I'm not sure why more people aren't saying Trans States... Certainly no DFW base, but for quality of life, quality of training, and contract they seem like the best. Go interview and see, they were very forthcoming and honest (at least that was my experience).

Reserve ain't too bad if you live near the airport. Just don't expect to make any money breaking guarantee.

^^^^THIS CANNOT BE OVERSTATED^^^^

Avoid commuting at all costs. Sounds like you have plenty of time, you just need currency. Good luck in your career.

Mesa would certainly keep you in DFW. If you are hired today you are probably looking at a 1.5-2 year upgrade since you don't have any 121 time. With that said, have you looked at Spirit? With your time and experience it may be a better fit. They have a DFW base and will treat you better than any regional. If the music stops with the movement in this industry, where do you want to get stuck?

I am glad someone said this. I figured that with all the flights out of DFW going to most places should not be near as tough as some areas.

Upgrade matters ofcourse, but it is not like I expect a quick upgrade, seniority is what it is, but do not want to sit right seat 10 years in an RJ when an average is 24-48 months or so. I do not want to sit reserve forever either, though I understand that is the deal.

Yea, Trans States called and were nice, but they were almost like can you interview this week so we can get you in the Sept 1 class, and if you do that you get a bonus. It kinda felt like a car salesman saying 'what would it take to get you in this car today' haha. It kinda felt strange, I teailize I am a good applicant, but almost seemed desperate. Funny thing is they were actually on my list because of "expected" growth, but I just do not know.

I am asking to get the most info I can, I am sure there is no perfect choice, but I am old enought to know this and understand that EVERY PLACE has pros and cons, and I know nothing is forever. I know jus that took jobs at TWA and everyone told them how dumb they were, but now they are at American so one thing is the future is ever changing, and what is great now might turn ton rap next week. Thank you for the honest opinion.

Thanks, yea I guess sitting at home would not totally suck but really want to get in there and fly and learn.

See above. Kinda got a strange feeling when I talked to them. May I message you directly to pick your brain a little?

Money matters, but I can not work and be fine, so while I will not work for free, money is not a deal breaker. As has been stated, I am older (40 ish) and done well money wise, I have multiple streams of income that do not go away when I take an airline pilot job, so I have cushion that most do not. QOL, good people, quality training, career movement all are more important at this time.

Thank you. I am current 600 hours last 12 months, need 121/jet time, that is my only resume hole. Then need experience to see where I want to end up, and that can only be done from inside the industry.

I have not. I figured they wanted 121/135 time. Yea, e en if movement does not stop I Could see myself just finishing out as a regional/national Capt. Like I said with my other income it might not be fiscally worth it to go to a major even if the option is available in the future.


I will surely speak to SkyWest, compass, and spirit to see what they have to say.

Thank you all for your help. Anything from anyone is very welcome.

If you want to go to envoy wait and interview in late Nov, early Dec. The 175 is going to be based out of DFW.

Current FOs cannot bid Jet to Jet so the 175 will go JR early next year. That would mean short reserve, home based for you. Seems to me that you could be the Sr guy in class. The guys in the E-175 now should upgrade in the next 6 months.

Envoy flying benefits are same as AA employees.

Good luck with your decision, we all know how hard it is looking for a regional to work.

Ugh...let me think...not Mesa. That upgrade time will never hold when guys start bailing and staffing becomes an issue.

There is no best option. Offers will pour in from all the regionals trying to get you in with their sales pitch of potential flying that will have you in the left seat in 12 months, or how their contract is industry leading, or their new-hire bonus makes you a well-paid FO for a year, or their flow will get you the only guaranteed path to a legacy carrier.

When it comes down to it you have to balance all those things above to how it fits within your life and whether it's money, upgrade, flow, or commuting. You won't find all of those anywhere.

No one on here will suggest a company other than their own for purely selfish reasons.

New-hire bonuses can go, flow is not something to hang your hat on, upgrades can turn to furloughs before you get your first set of wings, and a non-commute can be a commute as soon as the major decides they want your company in another city.

^^^This times ten! Only you will know what is best for you and your personal situation. It seems things in this industry are turning a corner for the better, but the reality is that it still sucks and the RLA will always have us by the balls. Bottom line: There is no "best" regional out there, only the one that works for you to get yourself to whatever is next on the career path. As previously stated, the koolaid drinkers will try and sell you anything on here for purely selfish reasons.

Do your research and look up any old contacts you may have who are still at the regionals. First hand knowledge from people you know and trust is invaluable. Be careful what you read on this forum as it is 90% b*tching and 10% actual useful info. And that is on a good day.