Welcome

Hello all,

I am deciding between flying for PSA or Republic. I live in the DC suburbs, so DCA is my ideal base. Out of the regionals that fly out from there, PSA and Republic looks the most promising. I have 0 Part 121 experience, so all the mumbo about scheduling and the like go over my head.

My number 1 priority is being based out of DCA.

From what I can tell, PSA is growing very quickly (arguably too quickly) and upgrade times seem to be on faster side. The jumpseat/flight benefits are a plus, too. I am not putting any weight on the AA flow agreement. Pay and bonus is decent.

Republic seems to be one of the higher pay regionals for both FO and CA (something PSA is lacking after year 1 pay). They fly for all 3 legacies, and a quarter of the pilots have been moving to one of the big 3. Overall benefits seems to be superior to PSA, which means higher indirect monetary gain.

What are some factors that you would look for, if you were in my shoes? Which would you recommend?

ironmanndfw

You may get many opinions on this one.

PSA is a good company, yet they are controlled by one pocket book. If you look at th break up of AE, and see how fast bases can be closed and how long it takes to "snap back" you may answer your own question.

Republic has had its issues. They seem to be on stable footing, integrated all airlines into one, and they are growing.

Both companies have DCA bases. I recommend applying to both and take the interview to help in your decision making.

Realistically each company has pro's and cons. You have to determine which are yours.

Can answer questions about my decision to go to Republic. I can help with your questions if you'd like to PM me.

knewyork

Being home based is very important. Does PSA have a DCA base?

Republic has been a good choice for me. I have little to complain about and I feel optimistic about higher pay and even higher QOL with our next contract. The company knows in this current climate they can’t mess around. Some doubt this but that’s just my opinion and that over many others.

As of now, movement is good, upgrade will fall below 3 years (it goes fast!), pay is ok, and QOL is good. I’m home based out of EWR and after about 1.75 years I’m around 30 out of 120 on the FO list. I haven’t had less than 14 days off in 9 months, and have averaged 16 off since then while crediting 83-100 hours per month.

I highly recommend republic.

Anyone know what’s going to happen in DCA with Air Wisconsin leaving?

T28driver

Air Wisconsin's new base in IAD might be worth considering as well.

ironmanndfw

When I interviewed at Republic the upgrade time was 3.5 years on property, and4 years until UG class.

We had lunch with the current UG class today,and most had only been with the company since 2014. That is a 3 year UG. It will get shorter.

BB said during his visit last week that he expects to be at the forefront of pay, benefits, and quality of life at Republic. He is well aware of having to step up the game to stay ahead, now to stay ahead, let's see how it steps up.

For now I'm happy to be here. Everyone seems very helpful, and willing to listen, and to get an answer to your question.

TheWeatherman

This is one of the reasons I chose Republic over SkyWest. Not only are the hourly pay and benefits near the top, but there will be a new contract negotiation coming up. I couldn't in good conscious go to SkyWest and be locked into 1 percent per year for the next 5 years.

PleaseComplete

PSA has SAP.

That's all there is to say because SAP is that good.

Captain Slow

Looks like Republic will have SAP in the next couple months.


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PleaseComplete

Not to be negative, they've been saying that for over a year now ?

ironmanndfw

PleaseComplete:

I was taken to task over this very item. I said why go to PSA vs Rjet due to the SAP?

The straight answer I was given is that it is already in our contract. Implementation is the next hurtle which will be at either company. Rjet is lagging behind. Honest answer. The main difference I would venture is that Rjet also knows they HAVE to deliver else the stop to be effective in the pilot recruiting process. If we fail to deliver then it hurts us all, and our pilot candidates will consider going to PSA and well they should. While you can get more flies with honey, I find honesty is a lost art and I seek to revive it.

Lets not kid each other, both airlines need pilots. Each company's management have not been supportive in the past. Ok. Heck many of my buddies at PSA state privately that getting anything out of their management is less than productive. It's like they are waiting on the word from above (stand by, to stand by, to stand by is the reply) as they are overruled at times from mother AA. In Rjets case none of the Big 3 can rule over the other that allows us flexability you can not find at PSA or any other WO including Endeavor.

Here is some insght I was set to go to PSA, until I interviewed at Rjet. I knew that all was not roses at PSA. I know it s not always roses at Rjet. The main difference I found is that Rjet knows they had issues in the past and they are determined to not make the same mistake again. We shall see as while I desire to be optomistic I'm also a realist.

Ask a new hire at PSA how many times their President showed face during Indoc? Mine was 3/4 times over 9 days. He was seriously interested in our welfare and BB spoke directly to it. I and 2 others flew in just before Irma hit our homes in FL. BB asked us how we are doing back home. 2 of us said ok. I'm still waiting a damage report, the third had arrnged to be flown home to assist between Indoc and our sytems class. I expect my classmate to arrive some time Monday. This is leadership from the top, and how one builds loyality. I'm not saying that never happens at PSA, yet I experienced it FIRST HAND at Rjet.

So here is how I see this all shaking out. PSA pilots my good friends, enjoy the SAP. Rjet pilots get ready for SAP on sterriods as Rjet sees what the issues with SAP at PSA and will make it work better for all of us (That is at both companies).

They way I see it we are a pilot group, will get further along faster with collaberation over division. I want it the very best it has ever been for a pilot to be happy to call him/her-self a regional pilot.

I remember the days of pay at $14.50 an hour, and the phone number to the food stamp program that was Regional flying reality not very long ago!

Now tell me what you see?