Advice for a new guy...
 

Hi all,

I've been reading these forums for a while trying to gather as much information as I can. I am looking for some advice. I am just coming up on ATP minimums, and have started interviewing at a couple of regionals. So far, I have interviewed and was offered jobs with AWAC and Commutair. I have been told many times that commuting is bad, so I only want to work out of EWR, LGA, or JFK. Any thoughts on either of these companies? I was really impressed by the folks at AWAC during the interview, really impressed! The "stability" at Commutair, however, is attractive, not to mention the upgrade times have historically, and currently are pretty quick. Additionally, with Commutair, I was thinking that as a low time pilot, the type of flying they do would make me a better pilot. By that I mean, more time in critical phases of flight, more time low in the weather, etc. I'm not sure if this is true, any thoughts on this? My goal, like most others, is to do my time and move on to a better paying company with a greater quality of life. I haven't read or heard much good about Republic. Is it worth applying there as well? I have applied to Endeavor but have not heard back. I really appreciate any input. Thanks!

I would take the Commutair job. The Dash 8 is a lot of fun to fly, and you will learn a lot of skills that will help you in the future. I was in a similar spot as you 2 years ago, offers from PDT, PSA, Commutair, Eagle, etc...I chose PDT because starting pay was more liveable, and I wanted to do more hands-on, Northeast winter flying. On many of the short flights (CLT-GSP), (PHL-ABE) I hand fly it all. Recently, I did a two day trip with RNAV MEL'd. VORS and low charts only, what an education. I figure I can have a long career later on pushing buttons in a jet. I haven't been disappointed! I'm also a long-distance commuter so the travel bennies meant a lot to me. Good luck!

Second that 😃

That's how the 747 used to navigate around the continental routes, now it's an MEL item leading to "what an education".

GF

Yup, technology advances. Go figure.

Transoceanic flights used to have a navigator with a sextant.

Charts and VOR's?....Good grief! What is the world coming to?

Advice for a new guy...
 

Are we going to start reading grandpa's stories about how he'd have to navigate on adf in the snow across mountains both ways?

Congrats on being offered jobs at both places! You have a big decision on your hands and only you can truly decide whats best for you. My opinion is absolutely pick a place where you can drive to work! Im EWR based at C5 and live on LI and its makes all the difference in the world in terms of my QOL compared to commuters.

In terms of the company, its a regional airline so its not ever gonna be great, but its survivable. Things have become alot more tolerable since our pay increase and the company does seems relatively stable, or at least as stable as a regional can be.
I get what your saying about the type of flying we do, and the Dash is a fun and rewarding airplane to fly and the pilot group is as good as they come! That being said after a few years of doing this i'd rank the priorities of where you choose to work at 1. Pay and 2. Home based, after those two everything else is extremely secondary! Your entering the Major leagues basically no matter where you go, your going to become a better pilot no matter what type of flying you do! Good luck and feel free to PM me if you have any specific questions about C5

this is probably the most civil/informative thread I've seen on here, crazy when people actually act like adults.

I would drop both of those place and go with PSA. It looks great on a resume and they'll provide the KY for a concession or two.