Ok so you're all backing up my descision.(did I spell that right?) I got an offer from ExpressJet but hadn't heard back from my interview with Skywest and I really wanted SW. So I turned down the offer with XJT. Skywest told me they wanted me to reapply in 6 months and just wondering if I made the right decision (dang there is was again). I like the non - alpa deal (and I don't think they will vote ALPA in at SW here soon) My friends over there are really down on it and they think most skywest pilots are. But you all nailed it. Where to live. I like Chicago. I live currently just on the other side of the lake in Michigan so I've been to Chi town a bunch. Can't wait till the "150 days till reapply" is over.

 

How much time do you have and how long did it take ExpressJet to call you?

 

Hey freezingflyboy, what part of sac are you from?
and avi8tor4life how many hours did you have when you put in your resume?

 

I am not "backing" your decision at all!!! I think you made a ludicrously stupid decision!!! Why the FUDGE would you turn down a sure thing!?!? Especially with a company like ExpressJet!?!? Do you have some magic crystal ball that tells you that SKYW will still be hiring in 6 months? I hope you didn't make a very big mistake...

 

Without being too specific, I grew up east of Sacramento proper.

 

Well always good to meet pilots from the region. Next time your in sac, let me know, beers on me!

 

I do not think it is a mistake. I think that a pilot who does not sell his soul to the first company that hires him is a better pilot than one who does.
On the other hand, ExpressJet is a good company, someday I would like to work there.
Like I said if most pilots held out for the best company, all the other companies would have to raise wages. One of the problems we have is that pilot's keep filling slots in those companies that virtually abuse them. Thus the abusement continues. If everybody applied to SkyWest and Express Jet, the other companies would be left with out pilots and would raise wages. I know allot of pilots would be unemployed, and its easier said than done. But that state of unemployness would should the other regionals that pilots of this new generation wont take any ****** and wont fly for penuts. Its time for a change.
Good Job avi8tor4life, if everybody when in your direction, regionals would start to appreciate the fact that regioal pilots actually carry 50 people's lives in their hands, and it gets real dangerous when during approach I begin to think about the state of poverty my wife and 2 kids are living in.
(It's just an examle, I'm still and aspiring pilot, I dont have kids or anything).

 

Very few people will back up THAT decision! Even if ExpressJet were your second best choice, you'd have been better off going with them. Now you are going to be six months behind the game. What do they say - better a bird in hand than two in the bush? Something like that.

Anyway, good luck with Skywest in six months!

 

You guys like to bag on ALPA carriers but I gaurantee you, ALPA carriers quality of life is a heck of a lot better than a non union carriers.

 

Yeah so i don't have a crystal ball or anything (sometimes I wish I did). and I'm sure as not 100 percent sure I'll get the skywest job in 6 months, but I'm not gonna take anyone just cause they offered me the job. I turned down another job before XJT. It was a coporate job flying a king air with a company that I already worked for on a contract basis. But I didn't want to live in Indiana. As much as I put into my career I'm not gonna change my life for a job. Job is second, life is first. I may not make as much money as I could but at least when I'm done with the day (whether I'm at home or on the road) I'm happy. That's what's important. Sorry folks, I don't plan on working a day. I'm just flying and people are paying me for it, I can't complain.
ExpressJet is a great company. I wanted to work for them for the longest time. But then I got to meet the people out at Skywest and checked out Salt Lake (I was out there visiting for like 3 days)(twice) and I really like it better than ExpressJet. Remember they aren't the only ones doing the interview. You're interviewing them as well. So I don't think I made a bad decision. I'll hold out for MY job, the one I want. I have a good thing going.

OK to answer some question. My hours were 1080tt, 110multi, 130instrument. If that helps out anyone. ExpressJet told me right then and there if I got the job or not.