PIT is concerned, the Republic certificate is the one getting all the growth right now, but do a search for "US Airways in Pittsburgh" on yahoo and that could shoot your dreams down a little. However, getting on to the Republic Certificate and maybe, hopefully, one day finding your way back to PIT is a possibility. Travel Bennies = you get whatever codeshare your base flies for (i.e. Republic in PIT only gets US Air, Republic in DEN only gets Frontier).

 

I know US Air is cutting flights to and from pittsburgh. Does that include their express flights and how is that going to affect the PIT base there?

 

I'd call the possibility of getting the 170 probable, but not necessarily likely. We have 3 types, 3 certificates, and 4 different combination possibilities: CHQ 145, CHQ CRJ, RP 170, and SA 170. We aren't getting new 145s, so they just hire into that airplane to fill the vacancies by upgrades and attrition. The CRJ is new, and thus they hire a lot for it. The SA 170 isn't a growing spot, it's much like the 145. The RP 170 is growing, and thus they hire a lot for it. There are your details. When you upgrade, you can hold out for whatever airframe you like. Current upgrade is about 2 years. You have to want to be here, because you may not initially get the airplane you like. Don't come here just to get the 170. As it sounds from recent US Airways press releases, PIT may not even be a focus city too much longer, and I'd say it would be hard for us to keep it a base after something like that.

All that said, I think this is a great place to be. We have a chance with the upcoming contract negotiations to set the bar for everyone else to follow. I like to believe it will happen. Overall, if you get caught up in all the little crap, everywhere will suck for you. If you just come to work and do your job, this is a great place to be.

 

Not sure if you were aware, but when you go for the interview in Indy, Republic AIRWAYS already know which certificate and which a/c they need pilots for at that particular time. SO! If you want PIT, the only certificate that is based there is the Republic AIRLINES 170's. So.... if you got another plane or another certificate (like Shuttle America or Chautauqua) then PIT is not a choice. Once you are hired under a certficate there is no lateral movement between certificates until CA upgrade or an act of God (which still is doubtful). So.... the chances of you getting Republic and the 170 would be based on their need, and that changes weekly. Just hope for Republic Airlines, and then request to switch bases if you don't get it out of training.... BUT even if you get another a/c or another certificate, since it IS a republic base, it is commutable.

Work rules..... right now we're undergoing contract negotiations so they should increase and get better. Right now I would say our contract is average... not as great as some, but a HELLA lot better than others. But with 1900+ pilots, we're screaming to the union about better work rules.

As for travel bennies, it depends on who you work for..... meaning, whatever aircraft you have and city you are based in, the airline that primarily resides in that city, you will fall under THEIR benefits... so: PIT, PHL, DCA, etc are US Airways (since those bases are made for that airline), ATL, etc (Delta), Den (Frontier). So, depeneding on the airline you're under (and we have several that we fly for)........... that will depend on your benefits which are too varied to mention here.

Any other questions, PM me. Later!

 

I was just hired for the RW 170. I have heard that there is a time requirement to get the 170 as well beyond the 1000/100. Someone who currently works for RAH can verify that. IIRC, its basically ATP minimums. Not sure why it exists, but I have heard of it from a CHQ pilot.

 

Whew! Luckily for you- you work at XJT where they pay is amazing!

 

Erm , I know you guys hate us Jetstinkers, especially the ones who are proud to work here, but I was referring to the fact that RAH pays their FOs the same no matter what airframe you are on. I didn't mean ALL regional FOs (although we really are all paid crap). My question was in regards to the motive for wanting a specific aircraft at that specific carrier (RAH). If the poster wants the 170 because thats all that they base in PIT, then ok that makes sense. But if they want the 170 because it looks like a miniature 737 well then thats another issue.

 

I would fly a beech 1900, 747, or a cessna 172, if that meant i could pay the bills and be based in my home town of Pittsburgh. Thats all i care about. The commute to sju is becoming a bit of a hassle

 

Hey killer, nice avatar! Thats me in the right seat.