I am prior 121 and am upgrading without the 300 hours. Some in my upgrade class literally finished OE over the weekend.

Answers that question. Thanks. If you don't mind me asking, how did you survive training pay? That is now really the only thing stopping me. Plus in a few years, we all be hired anyway regardless of PIC time. So its still a toss up

You get monthly minimum plus per diem during training, which works out to $3000 a month while you are in Dayton and Sims. Granted, when you are off and on the long vacations between training segments you only get guarantee.

Can anyone on here say what the take home is during this down time?

Basic guarantee after taxes

75 hours a month (~$1800).

Training pay was tough, but doable. I don't remember making 3000 a month though. I'd say it was closer to 2400. Per diem is only paid while you're in training, not during breaks such as the extensive OE wait, but you will get min guarantee on breaks. Without per diem I was bringing home probably 1400. I picked up a part time gig while I waited 6 weeks for OE which was awesome. The hotel for initial was right across from a wal-mart and tons of restaurants and we had fridges and microwaves. Lots of pbj's and yogurt, but again, nothing you haven't already been through. With the new upgrade mins you'll probably get your first CA check very quickly. PM me if you have other questions.

Gotta remember state taxes and health insurance once you hit 90 days. Maybe 1800 pre tax.

Be smart with your tax planning and you won't have that issue.

If you are just making first year FO pay, taxes end up being really little (if anything). Just be smart in your tax planning. I choose to take 6 deductions (5 kids plus head of household) during training and then decreased it to 2 (the correct number) once I hit the line. You can choose as many deductions as you want. They took out almost nothing during training. If you make less than $30k a year, you get just about all of it back anyways so it doesn't matter.

If they take out more each paycheck, that is fine, but you will get it back later. You are just giving the government a free loan of your money.

Also, if you are getting insurance for only yourself, it is cheaper to get insurance outside of the company. I sent the insurance package to a couple of insurance companies and asked for a quote for the same coverage. Both came back less. If you are getting insurance for your family, the company is likely cheaper.

+1 good advice

I am prior 121 as well. I was in the Dec. 8th new hire class and I'm still waiting to be scheduled for IOE. It seems many from the Nov. 10th class are either finished or very close. The majority of the Nov. 24th class is at least working on their IOE. Once I finish IOE I will be upgrading in the next vacancy available. Right now PSA is running two upgrade classes of 16 per month. I too made a lateral move after 7yrs with my previous company and I couldn't be happier with my decision so far. The paychecks have been painful compared to what I was used to, but it's a short term loss for long term gain. Right now I'm estimating being a reserve CA for 1-1.5 yrs. It may not be ideal, but I knew it coming in. Hope this helps. Good luck with your decision!