advice for returning to the regionals
 

Hi guys and gals. Long story short: 3500 hours with 3000 as an FO in an EMB145 at xjet. I left that job because it was going nowhere to go to grad school. Now that I am graduating, I'd like to give the industry another shot.

I'm trying to figure out where the largest movement potential is for upgrade. My instinct says Compass since they have the flow through (and a small group) that should pull a large portion of the group out to Delta, but I'm really looking to be in Chicago if possible. Anyone have insight into the situation at Eagle? How many of their pilots are flow through eligible?

Thanks for any advice you can give me.

Someone actually at Eagle may want to elaborate but from what I understand the flow through is gone for anyone new to the scene. Something like 150 captains are flowing through with a bunch more with preferential hiring. You have a good chance of getting Chicago if you go with Eagle or ASA/Expressjet right now.

That masters degree won't help you to upgrade any faster...

You might be right about CZ, I think they could in theory lose 25% of their pilots each year which sould mean a 2 year upgrade and being super-senior in 4...assuming DAL is hiring. Also I assume you are aware that the flow-through was terminated, so only those already on property will be eligible. You could benefit from the movement, but you won't get a DAL number out of the deal.

Other that that it seems that, as usual, the regionals with the lowest pay/workrules are growing the fastest. You could also try ASA/XJT/SKW and hope for a "big announcement"...odds are good that there will eventually be one, but there are no guarantees which certificate will benefit.

But as a zero-seniority regional FO today should really consider the possibility that upgrade will be many years (or decades) away...or never. Either be prepared to be a career regional FO, or plan on trying to move on to a major which does not require PIC.

I guess CZ seems like your best bet, but that assumes you want TPIC and then to move on. If you are planning on staying forever...CZ is kind of a red-headed(tailed) step child, they were a NWA entity inherited by DAL and there is no obvious long-term job security there. They might get sold, or merged with somebody else or even used as a "capacity accumulator" like comair.

EDIT: Yes the flow-through at eagle is gone, only a few folks who were already eligible for AA numbers will still go (and that's another mess). I don't know the exact number, but it's not enough to get you an upgrade at eagle.

Wait, you left the regionals and are now coming back, and once again looking for the "quickest upgrade?".

You didn't learn anything the first time around I guess. I'd also suggest you go to a regional you could see yourself spending the rest of your career at. Go SkyWest if you want Chicago.

ASA is hiring for the ExpressJet side and you could probably get ORD since it's an XJT junior base. As a former XJT employee, you're probably golden (provided you're "eligible for rehire" as in you didn't quit without 2 weeks notice or something).

They already did get sold. They are the proud property of Trans States Holding which as we all know can be a dicey proposition working for that company. (No GoJets vs TSA flame war needed) As to what their future will be as TSH property is a big question mark. I think now that they are no longer wholly owned that the DAL flowthrough is definetly on the chopping block.

The flow through remains in place for everyone who was on property as of the date of the LOA signing. That leaves about 340 more people with flow rights. Compass lost 60 pilots to the flow,20 in nov dec and jan). If delta begins to hire again before august 2011 compass will flow another 40 pilots, 20 in each of the first 2 months. Compass will then be allowed to flow an additional 20 pilots per month starting again in august 2011 but no more than 25% of the compass pilot list in a rolling 12 month period.


New hire pilots do not have flow rights. Keep in mind the flow back is still alive and well. Could be a great place for a newhire if delta continues to hire but should delta furlough for any reason you may be out of a job.

There are still a few provisions were the flow can be terminated.

go to compass, they have the most potential for quick movement imho. At compass, the guys flowing up will provide movement. also consider a large majority of the cpz list is higher time and thus more qualified meaning when the other airlines start hiring you have additional movement potential.

You left the industry, went to grad school, and now want to com back to the industry? Why didn't you take a voluntary LOA? You'd still have your number at Expressjet.

What is your graduate degree in? If you aren't going to use it, why on earth did you go spend the time and money getting it. Certain degrees excepted, a complete waste of time and money, and loss of seniority if you plan on being a pilot.

If I were a recruiter, I'd seriously question your commitment to the industry.

Just heard from a guy that went down to ASA and they are hiring 90 for ORD. Upgrade was quoted as 4 years. FO reserve 8 months. Who knows if its accurate. He got the call and took it.