Hey guys, I'll be applying to many regionals after I graduate college in about 6 months. I've got a lot of info from the threads about several airlines, however I don't see a whole lotta talk about ASA. Any ASA pilots out there - how do you like the job? QOL? Contract? Also, what about commuting vs living in domicile? Is it worth considering or not? Thanks a lot for the help.

 

there have been multiple threads about ASA in the past that i had seen...iv heard that ATL had its good and bad places. Just try to stay away from the dogfighting scene..

 

Yeah there's been plenty of ASA talk on here...double check the search...if you live in ATL it's great....it's always said on here to avoid commuting at all costs...makes your life a lot better...

The dogfighting was in Virginia(PHF)....glad that loser got 23 months...tough year for the Falcons especially after yesterday....Petrino's a liar.

 

Where are some good places to live around Atlanta? Any particular apartments/locations stand out?

.. anyone looking for a roomate? lol

 

First off congrats on nearing the end of your college experience! Secondly, you might as well send out some apps now. Of course that depends on your flight time. Currently most of the regionals don't require a degree to get hired. So you could probably get in and get the whole interview process out of the way. Of course you wouldn't start until you finished school, but it can be a long process sometimes. That way you could start right after you graduate.

As far as info goes at ASA it is actually a pretty cool place to work. If you sit down with someone that works there and have a serious conversation with them, 80% of them will tell you they really like it. Pilots are really good complainers so sometimes it's hard to get past all the negativity. Starting at the end of Jan 08 the new contract here should be in full effect. Just a snap shot of my experience here: Training was fully paid for, they pay about 1200 a month for a new-hire, and you get put up in a great hotel. The training program was very professional and effective. The first line I was able to hold which was after a month on reserve was weekends off and 13 hard days off that month. The usual assignment initially is the CRJ200 however, they take guys straight to the 700. Im not really sure what the story is with the ATR. Hear a lot of guys like it. Seems more people are picked for the jet and that is based on age in the class.

Im sure you are aware of the regional pay which is pretty much a joke all around. So to comment on the pay at ASA, it is one of the least worst pays around. First year FO is 23/hr no matter which equip you are assigned. We have some other improvements to the schedule coming up which could be pretty beneficial when it comes to QOL as long as the company lives up to what they promised. Commuting can be a pain in the butt if you are on reserve. I wouldn't suggest it but it can be done. Good thing is you will not be on reserve long. I live in ATL an use the train to get to the airport. I would have to say living here in domicile is definitely better than commuting from far away. There is so much to say about that company. Hopefully that helps somewhat. Goodluck

 

If you're young and single- Vinings!! Plenty of "charlie tango" around here....mid 20's-30's crowd...great bars/restaurants/stores/etc....15-20 min to the airport without traffic

Downside-$$...but I've found a place right off 285 that's working well...I'm not exactly getting the big bucks in AirTran Ops. ha

 

Thanks a lot afterburn, I'll be spending the next couple months in ATL for an internship and I'll see if I can find some ASA pilots and talk to them. Is there any word on expected hiring for 2008?

 

No lack of ASA info here, I just think most of us who kept asking the questions that bumped the ASA posts to the top... are in indoc now and too busy to keep bumping the threads. PM us and I'm sure we'll have plenty to say when you get into town!

 

We recieved an email from the company just a few days ago that said this..."We still plan to hire 40 New Hire F/Os a month and upgrade 20 F/Os a month until at least July 2008 as of today. We are staffing today for the expected summer block hours. After July, the numbers may pull back depending on attrition and the projected fall block hours. Current attrition is still averaging 25 per month and not sure that will change much in 2008."

 

I started here Aug. 27th, and i have had nothing but great experiences knock on wood, work hard in training, you get full pay , now its even better than when i started, and the new contract is good, I am a commuter, i live in Boston and it hasnt been difficult to get to ATL at all, ......the flying is great, Im on the 200 , reserve is about a month or two, I love it so far, ....remember every company no matter what you do or where you work has a BS , its WHAT YOU MAKE OF IT! have a good attitude and you will be fine....I live in Vinings, its a townhouse, I live w a Capt here at ASA and yes , Vinings has a lot of good looking chicks and plenty of good night life and shops, store ,malls etc.. it s an easy commute to the airport w little traffic....all in all, i ve had a good experience here and am thankful for it and the opportunity i have at ASA, best of luck in ur decision, there are a lot of good things happening here right now and it d be a good time to get on....oh yea and i was home 14 days last month