Question about AE lifestyle...?
 

I was thinking of interviewing with AE, and if get offered the job, maybe choosing Puerto Rico as my base of choice, if it is still available by that point. Any feedback from any pilots who have chosen this base on the QOL, what the crews are like, what its like flying the ATRs, etc... any info. on living in Puerto Rico will be greatly appreciated. thanx in advance!

I think it's just one of those things where you either Love it, or you hate it...There are plenty on these boards that have done their time down there that can clue you in to what you might expect.

Where do you hail from? LoL

If you go, and want to enjoy it, invest in a used cheap car to get around. And be careful in Isla Verde (where most of the crash pads are)!

You choose your base. If SJU is unavailable they won't call you until it is.

SJU is still fun from what I hear, it's just not as much fun as it used to be.

Learn spanish, and if you look like a gringo you will be treated like a minority.

It ain't Hawaii. But, for the unattached pilot that is quite outgoing and open-minded (culturally speaking). It is a fun time to be had.

I did it for a year and a half. I got used to it, the flying made it worth it. The bridge visual, dominica, north approach to Beef Island, and Canouan will make a pilot out of ya. The ATR is a great airplane, I commend you on your choice.

Once again, learn Spanish and surfing and you'll have a great time.

overnights suck though

thanxs for the input guys...any idea on the cost of living in Puerto Rico? Will I need to get a second job? How long would you be on reserve for? Luckily I know how to surf a little bit...just need to learn spanish. Big part of the reason I want to move there is for the surfing and different aspect of life and of course flying!! Do you think this would be a good career move flying the ATR or would it be better flying the EMJ or CRJ? Also, how come the overnights suck? What's wrong with them? Sorry for the questions...but being from England, all this info. is very helpful!! Plus, apart from just these specifics (and I'm sure this has been covered in some other discussions), but is AE a good choice or not for a 900/90 pilot like myself?

the cost of living is a bit high but not like a new york boston type price. i had a nice 3 bedroom appartment for 1200 a month for example. Reserve in sju a year ago went for 2-3 months but as long as you arent the last hot reserve (S3) youll fly a fair amount. I would imagine reserve time is even less now. Flying the atr will make you a better pilot once you get to the jet later. as BEEFF said the flying itself will teach you alot and the ATR is a great plane for that lesson.

Didn't work for Eagle but I know Canouan, St. Vincent, and St. Lucia..... definitely puts hair on your chest. And no radar other than your eyes for seperation.......oooooooohhhhhhwwwweeeee...... the good ol' days!

thanx for the replies guys...as far as the places you travel to, do you do a lot of carribbean flying? why do the overnights suck like somebody mentioned earlier. also, do a lot of people in Puerto Rico speak english?