Great Lakes: Upgrade Time?
 

Title says it, just curious what upgrade time is at Great Lakes

I just looked at the great lakes pay, $15 an hour starting FO, after 5 years your still only getting $20 an hour, a 5 year captain makes what a 3rd or 4th year FO makes at other regionals. I don't think i'd want to work there. Isn't much to upgrade to, Beech 1900 or EMB 120.

Kind of depends on your goals. 6-12 month upgrade(has been in the past), less than 2 years and have 1000 Turbine PIC might be worth the low pay. If you plan on staying at a regional, it does not make much sense to head to Lakes.

Lakes is pretty much is poor pay/work rules but has Excellent people and experience if you can handle it. No RJ's or FMS, but I guarantee you will have above average flying skills when you leave for greener pastures.

Just my 2 cents.

Both are fine airplanes; don't have so much jet envy.

Exactly. Get the PIC and get out!

Above poster hits the nail on the head. The Lakes upgrade has averaged a year for about as long as I've been following it. That said, those that have gotten hired with ATP minimums or nearly so indeed have upgraded at around 6 months. For me, since I was hired with lower total time, it will be 13-14 months, provided they're having upgrade classes when that time comes. While it usually does happen quickly here, there is no sure thing...there was a period of about 6 months shortly after I got hired that there were no upgrades, which is quite a long time at Lakes.

This place isn't for everybody. But you will gain some incredible experience, fly with some great people, and will probably have crazier stories than those that get to walk down jetways to their aircraft...my captain narrowly dodged getting bit by a prairie rattlesnake last week in GCK. :D

Sounds like fun...sign me up....:D

But if you got bit you wouldn't have some hot flight attendant to suck the poison out:p

Where are Lakes CA's going? Hopefully not to jet regionals?

We have a few Lakes guys here at Alaska. Both of whom I am good friends with and have recommended Lakes if your looking for fun in an underpaid,non-jet airline.