Mesaba vs. Pinnacle
#62
Thanks for the comments. I was an ex-Eastern pilot, worked several corporate jobs, did almost 20 years as a full-time military technician, so I may have good hond sight, but it was earned. Not a bit of that career was planned, I might add. BUT, it seems tough to justify the education expenses, the "rewards" of regioal flying on the slight chance of a major airline career, especially when one looks at the compensation offered at the majors.
I regularily read these threads here to judge where aviation is going. I am out and about in the business and regional guys are pretty universally unhappy with the workings of the companies, the pay, the commuting, the overall sacrifices they have made. The pilot I interviewed loved aviation, probably had some good talents, but was trapped as a junior captain, unable to progress, old enough to be looking at a career as a RJ pilot. He wanted a change and I understand that, I've been there.
Young guys who pay attention here can learn a lot from you guys posting here, I hope the industry gets better for everyone. I'll do another 5 years, but want to leave a better place.
BANJA
That's only partly true, I've been around some growing departments that are hiring. Deliveries are still being made, used sales are starting to perk up. Anyone who works at getting known, learns skills beyond flying (speak business, learn about business ops, get out of the regional tunnel vision) can find jobs. What did we look for:
--strong skills including MEI instructor time or check airman
-- experience managing a program, like safety, IS-BAO experience, record of doing more than the minimum to get by.
--progression, did the applicant grow in his career or just get into a comfy slot and stay there. Did job changes advance the applicant's career or were they moves just to move.
BTW, only one of our interviewees known to the three of us interviewing. Networking helps, but just sniffing around websites, talking to people can get a in.
We're done for now, but might hire again in later in the year.
GF
I regularily read these threads here to judge where aviation is going. I am out and about in the business and regional guys are pretty universally unhappy with the workings of the companies, the pay, the commuting, the overall sacrifices they have made. The pilot I interviewed loved aviation, probably had some good talents, but was trapped as a junior captain, unable to progress, old enough to be looking at a career as a RJ pilot. He wanted a change and I understand that, I've been there.
Young guys who pay attention here can learn a lot from you guys posting here, I hope the industry gets better for everyone. I'll do another 5 years, but want to leave a better place.
BANJA
That's only partly true, I've been around some growing departments that are hiring. Deliveries are still being made, used sales are starting to perk up. Anyone who works at getting known, learns skills beyond flying (speak business, learn about business ops, get out of the regional tunnel vision) can find jobs. What did we look for:
--strong skills including MEI instructor time or check airman
-- experience managing a program, like safety, IS-BAO experience, record of doing more than the minimum to get by.
--progression, did the applicant grow in his career or just get into a comfy slot and stay there. Did job changes advance the applicant's career or were they moves just to move.
BTW, only one of our interviewees known to the three of us interviewing. Networking helps, but just sniffing around websites, talking to people can get a in.
We're done for now, but might hire again in later in the year.
GF
#64
Line Holder
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,753
Likes: 20
With the staffing the way it is. Buying back vacation for June. Having the CP beg us in an Email to pick up open time... I wouldn't be suprise if they go back to hiring low time ATP or UND pilots.
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