Decisions??
 

I completely realize what is about to be asked is a double edged sword, but I gotta ask.
Being a lower time pilot that is thinking about going somewhere to build some time, then try to jump ship to Skywest or Shuttle America, would it be better to commute to TSA, Mesaba, PSA (All 1 1/2 hour flights or less) or go to the dreaded Mesa & live in base???
Thanks for the help.....

Be a CFI, get your hours, then go where you want. There are flight schools hiring everywhere.

I don't want to spend the 4-6 thousand, to only work for 4-8 months. I already have a current flying job, but I'm only getting 20-30 hours a month.

what is your tt now? if you can get an additional 100hrs in less than 6 months, I'd say just wait it out. then go somewhere better. comair is taking people with a pulse right now. e-mail me your resume and I can get $500 bucks to boot.

Ya, but what I was asking is it better to live in base with mesa or commute to somewhere else??

I'd ask the 400 mesa guys who have quit this year.;) Seriously, commuting isn't horrible. It ain't great, but it is doable. Commuting should be something you consider in making your decision, but make sure you factor in the crap you would have to deal with at mesa. Where do you live? Could you move to a major later on and still not commute?

That is a very personal choice, some things to consider though.

Commuting requires-
-finding a crash pad, or a place to rent(extra cost)
-having a second vehicle(you will miss your commute home, and the last thing you want is to be trapped at the pad.
-time away from family or girlfriend(commuting can cause AIDS), you can expect to cut your days off in half just to handle commuting.
-job risk, Trans States has no commuter clause, a miss commute can cause you to get terminated(you will be on probation for the first year from completion of your check ride)

Working for Mesa

-Pay is worse there then even Trans States(though not by much)
-Management cares less about you then the general homeless dog or cat found on road DEAD.
-Moral(sp) at Mesa is lower then anywhere but Trans States!
-you'll be at home on your days off(when not being junior manned)
-low rent(if you live with Mom and Dad-Verrrrry important on first year FO pay!)

Hope this helps

Go to a company you plan on staying at. Stay there and get seniority. Even with your fewer hrs a month you need to take into account the two months of interviewing, getting hired, trained and then hitting the ground. Then you'll sit reserve and may not get as much flying as you are wanting. Some places might have training contracts where you'll be locked in for a year or two. Think about where you want to be and why Mesa is on the bottom as you stated. Then think about whether you want to be a supporter of those kinds of work environments. Joining them is fueling their success of running their operations the way they do.

Get your hours working either at your current job or as a CFI. A CFI shouldn't cost you 4-6k. It's only commercial maneuvers in the right seat. I did everything on mine in under 2k. The rest is bookwork and you can do all of that on your own.

There is also the consideration of the initial expenses with being hired. Unless you stay where you are you'll spend a little money no matter which route. My suggestion is to pick a company you want to work at then continue till you get there. Don't go somewhere with full knowledge of jumping ship.

Jester,

I agree 100% with ToiletDuck. Stick it out until you have the hours to apply with a company you plan to stay at. Regional jets aren't for "time building"!

Earning a CFI (CFII & MEI) was without a doubt one of the best investments I've made. I learned more in my first six months of giving dual instruction than probably any other time in my aviation career.

Become a CFI, you will learn some very valuable things about flying.
Flying is not about getting a job and building flight time. It is about being a good, confident, and most importantly, a SAFE pilot. Earning a CFI will contribute to all 3 more than anything else. It is well worth the investment.
Also, why would you want to work for a stepping-stone to another-stepping stone? That is a waste of time, effort, and life. Build up some real time as a CFI, become a real pilot, then find the best regional you can find and work there. You will be happy you did.