JetJock16

Right? This makes absolutely no sense.

NWA's short on pilots and DAL is still filling classes, so how exactly is it that you see them furloughing? It will take years for them to iron out the details and seeing that they don't overlap each other that much domestically and both have a large amount of growth on the books in international operations that cover opposite ends of the glob, I'd say it's a pretty safe bet that there will be no furloughed pilots from either camp. I’d also bet that hiring will continue although it might slow a bit while they work out those details.

iahflyr

It sounds like you live on the west coast. It depends where your priorities lie. Personally I think the west coast was so much better than living on the east coast that I choose to commute when I first started. I understand that you are "willing" to live on the east coast, but if you had the choice, do you really want to live in on the east coast?



I will answer your questions based upon what company is the best, but also tell you some details about domicile living/commuting.

Skywest would be my first choice. Big company. Growth. Good management. Alright pay, but great work rules. Everyone seems happy.

Air Wisconsin is still a great company. I think their pilot contract is still one of the better ones in the industry. Their pay rates are concessionary, but their work rules still are amongst the best. But you better be willing to commute (or live) on the east coast in what I would consider semi-outstations (ie, probably a 2 leg commute from the west coast). PHL is commutable, but I don't think DCA, LGA, and especially ORF are easily commutable from the west coast. No real growth but they aren't losing any flying either. So attrition is keeping movement at a decent pace.

ASA is doing fine. They are owned by Skywest so I would stay they are a pretty stable choice. Again, no real growth but they aren't losing any flying either. So attrition is keeping movement at a decent pace. They just voted in a TA that is good, but I think it will position them towards the bottom of industry pay after this round of contracts (pinnacle, republic, etc...) They got a pay raise, but nothing spectacular. Overall ASA is a decent company.

Comair is not doing too well. It sounds like they are losing lots of flying and being sold by Delta does not seem to be a good thing (although it worked out good for ASA). Movement is slow and reserve is long (and in JFK). Like AWAC, they are working under a highly concessionary contract as far as pay rates, but they still have good work rules.

Mesaba would be my last choice. While there is growth now, that will not continue. It wasn't too long ago that they had a 5-6 year upgrade for the Saab. They have good pay for the Saab, but they have mediocre at best rates for the CRJ-200, and what I would consider the worst rates in the industry for the CRJ-900 (especially on the FO side ). Do you really want to live in MSP or DTW?


Overall, you can't go wrong with Skywest and AWAC. ASA is doing fine. Comair might be a risk, and Mesaba is not the best choice (IMHO).

johnso29

Exactly, the fact of the matter is that even with a reduction in the DC9 fleet, a couple of 742's getting retired, and the age 65 thing they still need to hire.

Truman_Sparks

Tim..........How on earth is Skywest canninalizing ASA???? Nothing of the sort has happened here, well, since the original 700's, which some of that flying has been returned.

You've been gone a while, perhaps you are out of the loop a bit.

Ps. How's the 'Vette?

Blkflyer

Dont Do it Dont Do it.. Go to Law School Go to Med School hell Go to to school to be a plumber or HVAC tech The Flying Dream can Become a Nightmare if you dont do your home work.. Commuting, Jaded Senior Captains, 50 50 50 flight attandants.. ie 50% of the Flight Attandants are over 50years old and 50 Lbs over weight.. Screaming Babies, disrespectful passengers, sleeping in OPS cause you are Displaced, Crappy First year Pay work 15 hours get paid for 3.5 not busting your bubble just giving you a peek into alot of our reality..

TonyWilliams

I can't imagine that any plan that is approved to merge two large carriers won't also include some concessions.

Those concessions COULD include giving up gates, which COULD mean parked planes, which could lead to FURLOUGHS.

Not rocket science. Nor am I the soothsayer. Your mileage may vary.

JetJock16

So how would they lose gates that they're already in control of? The airports don't care about mergers as long as they get their money? Also, today’s a different day than yesterday so take a look at the US Airways/America West merger. Did their "concessions" cost them gates which in turn caused them to "park planes" and did any pilots get furloughed? NO! The furloughs happend long before the merger even took place. Actually the merger opened the door for recalls which led to them eventually hiring.

NWA furloughs? Doesn't make sense at all!

Trip7

If you think the grass is greener on the other side by all means jump

johnso29

Yeah, so I can work 50+ hour weeks and see my family even less.

p1ayn

Originally Posted by Blkflyer
Dont Do it Dont Do it.. Go to Law School Go to Med School hell Go to to school to be a plumber or HVAC tech The Flying Dream can Become a Nightmare if you dont do your home work.. Commuting, Jaded Senior Captains, 50 50 50 flight attandants.. ie 50% of the Flight Attandants are over 50years old and 50 Lbs over weight.. Screaming Babies, disrespectful passengers, sleeping in OPS cause you are Displaced, Crappy First year Pay work 15 hours get paid for 3.5 not busting your bubble just giving you a peek into alot of our reality..



If i was in my 20's and still had the option of knowing what I know now, I would jump. Good career ONLY if you have the passion of flying. Unfortunately I still do, however if one young un-jaded adult would ask for advice, I would also highly recommend another "prestigious" career. Medical profession, Lawyer, etc. but if airline flying is what its going to be, then do your homework as mentioned and involve everyone that will be in your life throughout your journey in chasing this brass ring because they will be affected in your quest.