Regionals, bases and training contracts
07-03-2006, 04:50 PM
#1
Gets Weekends Off
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Joined APC: Jul 2005
Position: Still Swinging props!
Posts: 297
Regionals, bases and training contracts
I have been searching and searching on this and other boards, but I'm having trouble pulling all the info together. I know that many of you out there have the same questions, and you might even have the answers. So here goes,
Which regionals have training contracts, requiring repayment of training costs for early departure? ie, if you leave before two years of service, you owe us 20K.
Which regionals have junior domiciles in the west? In the East?
Has Comair been sold? How do you avoid being hired on as 'fat' that will be trimmed upon acquisition? Meaning, who's seems to be in the drivers seat in the regional world.
I've got a pretty good idea on the last question, but it seems to change weekly.
Thank you for your time,
K
Which regionals have training contracts, requiring repayment of training costs for early departure? ie, if you leave before two years of service, you owe us 20K.
Which regionals have junior domiciles in the west? In the East?
Has Comair been sold? How do you avoid being hired on as 'fat' that will be trimmed upon acquisition? Meaning, who's seems to be in the drivers seat in the regional world.
I've got a pretty good idea on the last question, but it seems to change weekly.
Thank you for your time,
K
07-03-2006, 08:58 PM
#2
Prime Minister/Moderator
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Engines Turn Or People Swim
Posts: 39,261
Mesa/Freedom/Air Midwest has an $8-10.5K training contract, one year, pro-rated throughout the year. It's not unreasonable as those things go.
Essentially all western bases are more senior at all airlines. Usually you start at at a company's eastern most base, and work your way west, if that's where you want to be. If you are from New Jersey, like it there, and are an airline pilot, you are golden! There are exceptions for small bases in strange locations, and turbo-prop bases which are often hard to commute to.
Bases change frequently in the regional world. You are much better off with a regional that has numerous bases in your desired geographic area, that way if things change you still have options within a reasonable commuting radius.
If you go to a regional because it has a base in your hometown, you stand a chance of getting evicted when you least expect it. ALL Air Wisconsin pilots got displaced last year from their bases, and it looks like ASA will leave SLC, which is their only western base.
These regionals have a heavy western presence: Horizon, Skywest, and Eagle. Mesa used to, but has effectively relocated to the Eastern US. There are a few smaller ones here and there also. All the other regionals are pretty much east of the Mississippi (XJet has a Houston base).
Regionals exist largely to provide service to small/mid-size towns, and there are just a lot more of those in the east.
Essentially all western bases are more senior at all airlines. Usually you start at at a company's eastern most base, and work your way west, if that's where you want to be. If you are from New Jersey, like it there, and are an airline pilot, you are golden! There are exceptions for small bases in strange locations, and turbo-prop bases which are often hard to commute to.
Bases change frequently in the regional world. You are much better off with a regional that has numerous bases in your desired geographic area, that way if things change you still have options within a reasonable commuting radius.
If you go to a regional because it has a base in your hometown, you stand a chance of getting evicted when you least expect it. ALL Air Wisconsin pilots got displaced last year from their bases, and it looks like ASA will leave SLC, which is their only western base.
These regionals have a heavy western presence: Horizon, Skywest, and Eagle. Mesa used to, but has effectively relocated to the Eastern US. There are a few smaller ones here and there also. All the other regionals are pretty much east of the Mississippi (XJet has a Houston base).
Regionals exist largely to provide service to small/mid-size towns, and there are just a lot more of those in the east.
07-04-2006, 06:17 PM
#3
Gets Weekends Off
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Jul 2005
Position: Still Swinging props!
Posts: 297
Thanks, Rick~
Thanks, I appreciate the info. I realize that as fast as things are changing, you can't count on anything.
Years ago, I once chose a career in airline maintenance, instead of going into the service..... because I figured I would be more stable. Less moving around, nobody telling you your tour was up and you had to move. Boy, was I wrong! I was fuloughed more times than I care to think, and I've got the stickers of defunct airlines adorning my now lonely toolbox.
I figured if I was gonna get bounced around, I might as well be the one writing the discrepancies, instead of signing them off! Much more fun that way! Someday, I may fly an airplane that I've returned to service years ago.... if any have survived that long.
Anyway, thanks for the info. I'm still paying my dues. It's gonna take a while.
Years ago, I once chose a career in airline maintenance, instead of going into the service..... because I figured I would be more stable. Less moving around, nobody telling you your tour was up and you had to move. Boy, was I wrong! I was fuloughed more times than I care to think, and I've got the stickers of defunct airlines adorning my now lonely toolbox.
I figured if I was gonna get bounced around, I might as well be the one writing the discrepancies, instead of signing them off! Much more fun that way! Someday, I may fly an airplane that I've returned to service years ago.... if any have survived that long.
Anyway, thanks for the info. I'm still paying my dues. It's gonna take a while.
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