I have also been contacted by Envoy. The pipeline seems to be a good deal but I'm nervous about quitting my job and moving away for a cfi job but its the only way I can build the time while keeping medical benefits when instructing. From what I read Envoy is in trouble and is there a chance that they may cancel the pipeline?

What exactly does envoy need a pipeline for anyway? Aren't they going to be shrinking to 1/2 their current size? It sounds to me the only pipeline that makes any sense is one straight out of there.

If you want to be DFW based I'd say its probably a good place to go. They're going to shrink, that's not surprise at this point, a retention plan is in the works, and once the 175s come on property hiring classes will start filling up more. Pick a regional based where you want to live at this point. No point in chasing a quick upgrade when you'll likely be able to move on to bigger and better things 5 or so years down the road.

Also, there's no harm in doing the pipeline thing now, enjoying the travel benefits, and not spending any of the bonus. If a retention plan does actually materialize, it's going to have to be offered in the next few months, so you should have some time to think.

I would like to be DFW based. I have to instruct for maybe 6-9 months though. I plan on getting some good time flying this summer in the Dallas area. Even though I read alot of negative things about envoy I plan on keeping a positive attitude about everything.

If you're dfw based you'll probably enjoy it. You'll sit a bunch of airport standby shifts but probably fly on most of them from guys I hear from down there. Mostly every new hire class since the beginning of the year has been dallas based, not sure how many are in those classes but it's definitely not much, just don't expect much movement.

You have a good attitude and seem to see the glass half full, and that's half the battle - but, don't ignore the warnings about Envoy. It is probably one of the worst, if not the worst regional to go start a career with right now - they are losing an immense amount of airframes, the schedules are horrible, the reserve times are huge and there is no upgrade in sight. The only positive thing they got going is their flow to AA, but by the time that materializes, AA will be hiring anyone who is qualified due to the continued expansion of airframes and retirement numbers.

All regionals suck, apparently, but, go with one that you can live with...there are several other regionals with bases in DFW that you should probably check out. That pipeline program is there to lure you with the travel benefits and health insurance but what you get does not make sense compared to what you'll have to deal with later. This is just my opinion based on hanging around these forums hearing horror stories about that place for the past year.

What he said! Plus...

Not having to commute for a regional is a huge QOL improvement. I wouldn't worry about envoy going away and even if it did, you'd be off the hook for the 2 year commitment!
It's no secret that we are shrinking, so take that into consideration. The company (AAG) is not real clear on how many airplanes we'll have when the dust settles. They claim they're not sharing the info because it gives them the advantage when they're negotiating rates on airplanes.
If you have any questions, feel free to PM me. I don't really keep track of threads for very long because they get side tracked so fast.

I also agree that you should wait. I know of 2 guys in class at other airlines that have to pay Envoy to get out of their contracts.

The reason Envoy is trying to lock CFI’s into a 2 year contract is because they are having a VERY difficult time recruiting. They are a shrinking company who has treated their pilots extremely poorly and now no one wants to work there. Reserve time is long. Upgrades are non-existent.

You can go ANYWHERE you want to go when you get the mins. Airlines need you desperately. The landscape is changing drastically by the month. 3-6 months from now things will be different. 6-12 months from now it will look very different in the regional industry.

Don’t get locked in. In my opinion, these “pipelines” take advantage of younger people who aren’t as versed on the state of the industry. They don’t realize they will have tons of choices and don’t need to have a “guaranteed” job lined up.

You will have lots of options with a Dallas base. Research them. Maybe Envoy will turn out to be your best option, but probably not.

^^^^lol sounds like RAH. How are the mighty fallen.

I'm sorry but how does this compare to RAH and how is this funny?