Just departed military and I’m unfamiliar with 121 world. I like the sound of being home each night. What’s the odds of getting BLI as new FO?

Thanks in advance.

Hard to say since we haven't hired in so long, and for that matter have no plans to hire anytime soon. BLI seems to be a place that most people go to and don't leave. Occasional turnover in the bottom couple of FO spots, but who knows if that will remain true when we start having vacancy notices again. Even if you get it you'll probably never see the left seat there. Not sure if that matters to you or not.

If you're looking to get into the 121 world soon you'll probably want to look elsewhere anyway. Management has been pretty firm on the fact that we aren't hiring this year.

Oh wow. I appreciate the candor....unless you’re just trying to keep me out of BLI ;-).

I just got hired at a regional in the Midwest but I’m looking to move home to the Pacific Northwest. Allegiant seemed neat in that they offered nights at home and a BLI base. I’ll widen my search.

Thanks. Much appreciated!

Although, BLI has quite a few Captains that will retire in 6-8 years, so if you’re willing to wait....

To add to what slade said, it's one of the smallest and probably the most senior base in the system. The day trips are really nice if you move to base but I wouldn't set sail here with your sights only set on BLI. If you are content with moving to one of the more junior of the 16 bases it would be worth throwing in an app since getting BLI could possibly take years to hold and commuting to day trips just isn't practical.

Here is my advice to all MIL pilots:

1. apply to all the majors
2. take the first job offered
3. move to domicile.
4. repeat steps 2-3 if offered a better job

good luck

BLI has had perpetual vacancies for the past 3.5 years. There was just a couple vacancies last month that got filled but I doubt those guys really want to be there. If you came here I would say you could have it within 1 year if not sooner. Much sooner if we start hiring in big numbers. It’s true though that you’ll likely never upgrade there.

BLI is a fantastic base, but it also faces the same existential threat that Oakland had... small fleet, high costs, and all the flights could be done by existing bases with little impact (except maybe SAN, but they could always make a layover out of it from Vegas).

Seems like good advice for anyone who meets the other general requirements (PIC, ME, turbine, etc.)

So, I've been watching this thread like a hawk, because:
a couple of kids graduated from Western and will likely stay in the area.

I own a house there, (current college rental, but one story could easily be our new home after selling PDX house)

I'm 59 with other business side gigs and could care less about upgrading. ...

At the end of the day, putting all the above in perspective, is BLI attainable for a new hire "perpetual gear slinger" without "undue" delays in a clearly unusual career "progression" ??? ...TIA