Best Regional Option for DC Domicile?
 

Just want to say thanks in advance to everyone for all the great advice on this forum. I'm making the military to civilian jump in a couple of months and have found this to be an invaluable resource.

I was keeping my fingers crossed for a call from the majors or a LCC prior to my transition, but seeing as how that hasn't happened, I'm trying to decide on which Regional(s) to apply to. I'm onboard with the oft-cited advice to live in domicile to maximize QOL in this industry. If and when I'm fortunate enough to make it to the next level, I'll be inclined to move to my assigned domicile; however, while plugging away at the Regionals, I'm placing a higher premium on living in close proximity to friends and family in the DC area.

With that, I'm considering RAH, AW, TSA and Mesa. I knocked Silver and Commut Air out of consideration since I'm light on jet time and am trying to check as many boxes as possible to make myself more competitive to the Majors. I'm leaning towards RAH and AW due to their appealing contracts and the fact that they each domicile in PHL as well, which at least gets me in the ball park of DC.

I know the dynamic changes month to month, but can anyone comment on the possibility of holding DCA out of training at RAH or AW? Would snagging IAD right out of the gates with Mesa and TSA be more likely?

For the record, I have >1000 TPIC, and as such am not chasing upgrade times. My main goal is to be able to boost my TT as quickly as possible, check the 121 and jet boxes, and learn the ropes of the 121 world from a solid training department and group of pilots. Not sure if hitting all of these wickets AND living in DC is possible, but I'm not above trying.

Thanks in advance!

You would be very smart to consider CommutAir. IAD is the base where they are putting the 145s they are getting. There will be incredible growth at C5. T would be great to get in now on the front side of the wave.

Well with CommutAir receiving jets and having a new pathway program to United, I wouldn't knock us out of the picture. That aside, you can easily join the training department or any other facet of the company you desire to help check those boxes for your apps. Everyone knows each other here not at like most regionals, so it's easy to know who to talk to if you want to get involved. Great group of pilots with an IAD base and a good outlook.

My sales pitch is over now but just something to consider.

With Commutair getting E145s at IAD, you definitely want to put them back on your list.

Another one you should probably look at is PSA. They don't have a DC base right now, but they do have a sizable operation there, and a base may be coming in the future. In the meantime, the commute to Dayton, Cincy or Charlotte will be pretty easy. And I'd say they've got a more stable future than Air Wisconsin or Republic.

I'm not saying they should definitely be your first pick, and right now I'd still probably go with Commutair over them for someone in your position, but they're at least worth investigating.

I agree you def want to consider Commutair . PSA as well . A DCA base is def possible in the near future . I would consider commutair or PSA before RAH . Mesa. I would stay away ... Commutair PSA AW would be my top 2 . Piedmont also has a Philly base opening up next month with the 145 too . Also a lot of growth and movement there .

Thanks for all the info on CommutAir. The inbound E-jets and and UCCP are huge considerations that I completely overlooked during my initial search. Sounds like it's a perfect fit for what I'm looking for. I'll also take a harder look at PSA and Piedmont. As always, I appreciate the insight!

Just to clarify, EJET refers to the E170/190 series. Not the 145.

Gotcha. You just saved me from sounding like a dumbass in a lot of future conversations. Thanks!

Come to RAH.

I'd totally look at CommutAir because of growth projections and the ability to jump to United if you want. Plus there flying will be out of IAD which is away from the crazy traffic that DCA brings.

TSA has a IAD base and it is a pretty good company to work for.

Word of advice. Do not consider PSA based on some rumor they might open a DC base. I would consider a regional that has a DC base currently open. AWAC, etc. And unless you want to be stuck at PSA for 20 years waiting to flow to AA, I would not come here.

CBreezy is right about IAD and TransStates. I worked there for almost two years following the Delta shut down of Comair. While I did leave, it was for QOL issues. I didn't want to commute to ORD as a reserve captain. Last I heard, the IAD CP is a former Comair pilot.

If you decide to look at PSA, a commute to any of the crew bases from DCA is feasible. If commuting is something you feel is absolutely necessary, I'd consider CLT, then DAY. My last two years at Comair, I had to commute to DTW in order to remain in the left seat. If I couldn't get on the jumpseat, I could drive. That said, I hope you live in VA toward RIC. That makes CLT better than DAY.

Your location in the DC area makes PHL a viable option. But having lived in Northern VA for nine years, dealing with the road traffic might make commuting a more attractive option. Good luck!