True but I'm about 70 minutes south of downtown Atlanta. The ATL airport is south of Atlanta so I'm closer to that. Driving through Atlanta is a pain at other than nights or weekends.
I have a strong dislike for NYC so any job that would require me to spend large amounts of time there is looked at cross-eyed. (it's also very expensive there)

 

I would go to PSA and commute to CLT or TYS

Good luck my friend

 

Oh gee you're SOUTH of ATL. Hmm. Well other than expressjet in atla I'm afraid you don't have many options.

The upgrade time there may change-it may not.

Lots of guys commute ATL-ORD. You could try that with one of the regionals out of ORD

 

Looks like all PSA flights to TYS go via CLT. Only non-stops to TYS are on Expressjet. Expressjet would be great if you get ATL base and a reasonably quick upgrade, but seemingly this is not the case. Driving is OK only of you have to do it once in a while or you have a long call. Don't forget to look into commuting policy, medical benefits and travel and hotels if provided.

Alternatively, you could go to Expressjet for a year, get the jet time and try to get on with a home-basing 135 outfit like Xojet to start your Age 65 transition plan a bit earlier!

 

Not trying to be biased but I would recommend PSA in this situation. With the schedule adjustment period once you're holding a line you basically can build your schedule any which way you want. Weekends off, 9 day stretches off, any holiday, it doesn't matter how short they are. It's the only reason why I didn't leave when everybody was paying double our first year pay. Lucky for you, you won't have to endure that awful first year anymore.

 

Mainline (Delta) also flies multiple MD88/737 flights ATL-TYS flights. I have done that trip many times and have never not made it on.

 

I'm "leaning" towards PSA but not quite ready to pull the trigger yet. Probably make a decision this next week (within the next 5-7 days)
I'll have some serious ground school studying to do as for the last 20+ years I've mostly been in the bush flying mode. I'm near ATL airspace (under it actually) but rarely make a radio call and the plane I've flown most often doesn't even have electrical. So if you need a float plane pilot on the Amazon, I'm the guy but I've never been in a cockpit with anything "flat". Not even the Garmin 430. So this geezer needs to scrape off the dinosaur poop, shave and get ready to wear a uniform. (which I'm sure I'll detest). I do appreciate everyone's input. Reading the forums reminds me a lot of junior high... It's so hard to read 15 to 20 posts to find a crumb of useful info. After reading literally thousands of posts, I'm starting to glean a little info but made this thread to accelerate the process.

 

I know someone that was in a similar situation a few months ago. Previous 121 experience, lots of tt,but was out of flying for many years. He also lives in Atl and was offered a job by xjt.Obviously his goal was to be able ti bid captain as soon as hs felt ready .Even though he liked xjt,the great qol that would bring,the idea of being an fo for 7 to 10years or never seeing the left seat period greatly discouraged him from going there.Truth is more than half of the captain's at xjt are lifers and wont ever try to leave.
He went with another less popular regional to say the least,and is currently in sims for upgrade.
If he was at xjt,that would never happen that quickly. The objective is to get in,get your time and move on to better things.Xjt is a great company, but unless you are ok being an fo for many many years to come,i would look at other options, unless the great qol is atop your list,then the choice is obvious.

 

Just submitted an app to PSA for an FO position. Hope to hear back from them. Have a 1st class physical scheduled for Thursday. Hope I need it.

 

PSA interview will be something along the lines of "Can you find your pulse? Congrats your hired!" In all seriousness good luck indeed.