I was hired at ExpressJet in 2011. I've been flying there for just over two and a half years, and generally I've enjoyed my time. However, I'm still a little way off being competitive for any of the majors. I've been to multiple job fairs and spoken to most airlines and all still advise TPIC and maybe another 1,500-2,000 hours.

Our new TA is probably going to be presented to the pilot group next week here at XJT (assuming the MEC vote to send it to us). At the moment, everything points towards concessions. If that is the case I'll be voting no. But regardless of that, whatever the outcome, we will shrink. Assuming we do stay the same size, I'm still looking at another 2 to 3 years minimum until I upgrade. It's more than likely that we'll shrink instead.

With all that is going on, I've really started to give some serious thought towards trying to get on at somewhere like Compass or Mesa. I know chasing the upgrade is normally unwise, but with a huge fleet of 50 seaters, the new XJT doesn't appear to have that bright a future.

At the moment I live in base and I hold a relatively good line, so QoL would definitely be sacrificed.

Is a lateral move ever justified? What do you guys think?

 

I understand your situation but a lateral move in contributing to the whipsaw and it's what management wants

 

Sometimes a lateral move is justified, but IMHO it doesn't sound like a good idea in your position. If you are happy with your QOL now, living in base, holding a line, then why throw away 2 1/2 years of work on a gamble? The upgrade will come eventually.

 

what about throwing 2 years and change at Eagle and going back to first year pay at another regional, which has an attainable base in your home town? ends up being about 14/hr first year pay cut, but less crashpad fee's

 

Id stay, especially if you have a descent QOL. Commuting sucks.

 

majors are hiring without turbine pic!

 

Don't chase the upgrade. If you've got good QOL, stick it out.

 

You've been looking for justification to move laterally from XJT for months now... You're looking at easily 2 years minimum for upgrade at those places anyway, why throw away seniority and QOL to go to another outfit? You're better off staying...

 

Don't do it.

Try to find an additional responsibility where you're at now. Something in the training department, recruiting, etc.

Even 1000s of hours of PIC time won't set you apart from the 1000s of other applicants right now. You need something in addition to that.

 

How about stop making things better for yourself and make sure Skywest inc merges all airlines under one seniority list.

Why doesn't your MEC push for it