Don't let 'em scare ya
 

Hey, if Lakes is what you want, then go for it. It sounds like you have a good grasp on why you would like to be there and it is good for the fast upgrade. Obviously you aren' t going to make a career out of them, but it is a place to start. I have a buddy that flies for them in DEN and he loves it because he is based in his home town and has a good attitude about his career. I would have gone there myself, but I landed a good 135 gig. Last I heard, about a year ago, you could hold PHX as an FO in a month or two. Not sure if it is still the same though. Not many destinations out of PHX, so you will see a lot of the same airports. Page is a cool spot though, and they do a lot of overnights there, especially in the summer. Good luck

Thanks VTcharter!!!

Most FO's who wan't PHX can hold it within within 1-6 months. It's all contingent on existing PHX FOs leaving or upgrading, which happens with some regularity. Upgrades have been leisurely the last few months, so your mileage may vary. Or you could drive/fly to TUS and work for Skywest.

I've heard that PHX only has like 4 or 5 pilots. I certainly wouldn't plan on any moves if those numbers are correct. Plan on DEN, they also fly EMB120s those are DEN only I think. Also I'd check the upgrades, according to this site it's 1.5 years, certainly not short especially for a 1900.

I would aim to fly the plane you intend to upgrade into. And if it was me, I would try to commute for Skywest.

I worked at Lakes for a year and absolutely loved it. I was also based in PHX. I live here so I bid it right away and got it in 2 months. As an FO it is fairly easy to hold PHX. As a captian, it is a little harder but not impossible. You'll love the experience you'll get flying the good ol mighty beech. I'm now at another company (hmm.. guess which) and love it here but still miss the beech and the people at Lakes. The mgmt sucks but especially in PHX you never see them. There are a lot of people who will tell you not to go there but very few, if any, have actually worked there. Most of the people at Lakes are happy to work there which is not true for Mesa... but then again I didn't work for mesa. Let me know if you have any questions..

Phoenix has about 10 crews (20 pilots) They fly to IGM PRC PGA FHU SOW and soon to Gallup (i think)

What part of instructing 100 hours a month in the heat of the Arizona desert sounds like fun? I did it, and wouldn't recommend it. If the wife wants to go to ASU for a chemistry PHD do whatever it takes for her to get it.

ATTENTION everyone: I can now say I have heard and seen everything on this board! I can count at least two dozen + people I know who have worked at Lakes (Most but not all of them flew in the mid 90's - Spencer, IA days) and not one of them has ever said they liked working at GREAT LAKES! I guess there is always a first for everything! Thank You!

Unless you are like some of these guys that want a lifelong career at their kickass regional airline...my friends that flew at Lakes had a great time...it is what YOU make of it. I was at Mesa and had a great time....along with friends that also did. Well...we were all there less than 4 year and now we have all moved on to Southwest and FedEx...

These other guy will probably tell you to hold out for a real airline like United and Delta...