So I've been offered an early-May Chautauqua class or a mid-May Shuttle class. I'm trying to weigh them both, trying to decide if it's smarter to take the early class, or the newer equipment. I've spoken to a few other pilots who seem to be split. Some say go for Chautauqua, since seniority can be life-or-death. Others say hold out for the Shuttle class. Newer, "better" equipment. Also, how profitable will the smaller RJs be, especially with fuel on the rise? From what I understand, they're not too efficient as it is.

I'd just like to hear more from both parties before I make a hard decision.

Thanks!

Congrats on the job offer!

I would take the earlier class date unless you have something pressing you need to take care of before late May. I'm not familiar with how new hire seniority works in the new RAH structure, but I assume you would still enjoy all the benefits of being a few numbers senior if you took the earlier class date (bidding, upgrade time, etc.).

That being said, if you feel strongly about flying the "big" jet, wait it out. A few numbers most likely won't make much of a difference, but you never know

On an unrelated note, can 145 FO's bid into the 170? What about for upgrade? Can a 170 FO bid back to the 145 (or vice versa)? Any insight from someone "in the know" would be appreciated!

Finally, did you get any time in that Widgeon you've got on your avatar??? Looks like a sweet bird!

Look at the base options to make your decision...2 weeks seniority is just that..2 weeks seniority.

As an FO, you can upgrade to any of the certificates.

As a CA, you can transfer over to a higher paying aircraft after a 2 year seat lock.

From a former CHQ captain - Go to Shuttle, you will be trapped at CHQ forever and the schedules continue to get worse and worse. Trust me, I quit because of it.

I don't NEED to fly the big jet... but it certainly does look more like a real airplane! I don't know if seniority will play a big role right now, especially with all the projected shortages that are supposed to be going on in the next few years. However, I do know of guys that missed the big '08 furlough by five numbers or less...

As far as switching planes... The way I understood it, you can only switch airframes if it results in a pay raise. And since all FOs are on the same pay scale, I'm not sure you'd be able to switch, since, technically, it wouldn't be a raise. I could be wrong, and someone currently at the company may be able to shed more light on that. I'm not quite "in the know" yet.

And yes, I did fly that Widgeon! I got my Comm. AMES in it, back when I had money to burn It's a 1946. What a blast it was to fly!



I'm from Long Island, so the LGA base is most appealing to me. Coincidentally, both offer LGA bases...



I spoke with a few Republic Captains after I interviewed (just folks I met randomly who happened to fly for them) and the first thing they've said is RUN! Run as fast as you can, Republic is growing way too fast and is a sinking ship! I spoke with a CHQ Captain, however, who thought his job was the greatest in the world... But did say to take a 170 spot if I could get it, but that was based solely on the airframe.

from a 2008 furlough...

take the earlier class date. had I done that i would have missed furlough completely or been back in 3 months, instead it was 18 before recall. Also it's the same work rules for both airplanes, life isn't that much better at S5 as a junior guy. CHQ right now is set up to have the most movement in the short term for FO's. Our guys will take the first upgrade to come there way where the 170 guys seem to try and hold out for a 170 upgrade. Also with any new contract that eventually comes to us FO seat lock is all but assured to be a thing of the past.

That's exactly what I wound up doing. I called this morning and said I'd take the early class. The quicker upgrade was one reason, and it does seem to be pretty easy to switch to another side if you want.

You have bad intel on that one. It is impossible to switch sides.

Really... I was told that when it comes time to upgrade, or otherwise make a move that results in an increase in pay, you can go from one carrier to another as long as you can hold it.

That's how I understood it, at least

As an FO you cannot change carriers. Period, dot, end of paragraph.

Once a Captain billet needs to be filled at any of the carriers and your seniority number is next in line, it's you. That means a 190 FO could become a 145 Captain and vice versa. If he/she accepts the upgrade, of course.