Compass is a great airline as far as regionals go, but for OP to have to commute (even though LAX to SFO is a shooooort commute) his QOL may end up better at SKW. Either way he has 2 great choices both with their pros and cons but also both which I'm sure we'd both agree is a better option than AMF. Not to discredit any AMFers or their experience, but the last 6 AMFers I've spoken to that were on the chieftain all unanimously said AMF was a good stepping stone but they will never go back. that includes 4 people in the last week I've spoken to.


(all 6 are at regionals)

 

I agree I would go to Skywest if I were the op if staying in SFO is a must.

 

Thank you for posting this. For some, flying a large jet is the number one priority in life. If yours is family, may be you should consider a different option altogether.

Some on here like to focus only on the positives and are quick to defend against anyone who points out the negatives. Maybe its rationalizing, maybe they're just genuinely proud of their employer.

The truth is, all regionals suck and in the current environment, we should all be demanding more.

 

Can a regional pilot with a family who commutes realistically shoot for overnights in his/her hometown to offset those 4-days? Especially if the pilot lives in a smaller city that is served primarily or exclusively by regionals (KELP, KAMA, etc.)?

 

Um, what are you talking about? This isn't a conversation about going a regional expecting that you yourself are going to flow, this is about the FACT that there will be a lot of movement at Compass due to their flow, which is not available to new hires. Nobody is saying go to Compass because new hires will flow to Delta.

You're paying dues at all levels of the industry. The regional FO is waiting to slide to the left seat. The regional Capt is waiting for the Legacy or LCC to call, etc, etc, etc. Gaurantee even you would learn a lot at Compass.
Compass may not be someone's career destination, but it's a darn good way to make yourself competitive to get there. See rejoinder to number two.
Pretty sure anyone that wants the Bro in new hire ground can get it, especially as most want the jet. We've already had a few SkyWesters state that Fresno is very junior, and SFO is available within 3-6 months. Point being, within 6 months he can be in SFO, or be holding a line in Fresno in a shorter amount of time. The drive from the Bay Area down to the Central Valley ain't all that bad.

Point being, if you want to live in the Bay Area as a new hire regional FO, SkyWest is by far your best choice.

 

So are we to assume by your post that anyone who travels a lot is by default a bad spouse and parent? I'll admit, I'm not married, but I know a lot of guys who are who have understanding spouses and great relationships. It takes work I'm sure, but being an airline pilot does not by default predispose one to failure in their home life.

 

Sure they can if he/she works for a regional that services that airport and has seniority to hold a line to bid for specific preference like the home airport layovers. On reserve in any company, they will send you where ever they need.

 

Songman, I'm coming up on 25 yrs at current job. Went from FO on a 1900 to current Capt on 737. I've gone through all gambits of this industry. 3 children (high school and college now) but, grew up with me doing this job. I ALWAYS lived in base which was not where I grew up.(So HAPPY I did that!) I aways stayed senior on equip (waited to upgrade!! Bid reserve in Dec so I could hold Christmas day off!!) since I wanted to see as many kids functions as I could!! And all this can be done IF you live within your means!!!!! Hard to do! A 747 Captain told me when I was at your stage ( I was a 1900 capt) you are probably living more within your means now than when you upgrade to 747 Capt. He was right!! Just remember, guys that get in trouble aren't the ones that don't earn enough, they're the ones that spend to much!! I just recently asked my kids if they hated me being gone 3-4 days a week!! They said not at all, since they haven't know anything different!! Hope this helps!! Good luck!

 

Songman, If you're concerned about your family you just need to remember to leave work at work. There is a lot of drama in this industry and it can change you mentally if you let it. AIDS (aviation induced divorce syndrome) doesn't just happen because you're gone a lot. This is a stressful job with a lot of unknowns. Where ever you choose to go make sure you leave work at the door and make all your home time about family. That would be my advice. Enjoy the 121 world, but it will do all it can to mess with you.

 

Very Well Said, I agree. I miss the Mighty Beech, great plane!