I realize that using the search function can yield a ton of info, but I would like the most current information as it seems many regionals are slowing the hiring or stopping altogether.

I am anticipating putting out some applications in the next couple weeks or months, am currently instructing, and my times are around 750/25. I live in the western US and would really like Skywest, but the whole classes cancelled and possible long upgrade times kind of have me weighing my options here.

What airlines are expected to hire the most pilots in the first half of this year?
Out of those airlines, which have a commuter policy? Which airlines have the best work rules?

I know that these are personal decisions and that what may the best option for one person may not be the same for another. I would appreciate information, opinions, and even rumors....lol

Mesaba
Republic
Eagle

PSA is still hiring I think they said something like 30 a month for a while and they have a commuter policy.

So if you were in my shoes, which of those airlines would you be leaning towards? Or would you suggest waiting a little longer, instructing some more and hoping one of the many Skywest rumors ACTUALLY happens?

Any airline besides Skywest I would be commuting, atleast for a year or two. Of the airlines mentioned above, does one have a much easier commute from SLC to a likely junior base? I know that commuting is hell and everyone says not to do it....but you know how it is.

I realize that nobody can tell me what is right for me and my family but me, but your opinions are very much appreciated as they may bring me some insight or help me realize something I had not considered.

get an interview first. Do not hold out for the regional you want. Apply, interview and if the regional you want is not hiring for a couple of months go somewhere else. Seniority is everything. By that point the regional you want will be hiring and you will have some experience. Buddy of mine flew for Skyway for 5 months and is now at Skywest . I think Skywest wants 1000 anyway.

Thanks for the advice, but I am a little confused about how you say seniority is everything, but then suggest a lateral move to get back to the regional of my choice.

Part of my dilemma is that I realize that IF I get an interview, and IF I get hired at one of these other regionals there is a possibility that I may end up staying there. I am willing to give up 6 months to a year of seniority to come back to skywest, but if I am commuting for longer than that I would most likely move to my base, try and upgrade to captain so I could go to a major hopefully someday.

The other part of the problem is that one of my good friends is in his 3rd year at Skywest and as of now it looks like it will be atleast another 2-3 years before he will be able to upgrade and hold SLC as captain. So even with Skywest I either commute to a base for a faster upgrade, or wait 6-7 years for captain in SLC. With me in my low 30s that could put a damper on my goal of ever having seniority at a major....

I wish I hadn't misplaced my crystal ball!!! Would would you guys do?

"get an interview first. Do not hold out for the regional you want."

I disagree. Get an interview at a regional you do want. Going to work for crappy companies doesn't help this profession. This is your career, not a flight sim game. Fly safe!

If SkyWest is where you want to be, then hold out for SkyWest or work another job to get to the minimums for SkyWest. No one can predict the length of upgrade times in this business. Go to a company that you want to work for and if possible has a base close to where you live or want to live. Don't forget that SkyWest also flies the Brasilia which has traditionally provided faster upgrade times than the jet. The Bro flies out of SLC too. It will take SkyWest a number of years to phase out the Bro. You could be CA on that airplane faster and keep SLC. But like you said, none of us have a crystal ball.

Also, just because SkyWest is hiring into a pool currently, doesn't mean that upgrade times are necessarily going to get substantially longer in the near future. No one seems to know why they have canceled training classes right now, its all just speculation. You have to stick with what you do know and act on that.

SkyWest hasn't put any newhires in SLC for quite a few classes now. All going to ORD & MKE.
So even if/when they start up classes again, chances are you'd be commuting anyway (unless you're lucky and get the Brasilia )

Welcome to the nightmare. I mean Dream..