Interviews (revisited)
 

Hey guys and gals,

Due to some unforseen events i've had to take 2 yrs off flyin the line.

I finally got all my stuff sorted out and am back in the market. I've been trying to keep my ear close to the ground and keep track of what's going on, but there's only so much you can do.....

I've got four interviews coming in 01.08 and would appreciate some input, as I am trying to get back in the seat and try to catch up with lost time

Skywest
Mesaba (SF340 CA)
Pinnacle (RJ CA)

What would be your guys' order of preference nowadays? If you could, please write down the reason as well

I'm sure it's changed since a couple of years ago.

Thanks and Happy Holidays to everyone

Unless Skywest is offering CA position, if I were you I'd stick with either Mesaba or Pinnacle. I would pick Mesaba first because of QOL and if you don't get hired by Mesaba, go with Pinnacle. At both places you will get TPIC time, unless you have the SJS and must fly CRJ. Everyone I've talked to who flies Saab loves the aircraft and the cities they fly into. Plus, Saab drivers fly more so you will make more money.

This would depend on geography, family, and career goals. If you're single, upwardly mobile, and willing to live anywhere, go for the CA job.

If you have to live in a specific location, obviously give that some consideration. If you have a family, being a street captain will keep you on rock-bottom reserve for years to come. If I had a family (I do) I would avoid 9E period.

If you are planning on a regional career and want to live in the west, go to SKW. A few years in the right seat will not matter and your QOL will be good. First year pay will probably be raised 20% in the next few weeks.

I would definitely go for Skywest or Mesaba.

I wouldn't go so far as to say everyone loves flying the Saab. I see Colgan guys on the bus and they don't like the 45min trips and 10 legs a day.

I was referring to Mesaba Saab drivers, not Colgan. Read before jumping to conclusions.

Live in base!

I'm not saying they won't, but are they likely to offer street captain to someone who hasn't flown in two years?

...
 

that was my fear as well.

the only flying i've done in the last two years is teaching and flying the CRJ FTD on a daily basis.

That should be good enough...they just want to know that you'll pass sim.

I talked to a couple of Mesaba guys yesterday, one of them was scheduled for 900 upgrade (Saab FO), He said that the 900s left seat is going more junior that everybody thinks. We were also comparing PNCL with Mesaba, and yes...is not shocking, Mesaba is better than PNCL in almost every aspect. Having said that, MESABA is looking good.......PNCL's "street captains" are being junior manned like 8 year old kids and their QOL is "nil".
I only hear good things about SKW but if the offer is not for the left seat, I personally would pass. Anyhow good luck!

apparently i am out of the loop (as usual).... but Pinncale is still hiring off the street CAs?

Technically PNCL never hired street captains. If you are an FO with 3500TT including some turbine experience (I think) you could bid for upgrade after 100hrs in the right seat. There are still vacancies for captains in Detroit that the company cannot fill, so yeah, you could be a street capatian within 100 hrs.