Well got the study material for a future class date in the "Bro" since im one of those "swimming". Just was curious what its like to fly the brasilia. From the posts of those that love or loved flying the SAAB 340, what about those that have or are flying the EMB 120?
I have heard that from the Bases SAN and PDX are the most senior, and FAT being the most junior. How long does it take to hold certain bases as an FO? And what would be fun bases to live at. I have only really flown in the southeast mostly Florida out of Orlando and I am really looking fwd to fly out west. Any insight would be appreciated.

 

If you've only flown in FL, you haven't LIVED yet my friend...Just flew the entire length of the West Coast today with a CA who had spent several years on the Bro in FAT...we flew right over FAT-town, Mt. Shasta, Crater Lake, Mt. Hood, Mt. Rainier, etc...

Let me tell you - if it is breathtaking from FL370, it's AMAZING from the mid-20's in the Bro...going by what he said, it's the best flying you'll ever do in the 121 world out of FAT, flying throughout the California system. Can't wait to upgrade into it!

Congrats and welcome aboard!

 

It's the best job I've ever had! The plane is a blast to fly, it's forgiving, performs well, and we take it into some of the most amazing places I've ever seen (as I write this in the motel in ACV). The crews out of FAT are great (SBP was fantastic as well, if you can afford to live there), and so are the destinations. It also has its pitfalls that I've seen, mainly understaffing at the time, but you're on your way in so that's a step in the right direction!

 

Pick FAT for a base if you want to move up the seniority list in quick fashion! It has been the best base for me so far, the people are great, flying is good, and the EMB is fun to fly! As Timmay said....we are usually understaffed which can suck.....but we fly a ton.....and I should easily hit 1000 hours my first year. Good luck and you will enjoy it out here in the West. I do!

 

Consider yourself lucky! You will love it!

As far as bases go FAT or PSP will most likely be where you end up first. I am PSP based and bid for SLC in my 3rd week of GND. I was awarded SLC and will be there March 1st; took 3 months. I think everyone in my class has, at this point ended up where they wanted to be.

Congrats!

 

I just put in my bid for the Bro.... I guess that means the sweet smell of summer in FAT.

 

N49194 - where in Oregon are you from? Get some more posts and PM me...!

 

pfft... FAT? you want a fun experience in the bro then fly out of PDX! I think I saw the sun today. might have been our strobe in the clouds though, i'm not sure. flying over the cascades at 10-15k will put some hair on your chest! they don't call that area the ice machine for nothing. just two days ago we were following an MD-80 that reported severe ice along our route. luckily they kept us high and slam dunked us further down the road so we didn't run into it. like experimental said, the views are awesome. flying out of seattle to portland ask for the st. helens tour and do a circle around the volcano. thats always fun. we have a fair number of check airman so you can get displaced quite a bit. I've been displaced 3 times already. it took me about two months to get it after IOE was done, and if you still want to fly down south we have trips that go that way. only one 4 day for march, the rest are 3 and 2 days with standups thrown in. small base so you get to know the crews really well, I enjoy that aspect a lot. I think i'm rambling now, I'm just happy crew support called and canceled our 5am show for tomorrow. wooo

 

I probably heard you on the radio today...the broken overcast throughout OR/WA/BC today was absolutely incredible. Breaking out for the visual into Vancouver was unreal! So where do the PDX trips take you?

 

You might have! I only did two legs today, pdx-sea and sea-geg. if you stay in the northwest then the destinations are sparse. 6 total in fact. portland (obviously), seattle, spokane, medford, eugene, and redmond. the first few months i bid avoided sfo. I was lazy I admit it. Now i'm pretty comfortable flying around up here so I've been bidding down south some. have fun!