Why are so many guys (many with previous 121 experience) jumping ship to go to 6+ year upgrade companies like SkyWest???

I hear SKW is a great company and all - but in the state of the industry why go to the bottom of the totem pole at a regional just because you aren't happy and face a 6-7 year upgrade??

Home Depot pays $10-$25 an hour and it's home based...

Because QOL is better than a "quick upgrade" where you can get stuck if something happens.

Quick upgrade being what? GoJet? Mesa? Compass?

I see SkyWest is getting 175's and phasing out the -200's...I'd just love to sit reserve making $23,000 flying 400 hours a year if I'm lucky just because I get to sit at home.

Is it not worth it to bust your a** and fly the wings off a plane and face the "chance" of good or bad with more potential for future personal movement??

I was told in 2008 that Piedmont was looking to get Q400's...and got furloughed in 2009.

My 2010 tax return 26,000...went unemployed for 1 month and 2011 tax return was 99,860.

So you're a guy who got lucky and made it to a LLC or legacy I assume? Congrats, nice thread.

Not at all. I took a non-flying job in aviation which opened doors within the company to flying. I have a few hundred hours in jet.

Just looking to understand the "lateral" movement at this point in the industry.

Everyone has a different goal. Some people chase a quick upgrade. Some people pick a regional where they can live in base and wouldn't mind getting 'stuck' if an upgrade never happens or the majors never hire. I went to a regional with a long upgrade time but it's one where I could remain happy if another 9/11 happens and it takes me 25 years to be hired by a major. Most of the quick upgrade regionals at the time would have made me miserable if I got stuck there.

People who chase a fast upgrade are the ones who are most upset and miserable when it doesn't happen. People who pick a company because they like the company culture or contract won't be so upset when they get stuck for 10 years.

One thing I can't stand about this industry is how pilots love to judge each other's career decisions.
Everyone has their own reasons for doing things, different family needs, desires, etc.
Who cares what someone else does?
Live your own life and do what's best for you, it's that simple

Folks are getting picked up out of both seats now too. It isn't just about the upgrade.

Are you saying I'm judging everyone's career decision by simply inquiring why a lateral movement is justified after pilot groups are voting in concessions and pay freezes when I'm also reading all these "pilot shortage" threads.

I understand QOL - as I've taken pay cuts to do what makes my personal life the best for those I care about...

I wasn't looking for a tennis match with this thread...but if QOL is the driving factor - ok....but if it's because pilots are too afraid to stand up for the profession while at one operator and then flee to the next best thing - I don't understand it and want to know ***.

I've worked 135 charter and corporate 91 (jet). I'm going on 3 years at SkyWest. Best QOL job I've ever had, including when I used to be an 8-5 engineer slave at a desk.


Yes, I used to make money, and I think I deserve more. I voted NO on our last vote. But still, I'm happy here and enjoy it. I can't imagine working at some dump like the bottom regionals. You might get a huge jump on TPIC and be at United before me. Cool, whatever. I'll be making fresh turns at Breckenridge and A-basin all this week, so I could really care less. Have fun with chasing the upgrade!