DeltaJuliet,
The best headset deal you will ever get is rarely mentioned on here. Buy a pair of Bose Quiet Comfort 15 Noise Canceling Headsets ($300), then go to Home :: UFlyMike and order the boom mic that they sell ($225). The Bose uses a single AAA battery that lasts for 40 hours--I actually tracked it--and you can use it when you are deadheading or non-reving to get some sleep.

It's a great set-up, and you will definitely thank me later. It works great in the RJ, and now I use it on the 737. It's light, comfortable, and easy to use.

The only catch is you want to make sure you keep it clipped to your epaulet band so that it doesn't get pulled if you get the cord caught on the armrest or under the seat...which, at some point, we all do.

I also second the LW bags. The 22" regular and stealth work in the RJ closet. LW is expensive and heavy, but well built, and will last a long time, and if you need it repaired, they will turn it around quickly. If you have to carry charts, I disagree with the cheap bag. You can either pay more now and only pay once, or buy cheap and pay the same amount (or more) over several bags. If you don't have to carry charts, a black heavy-duty backpack will do the job nicely.

Make sure you get all of your luggage embroidered with your name! We ALL have "the black bag."

Shirts...I try to always have 6-8 serviceable shirts in my wardrobe, and on reserve, carry two spares. As a lineholder, carry one. The rest will keep you stylin' between laundry cycles, and if you commute, you can leave a couple in your crashpad. Also, buy white T-shirts that are a size too big, as they shrink a lot. After a while, you will stop carrying spare pants because they get so wrinkled that if you need them, you can't iron them, plus they take up a ton of room. Keep some spare quarters in your bag in case you have to do laundry on a trip, which at some point will happen.

The post about a toiletry kit that never leaves your bag? Ask us all how we learned that. Same with the phone charger. One trick: I keep the charger in a shoe. When the charger comes out, that shoe goes on the floor. It does NOT go back into the bag until the charger is in it! If you lose a charger, ask any hotel front desk if they have chargers that guests have left behind. They always do.

Handy dandy tip #2: if you put food in the refrigerator overnight, put a uniform shoe in with it. It won't stink up the food, and more importantly, you can NOT go out the door and only have one shoe on. Once you pull it out of the fridge, you'll remember your food. Another hard-earned trick of the trade. (DON'T try to substitute by putting your ID in the fridge!)

Always pack for the string of reserve days/the trip you are assigned plus 1 day. And NEVER go anywhere without an overnight bag! Some do, but it's crazy. Most companies have a policy that you are supposed to travel with at least 3 days of clothes. If you have to carry charts, you need the suitcase anyway just to lug the flight kit around.

This job is a lot of fun, and the CRJ is a great plane. If you let yourself become miserable, returning to a state of happiness starts with a long, hard look in the mirror. Last, but not least, the most important gadget on the plane is the window. Don't forget to use it.

C'mon man, live a little. Try doing both at the same time.

You should be able to get back to PHX probably withing 6 months or less from your class date . That is all depending on movement and the expansion we are doing out west. I hope we open LAX soon, will help out all of the west coasters stuck on the east coast.
Goodluck on the training!! Our instructors are awesome and top notch! I had a great experience and just have a good time with your partner going through fllows and callouts and it should be cake once you guys work it out together.

I use DC's they work fine, still need to save up so i can afford new headsets but between paying off a student loan and cost of living on a new hire FO salary its tough.
Get the 22" LW works like a charm and it seems to be the standard for all pilots.

All solid advice, Centerline.

That's great news 207. The girlfriend is dreading the day I leave for class, six months to get back to PHX would be wonderful. I thought a year was being optimistic. Even LAX would at least be an easy commute.

Our management was right! Pilots will go to the lowest of the lowest bidders regardless of pay or contract. The regional model will never die...

Is it either/or on the blazer or leather jacket? Or is the blazer mandatory? Is the company picky on the specific style of shirt (usually the pocket is the only differing detail)? I have a few brand new Van Heusen Aviators from a previous job, I'd like to use them if I can, rather than buy new ones.

Another thing... Once you get to the end of systems.. If you have any time off, find out who is going into the sim. If you're quiet and ask nicely, most instructors will let you observe. Bring your profile/flow packet and follow along. It will help you learn how /when they're used, and when you can make callouts in your head before they say them, you know you'll be that much mire ready for your own sim sessions.

You can wear whatever white pilot shirt you want. You're required to have an outer garment; be it a sweater, blazer, leather jacket. They don't care.

Awesome, thanks.