They aren't.

 

From the latest ERJ seniority list: Number of people per class this year on the list. This is probably pretty close to the number originally in the class but obviously would not include washouts, resignations, or terminations.

3/25: 15
4/8: 19
4/22: 14
5/6: 7
5/20: 12
6/3: 10
6/17: 17

 

So was that an affirmation or a rebuttal of my comment?

My understanding is they have already scraped the bottom of the barrel to get these above. Where more qualified pilots will come from is anybody's guess when other airlines are offering short upgrades, flow thorough and signing bonuses.

 

It's obviously an affirmation. Based on the numbers presented, the average class size this year has been 13.4 new hires/ class. Even throwing out the high and low it is only 13.6/ class. So when they announce 2 classes of 24 per month, the numbers don't even begin to add up, but what do I know. It's just a statistical observation; take it or leave it.

 

Hi DENpilot, I saw you post and was just wondering, i thought expressjet was one of the better airlines, it sounds like they are having issues filling classes. If that is the case, why?

 

I think it might be a thing among commuters since they have to use their codes more often, but other than that I have no idea since the letters tend to be almost arbitrary. I know my airlines and thats it. Someone could ask me what I thought about airline D4 or PR or ø╙ and I'd have no idea. But if you said "Crappy Regional A" or "Crappy regional B" or "REALLY crappy regional C" I'd know exactly what they were talking about.

 

Same reason why people dont type expressjet airlines, dalla fort worth international airport, canadair regional jet 700 series

 

It's clearly because of the ATP rule coming into effect next month. That and as our CEO has mentioned, "a diminished interest in pursuing commercial aviation."

It's very hard for those getting into this profession for the first time to understand what is most important. Many will take the bait of a 'bonus' or 'short upgrade' or worst yet a 70 SEATER JET that makes them feel like a real airline pilot, despite having a salary that doesn't reflect the passenger count. Expressjet doesn't offer the enticements, however it will give you a good QOL (for a regional airline).

Expressjet has a great contract relative to the industry and in my opinion, this is what many need to focus on in order to preserve their self-respect and dignity. Don't take the bait, go where the contract will allow to wake up and not hate yourself and the decisions you've made by becoming a regional airline pilot. The job is fairly dehumanizing even at the 'best' regional, so try and go to one that won't totally destroy your soul in every manner. So yeah, read read read about contracts. Most important.

The honeymoon with your shiny 70 SEATER will end after six months to a year. Jumpseat around on different carriers and you'll develop a good picture of where the morale is lowest and at best, marginal.

 

+1...yup...................

 

I know I've never been called Mr Optimism, but as one of the only big regionals left that haven't taken concessions, I see storm clouds on the horizon for ASA/Expressjet. Let's just say SKW isn't going to let us keep losing $25M/quarter forever and we're mostly a 50 seat airline. Every day, I hear more senior ASA pilots say they don't see the doors staying open more than 5 years. I know 15 and 20 year pilots that have apps in everywhere. So maybe these new entrants to the industry are reading the writing on the wall.