A couple last questions if you're still there. Any new updates on Republic getting the ExpressJet contract for CAL? How much are you flying per month?

You probably know more than I do about CAL jets. I ask CHQ pilots about every other day, and they have no clue when and where it will happen.
I am based out of Indy and am flying about 85-95 hours a month. If you come to indy, however, you will sit reserve longer. Weonly have 12 hard lines here(as opposed to DCA or PIT, which have in the 50-60 range).
Most of my flying is open time at other bases.
Still think that this is your best bet. You're initial ground 4.5 weeks in STL, then SIM for two weeks in either STL or CLT.

Thanks again.

also: when you go to ground, make sure that you fill out expense reports each week for per diem; they won't send the checks:( until you do. Also, rememeber, you will start getting your guarantee once you finish ground school. I had two and a half weeks off in between ground and sim and it was like a paid vacation. Just make sure that if you don't see that money in your account 2 weeks after you finish ground to call them. They forget sometimes.:(

I start ground on the June 26th in STL. You've been a great help. Take care.

Times Change
 

A mistake is to assume that the future will be as it is today. The current boom in regional hiring will not last much longer. In ten years we most likely will have a much different situation. Once management begins to realize that pilots are going to make a career out of the regionals I am certain that you will see those pay scales reduce and upgrades drag out. Even now after you calculate all the money spent on training and the low wage years spent on building basic experience it doesn't pencil out at 50-70K. In my estimation it would take 100K plus for over a decade to make up for all the losses to takes to get there. Lastly much of the current turnover at the regionals is not due to hiring at the majors, so where are they going? I think most have realized that they have reached a dead end and quit for careers outside of aviation. In the end it is still a difficult weary job with few rewards.

SKyHigh

I take it you will be on the 170? Good choice on Republic by the way...