What he said.

Cost of living acts in direct tension to your #1 and #2 priorities, because seniority is everything and your seniority will punch above its weight in NYC due to everyone else avoiding it.

Another thing I would toss in - find a big base in terms of regional pilots and mainline departures. If you're sitting amidst 500 pilots and 500 departures, there will be lots of crumbs falling to the floor. Some tiny outstation (cough, COS) that has 4 departures a day isn't a place to rack up the hours.

And very expensive with high taxes

Not saying NYC is off the list, would just prefer another base if similar opportunities are offered.

Great points from all and a lot to think about.

One thing I have been wondering is the value of living where training happens. Since no regionals have a base where I currently work as a CFI, I will need to move anyways so why not choose somewhere junior where training is done (IAH Expressjet, IND Republic for example). I realize that its only several weeks and probbably not a reason to pick one over the other but if anyone has lived in base where training is done I’d appreciate you weigh in on the pros/cons.


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You would do well to be far away from the distractions of day-to-day life. Not everyone's family situation is the same but I would not have wanted to be in my town for training, feeling pressure to do this or that instead of studying with a group. IND is also relatively senior at Republic. Moving to PIT, CMH, or SDF would probably be a better call if you're leaning that way.

Cool, do it. What do you want from us?

One of the best perks about NYC is being able to relieve yourself anywhere you want. Think of the high taxes everyone complains about more like a 'public restroom anywhere' surcharge.

XJT for IAH? Upgrade as soon as you have 1000 121 time. IAH is expanding on the 145 side so you will be able to pick up trips and fly a lot .

Houston is reasonably affordable to live in. No state income tax and gas is dirt cheap. Hourly pay here isn’t anywhere close to industry leading but with our EQO it averages out to roughly what RPA pays.

The 145 isn’t shiny at all, but it’s a great jet to start on and it certainly will get you the hours you need for your next job.

If sincere about the list of priorities this is good advice. The fact that he said quickest upgrade time and then listed RPA makes me think he doesn’t know what he wants.

the regional labor market is very responsive. There are no hidden gems if you have normal priorities. There are thousands of other pilots who want to build time asap. If you wanna outbid them, you gotta offer more. More time, more money, more pain ... mix and match as desired.

nyc offers more opportunities precisely because it is expensive and other people have exactly the reaction you do “well, I’d rather not... what about iah or ord”

lol, this is so true. Everybody wants their cake and eat it too. Well, everybody is trying to eat that cake so good luck.