I was in the same position five months ago. Chicago was the best place for my wife and I because she has family here and I didn't want to commute. I was offered jobs at both Eagle and SkyWest and I went with SkyWest. I haven't regretted it at all. I was awarded Chicago right off the bat and have really enjoyed my experience so far.

From someone who has worked both for Eagle and Skywest, there's no comparison in the quality of life between the two. With your times I would not even consider Eagle.

I was hoping it would get skipped over, but whatever you do don't consider Mesa. I've heard from guys over there that the ORD base prob won't be around forever anyways. Choose a quality company to work for man.

If Chicago and New York are some of the best cities to live in for a pilot, why are the bases there always so junior? Completely new to part 121.

They are the best places to live as a pilot because they are so junior. NYC goes junior because it is expensive to live there and they have tough gun laws. Most pilots are cheapskate gun-lovers.

I've looked at the online app for Sky. They require 1000 hours to even be able to complete an app. Is there another way one should apply or is it a not even an option until you get the 1000? Thanks again

You are so close to 1000 hours just hang in there for alittle longer then apply. You should be able to get the jet then with your time and ORD bound you will be. But then again, that is what I thought and ended up getting the EMB and now I commute 2100 miles to FAT. In the end it is all worth it and would do it again if I had to. The first year go's very fast and I have a couple of months to go before I will be back in ORD. Get the 100 hours and apply it will be worth it! Just stay away from Mesa please! Good luck!

I love it at SkyWest, highly recommended. MKE and ORD contend each month for the most junior base in the company, you are almost guaranteed to get one or the other out of training. There is a cheap bus as well as a train that runs between MKE and ORD. If you get MKE, you'll probably be back at ORD within a couple months of getting out on the line.

"But then again, that is what I thought and ended up getting the EMB and now I commute 2100 miles to FAT."
That's funny, I commute 2100 miles the opposite direction from FAT to MKE....at least it's only for another 2 months.

I agree with all the above posts.. Ive been in ORD at SKYW now for a year and a half, and its been a blast the entire time. Avoid Mesa in Chicago like the plague, mostly due to their lack of block or better.. you'll be doing a lot of work for free if you end up there (along with all the other problems that come along with working for Mesa).

the SKYW recommendation should come with a disclaimer though as we are getting pretty well staffed in Chicago now (219 FOs and 158 lines... ala 61 reserves..) so dont expect to become a line holder really soon unless there is some really big announcement over the next few months (let the rumors fly)

It should also be mentioned briefly that Go Jets does have an ORD base now, but if you end up there, I will hate you forever and your career will be over..

as ex-TSA, I actually threw up a little bit by just mentioning that..

SkyWest...Good luck!