Eagle Pool Question
 

I am currently in the hiring pool at Eagle, I was just wondering whats in store next when they start hiring again? I dont know exactly how this all works, thanks!!!

yeah i think theres around 60 of us...im not sure what the number is now b/c i know of people that went to other things. (probably around 40, complete guess)

rumors wise...ive heard good and bad things. so of course taken as a grain of salt. I heard hiring is going pick up in the spring but at the same time they don't know due to the displacement bid out.

but im same as you...not sure how this is gonna work...im just lucky i got a job flying right now.

yeah me too! I got a job as a CFI so I guess Ill just build time for now. When did you interview?

Interview april 14-15 2008, jet orientation at flight safety in Vero Beach, FL May 5th-22ish, FO training June 9th in dallas (was suppose to be May 28th but i got pushed back)...then of course you knew what happend around the 23th

so we'll see...

Gotta luv being in the pool at eagle, only wishing to be the one who sits reserve. I like how nobody in HR that I had numbers to don't work anymore (the numbers don't, hopefully the people still work there). No way to figure anything out besides talking to Eagle guys that work there, and nobody knows anything specific.

Why on earth would somebody just starting out want to come here? I'm not trying to flame bait the thread.... but could some of you Eagle hopefulls please explain the rush to come to a company that will keep you in the right seat for the next 8-10 years?
There is no flowthrough agreement, and won't be.
I'd look to Compass, Messaba or any of the other wholly owned companies that have reasonable upgrade times. Sure, use Eagle as interview practice for the job you really want.... but don't waste 2,3,4 or more years of your career at an airline you will not upgrade at. The QOL is better at Eagle than most, but is still deplorable...

well, my better half is about to be making 6 figures here in Dallas, Were both from here so I would like to stay here......

Keep instructing and never look back.

Nobody is going to be able to give you any news on hiring, period. Its all rumor, hopes, dreams, thoughts, etc. This includes the pilots, management, ALPA and HR department. Quite simply its because nobody knows!!! When I got hired in March they were projecting hiring another 500 below me. Only 2 more training classes went in underneath me...the result was about 100 people below me. HR was interviewing up until the second the cuts were announced.

Nobody knows because they can't predict the future. There is no crystal ball. The future of the economy can't be predicted, fuel prices can't be predicted, passenger loads can't be predicted - this means hiring needs can't be predicted. Things could change drastically tomorrow or they could keep on the same path.

If you can continue to wait around in the pool, then do so. If you have a current job, don't need the money then you can stand to wait. But if you're just hanging around waiting for that opening when you could be looking elsewhere you're a fool. Nobody will be able to tell you when we'll be hiring again. Not even Nostradamus.

Sorry, I know that isn't what most want to hear, but its a dose of airline style reality. Something that, once you get the job, you'll become intimately familiar with!!

If you want to stay there, then don't become an airline pilot... you'll never be home.

If I read that correctly, because money doesn't matter to you, you are willing to basically work for free.... and never see the left seat... and spend 4 out of 7 days per week away from your better half?

Have you really researched this idea, has she? or do you just have SJS ?

It is almost a certainty that you won't be able to pick your domicile once hiring resumes...so assuming you would be based at DFW and not LGA or SJU or MIA or ORD or JFK or LAX is not a good idea. You will go where you are needed based on seniority, and DFW with displacements, isn't looking hot right now.

The 'pick your domicile' thing was a great idea to attract people at a time when the airline was able to do it, but the chances of it coming back are not good.

I have researched this idea, we made it through multiple deployments to Iraq I think we can handle 4-7 day trips. I like Eagle, Ive never said that it is my only choice, I was jsut asking how the pool works. I was just looking for a way not to commute because I hear it sucks.. oh well, if it comes to that then we'll deal with it. Ive been to war, I think I can handle the airlines:)

A bit of a difference between war and the airlines. You go to war because you took an oath that you would and if you don't go you get a court marshal, go to prison, have a record to follow you the rest of your life. You don't get to choose to go to war or not if you're in the military.

With the airlines you choose to go and be away from your loved ones. Nobody forces you, no threat of going to prison if you don't. You do it of your own free will and volition with not consequences behind it.

I'd rather be forced away than chose to be away. You'll understand when you're on reserve 1,000 miles away from home and get to see your loved ones 1 to 1.5 days every week - and their work schedules never coincide with yours - so you're lucky to get a few hours with them.

I would do a little more investigation into it. Take the advice from those that are hear living this life. You owe it to yourself to research a little more. I'm not a jaded airline hater - but I jumped into it with little research and now regret it very much. Had I done a little homework I may have never taken the job - I made more money and had a better schedule flight instructing. But what I've found is that nobody really wants to listen to this advice and will just jump in and become miserable in a matter of months. I didn't listen to the one person who tried to warn me, why should anyone else be any different?

So go ahead, get that jet job and I give you 2 months on the line, sitting reserve, making $22k a year, not getting to see your loved ones, before that smile is wiped clean off your face.

Look Sir, I understand the lifestyle of an airline pilot. I know many airline pilots. I have no problem moving for a job, the Mrs. understands that its always a possibility. She is in a great job that will allow her to move and still make good money. All Im saying is Eagle can work for me just like any other airline. I understand they have a long upgrade, and I'm not putting all my eggs in one basket at Eagle, Ill go where its best for me and my family. I just wanted to know how the hiring pool works... thats all:)

Also, I'm proud that I got to serve my country. I did it of my own accord. I proudly went to Iraq... I wouldn't trade what I learned there for anything.. I wasn't saying that war and the Airlines were the same. as our fellow pilot pointed out, pilots are gone 4-7 days a week, I have been away for years.. I know how hard it is to be in a war zone half a world away.. I signed up for that just like i'm going to the airlines.. at least I'm still in the good ol USA!!

Thank you for service. Seems to me that you are quite clear on the long upgrades,low pay etc. PM for more info.

I think a better way to put is, you'll go where the company thinks its best for them. When it comes to airlines you don't have much say/choice in anything once your on the line.

And yes, the smile wiped right off my face(and my family's too) after a few months...

4-7 days away...seems great...speaking for every aerial survery pilot...were gone for 7 months straight (the military pilots understand this plus more)

btw not complaining b/c i really enjoy the job! and glad that I have it.

again btw not comparing career paths...b/c i understand why pilots take the jobs that they do.

I DO NOT understand you. I mean, is any company worthy to have you as an employee. You bash Mesa for having terrible work rules then you turn around and bash Eagle because they have desirable work rules but the upgrade is long. Maybe ppl won't leave there b/c they actually enjoy what they do and who they do it for. If I'm correct, you work at Eagle. But either way, you shouldn't maintain this double standard. There are plenty of reasons to come to a company like Eagle or any other regional with decent work rules. Why is there anything wrong with wanting to fly a 37/50/70 seat jet for a career. I mean that's not my calling or my desire, but who's to blame the guy who has always wanted to do just that. Sounds like you will never be content wherever you are, so try not to rub that attitude off on those of us who still enjoy the job!!!

Um...so why don't you quit and go back to flight instructing?:confused:

Eagle will not be hiring for quite a while and you can take that to the bank.

We just had a huge displacement and the only reason no furloughs occurred is because the company agreed to long term leaves of absence and part time/ no time lines.

'Nuff said right there. Eagle upgrade time might currently suck, but it's the easiest/ best job situation for me right now. I wouldn't move somewhere else to chase the almighty quicker upgrade, especially with the statement you made above. Any regional is susceptible to cutbacks if the major they feed tanks.

As for the hiring pool, nobody knows. All you can do is keep building hours and check here or other forums such as eaglelounge or talkairline for the latest updates. Hiring news is so easy to obtain today with internet forums.

If and whenever Eagle hires again, get that pilot seniority number ASAP! I'm guessing your buddy PP might not be so negative if he/she was hired prior to the summer or fall of 2007.

The place I instructed at, which was a diamond in the rough, is now on the other side of the country from me. I moved shortly after getting the Eagle gig. Otherwise, I would probably go back. Most other schools don't pay as well.

I'm not negative - I simply state the facts. It doesn't matter when I was hired. I would still have the same issues. I'm still going to be on 4 days off 2. Who cares if I have another 100 or 200 people under me? I'm still away from my family - I still have 9 years to upgrade - I still make $22k a year.

So please don't mistake my sharing the facts as negativity. I love the flying, I hate the lifestyle. I actually love the airline as well. I have no bones against Eagle. Its as simple as that. No seniority number is going to change that - whether I was hired prior to the fall of 2007 or the fall of 1987.

This is a great career for the single person. For the soon to be married, currently married or family man/woman it can be a very poor choice. If you enjoy spending time with your family, it can be a very poor choice. If you don't mind being away and you like that - then by all means go for it. If you're going to live in your domicile - then go for it. If you can stand the low pay and long hours for the first few years - go for it. There are great perks (like the travel) but everything comes with a cost. In my case I feel like I've sold my soul. That is not everybody's experience, only my viewpoint. Your mileage may vary.

Well said PP. And I don't think your comments are negative, they are from your experience. I would agree on all the points too. Flying the line is great but to some the cost out weigh the benefits(me included in this opinion). I know plenty of friends who are happy flying the line, but they don't have any misconceptions of the reality of the industry. But that's what people need to make an informed decision if this lifestyle is for them or not... the good and the bad.

Right now anyone who has a job from hamburger flipper to FO at Eagle is lucky to have their damn job. Nobody is entitled to a job, and if you cant appreciate the good things about it then you should walk away from the profession.

Eagle is a great place to work, but there are lots of people here who want you to think they are a prisoner in a POW camp. They want your attention and pity for enduring such "awful" working conditions. Its up to each individual to be happy or not, and there are many here at Eagle on both sides of the spectrum.

As a pilot, all I would like to do is have a job that pays the bills, gives me benefits, and lets me fly a plane. After working one flying job, quitting to go to Eagle then having my class cancelled it really sucks. And for you PP to be all negative and say you'd rather be flight instructing, you can come take my flight instructor job from me and I'll take your seat. When the weather sucks, I can't work, so I don't make money. Yes I do have a flying job but it sucks. If we poolies got in two weeks earlier we could be fat/dumb/and happy like you are and complain about having a job that at least gives you a minimum paycheck every month. But as a starving flight instructor when there aren't many other jobs out there Eagle looks nice to me so I don't have to worry about how I'm going to pay the bills, or ****** where is a non flying job when I have bills piling up.

Eagle was going to be a stepping stone to bigger and better things. Now flight instructing is only putting me farther behind where I predicted I should be. I guess it's a job, but it's not what I want to be doing. Thanks for answering the original question about the pool.

If you think I'm being negative, then you're a fool...plain and simple. I'm just putting the facts here. If you can't bother to read what I say, then don't bother to comment on what I say. If you need a refresher I said I loved Eagle, loved flying, but didn't love the lifestyle. I love my wife and family and like being home most days out of the week and for those that do, this is a poor job choice.

Or do you think I'm being negative about the job outlook? Well, sir, that is simply the truth. It does not look good - and nobody can tell you for sure whats going to happen from day to day. That is fact. Oil could drop to $20 a barrel tomorrow, the economy could turn a corner next week and passenger loads could increase by 150% in January - then you'd be called in from the pool most likely. But who can know such a thing? Nobody! You will have to wait until you're called in, whenever that may be. It won't happen a second sooner.

Fat, dumb and happy??? After 9 months? Are you joking? Complaining? About what - the FACTS of this lifestyle!

I don't know what kind of bills you have to pay, but I have many friends who are struggling to make ends meet, even with this super-sweet "minimum" paycheck you're talking about. I have friends who don't have enough money to eat. I have friends who can hardly afford their $450 rent on a place with a car included - they get to chose between having benefits or a place to live (the insurance is not cheap). The first year is rough...the second year improves if you're on one of the jets (ATR increases by a whole $2 an hour 2nd year). Arguably, its probably better than most instructing jobs...but you also have more expenses than your instructing job. Food when you're on long trips, crash pad, transportation, etc. It adds up rather quickly.

Stepping stone to what? Most things you want to step into are going to require turbine PIC time. I have flown with Captains who have taken 8 years to get where they are so they could get some precious PIC time and move on. Eagle was their stepping stone too. Then some of them got kicked back to FO in the last few months.

Apparently there are a bunch of people out there that don't want to hear the truth. They are going to continue to think this job is nothing but sunshine and daisies and fluffy little kittens...they aren't going to listen to the voice of reason. Anybody in this profession who tries and explain that its not all fun and games is labeled as "bitter" or "negative". Why, I must be out of my mind to find things to be unhappy with!!! I get paid to fly! Geez, I should be kissing Peter Bowler's backside for the wonderful opportunity I've been given. You simply don't want to hear the truth. You want to look at this job with your rose tinted optimism-enhanced glasses. You think you just get paid to fly...

...well, don't forget the paperwork, the politics, the BS, the union dues, sitting in the ready reserve room doing nothing going out of your mind with boredom 8 hours a day for a month, spending Christmas eve and day stuck in a hotel room in Witchita Falls, getting yelled at by angry passengers, gate agents with a god complex, evil captains, sitting more reserve, more paperwork, more BS, more politics. All of this assuming you make it through training. If only it were just showing up and flying the plane...but there is much more to it than that. The flying part is just a by-line in the whole ordeal.

Ever notice you never see thread upon thread with nothing but postive happiness in it??? That's because, in the end, this is a job - a job like all others, that can become very frustrating when you see how powerless you are to effect any change at all. If it were so awesome and wonderful the posts would often reflect that. Yes, it can be a great wonderful happy job - but don't think that it always is. You learn to be a chameleon and a politican and a tactician, or you end up on the street. Just flying would be a relief. And you do little true flying. Babysitting the Autopilot, FMS and GPS and changing ACARS paper is more like it. You do what the company tells you, when the company tells you, how the company tells you. You have the freedom to chose your wake-up call in the morning.

Get your facts first, then distort them as you please. I have had contact with hundreds of people in this industry. Very few of them would tell you different. I have seen the smiles wiped off at least 100 faces. Yours won't be any different.

Read Ernest Gann's "Fate is the Hunter", at least the first 100 pages. Even though it took place in the 1930s, I can't believe how similar his experience was.

Telling you like it is from one viewpoint does not make a person 'negative', 'bitter'. Having an airline job does not make one 'fat, dumb and happy'. Preconceived notions about the job are usually wrong. I don't know why I try and help people understand both sides of the story.

Im so glad I never took the regional route and moved to Europe ...!
Good luck to all at Eagle, have a load of friends there.

I've been reading this thread for the past few days and figure I'd throw my two cents in. Lets be honest having the chance to fly for an airline is one of the reasons we all go into this mess of a buisness. Call it naive, starry-eyed whatever. Granted most people aren't entirely aware of how challenging an airline lifestyle can be, but its still a case by case basis. There are plenty of factors to consider when going down the 121 regional path.

Pontius from reading some of your posts here and other threads I know you are speaking from your own experience about how the airline lifestyle have affected you. But the point still is that its not bad enough to make you leave. Is all you cracked it up to be when you interviewed and got hired, probably not.

WMU...I understand your plight as well. You sound like you've done your homework about this industry. You know its a biznatch but you want to give it a go anyways. Nothing wrong with that. I know a guy that left an Asst Chief job at a large flight school to go to ASA. He stayed with them for maybe a year and realized the lifestyle wasn't for him (mid 30's w/kids). Does he regret leaving for ASA only to leave ASA? Absolutely not. He said it was something he always wanted to do, he's done it, checked it off the bucket list, and has no regrets about it.

As for my personal experience having gotten a taste of the lifestyle, I can't wait to get back to it. Granted I was still on the honeymoon of finishing IOE and adapting to Reserve lifestyle before my furlough, so I know I'm not the know all about airline life, but it was a blast. Certainly way better than flight instructing which I have returned to. I am quite glad that I was lucky to find a good school to go to that is pursuing a 135 cert.

Enough of my ramblings now, if you were skimming my point is this: What works for one person might not work for another and no matter how much someone says it sucks, the only way to truly find out is to experience it for yourself.

Thank you for understanding and taking time to read all this crap. It makes me feel like you understand where exactly I'm coming from. I never wanted to flight instruct. I do it to attempt to make money, but mainly to build time. And the job isn't working well in either of those departments right now. However all of my students enjoy flying with me, and I give them more than their moneys worth. However I have a hard time enjoying my downtime when I am not seeing progress with my own logbook/checking account.

As for the Eagle being my stepping stone as I said before. I was hired at Eagle with about 600 hrs, and Eagle was going to get me more multi and total time so I could move on to bigger and better. Not wait 7 years to upgrade just to be put back in the right seat.

Anyway, Fjetter hit the nail on the head. I know what I'm getting into. I have lived on the road for an aviation job for months at a time not coming home at all. So having a multiple few days here and there a month is way better than living in a hotel all the time. I too have spent xmas/new years/etc in hotels away from family/friends because of aviation. I love flying, and am working my hardest to get a job that works for me. Eagle was going to work, even if I only wanted to work there for my contracted 18 months & till I found something better.

Thanks again fjetter

What double standard? I think I was very clear that ALL regionals are sweat shops in one way or another...

Ok, that's what I was aksing.... why are people choosing Eagle?

Nothing wrong with making a regional your career choice, since for most it will be the only career track available since legacy's are shrinking faster than the arctic ice, and regionals keep getting larger planes, and forcing more mainline flying into regional schedules... so, the odds of somebody today doing the CFI to Charter/Regional and then to a Major are pretty slim. People better be taking these jobs fully aware that they will be doing a long period of time flying regional equipment at regional pay, under regional work rules... and the reality of that has not yet hit the new pilots or the ones just trying to break their way in... So, if I'm a bit harsh in trying to get them to see reality, then so be it. If it saves even one young kid from making a mistake and wasting years of his/her life then I've done a good thing. Will there always be a few who do make the jump from regional to major, sure there will... but the days of doing 2-3 at a regional then going to a major are long long long gone.... yet our regional managements all still think they can get away with crappy wages and work rules in exchange for the valuable part 121 flight time to go to a major in a few years.... they play on this idea and hope and get young/new pilots willing to live under those conditions in the false hope (in most cases) of them going to a major. The reality is that by the time they upgrade at places like Eagle and are making good money, they will not be willing to leave to go to a major for a 60k pay cut to start all over again at the bottom of another seniority list....

So, my original question was.... for the people "in the pool" why Eagle and not someplace that you can upgrade ina reasonable time, get the PIC time while you're still less than 3-6 years into the company, so that you will be in a position to apply at a major when they resume hiring.....

oh, and as for the job; I love mine... well, I'll clarify that, I love everything on the other side of the hold short line. Everything on this side bites... but, looking into the neighbors yards I see theirs isn't any better.

Other than that; we are all afflicted with the dreaded disease... loving flying. Otherwise, none of us would ever put up with the crap that we do.

i'm going to my new LGA crash pad tomorrow and realized i left my pillow at my pad in JFK!!!!

how could it get any worse!?!?!;)

as far as i'm concerned Eagle is a good place to work as long as it remains a place to work...things are crappy everywhere...i may not love every aspect of my job....i'm lookin at spending Jan on the couch again however this can't stay this way forever...

three monthes ago i wanted to leave flying all together...i've decided to take the less than desirable QOL that we all share and just hope for a more bearable day

No problem, sometimes people get so caught up in the "I'm right and you're wrong" side of debates here and totally lose perspective. Best of luck guys and hopefully things come around in the next year:D

Ha, ha. God (and lots of others lurking here) is laughing along with me at "your" plans. No offense, but don't get to locked into your plans as they will change more than a few times throughout an aviation career. Hopefully you'll be one of the few that has the relatively easy path to your goals.

PP, if you're only 9 mos into Eagle you might want to explore other careers. What you say is all true, but it took me 15 years and 2 furloughs to get the view you have and I still have a considerably better attitude even with a failed (for lack of a better description) career. It's not that bad (but it is still very frustrating), once you get some seniority, have your priorities straight and don't mind not having nice cars and HDTVs and lots of "stuff".


Just my 2 cents.

There is no question that things suck for you right now, but spending some quality time at the bottom of the barrel will make you appreciate seniority and holding a line all the more when it does happen. I spent about 2yrs on reserve when I got hired and when I finally held a line it was a serious celebration and I have never taken it for granted since. Its survival of the fittest out there, and the struggles make it all the sweeter when are at the top someday.

I am exploring. Its not an easy decision to make, to walk away from this. There are parts I hate and parts I love. I'm just trying to figure out what I'm going to do after this. Its the first career opportunity I've ever had, but the negatives, at least in regards to my family life, outweigh the positives by a considerable margin. I've talked with many captains that tell me it won't get any better, so I should bow out gracefully now before I get addicted to the travel benefits! I'm inclined to agree with them.

Or you can get on to the reserve list and hope you can get senior on reserve list and just stay home and get paid!

But also, how would you like to be one of the 44 DFW displacements and be so low on the seniority that you can only hold JFK or LGA? What would it be like for you and your wife for you to be in JFK and LGA for 5 days and only home for 2 days (3rd day for commuting). and only home in DFW for 9 nights (11 days off per month for reserves; you will loose some nights every month to commuting) Something ot be aware of. Things change and you may not be able to hold DFW. Although there are options: right now CRJ and EMJ FO's can do a "displacement proffer" to the ATR to keep DFW. Good luck man. Don't let people get you down with the negativity, but accept the facts and apply them to yourself if you would be okay with it.

I have been with eagle since March and leaving for Mesaba. I have no sour taste towards eagle and would recommend it, but I would really encourage an applicant to ask themselves if they want to be an FO for 9+ years. Why did I choose eagle? I had 2 airlines call for an interview while I was in ground training at Eagle. I figured "I've got to take this offer, I could lose it". I am leaving Eagle because I want to position myself for the next hiring wave and have PIC ME Turbine time.

may of 09 1500TT