ATL is somewhat junior, to get awarded. People in my class and subsequent classes were getting the transfer around or shortly after their checkrides. For reference, indoc and ground were April, checkride end of May. You'll be on reserve, for a while. As it stands, I could have a line for January (and if memory serves, I think I would have also had one for December). So that's about 8 months since date of hire/5-6 months after checkride. For reference, I've been in DTW the whole time and got lucky, only had reserve for a few weeks, though some after me had it for 1-2 months. DTW and ORD still seem to be the shortest reserve times. You can get bases like DEN, ATL, DFW, etc pretty quickly, but expect reserve at least 6 months. Jan average for ATL is at least 86, and a quick glance shows lineholders getting high 80s to mid 90s of credit. Not sure what reserve guys are crediting. January shows 24 reserve lines, which is about consistent for as long as I've been keeping track (December only had 16). ATL and DFW seem to be two of the most-staffed bases, at least for reserves. The rumors are that management is trying to boost those as we're pitted against Endeavor and Mesa, respectively, but who knows. All I know is that somewhere like DTW will have 140 lines and 15 reserve lines, but then ATL and DFW will have 70 lines and 30+ reserve lines.

 

Being based at ORD, if you had the option of ERJ or CRJ, what would you choose? What are the pros and cons of ERJ vs. CRJ flying based out of ORD? Thanks!

 

The flying quality has decreased markedly on the CRJ in ORD. The lines and QOL will be better on the ERJ. That being said, upgrade time is much lower on the CRJ. Is your goal a major? Choose CRJ, upgrade soon, and get out.

 

I’m trying to figure out which way to go... 24 year old 850 hr CFI here planning to go to skywest in October 2020. I want to stay in SD but will commute to LA if I can fly more and get out sooner. Is the CRJ out of LAX a better selection than the ERJ out of LAX or San? I want to fly and get my hours quickly and build time to be at a major before I’m 30. I did hear that there will be erj flying out of LAX this upcoming year so will upgrades happen sooner there?

 

Hello all, I'm a Navy rotor guy (H-60, 1250 TT) who has been out of the cockpit for a number of years doing the small business thing... I just started the app today to do the Rotor transition program here in PHX... looking forward to getting back in the air.

 

Good luck to you! If you find the time I recommend getting your CFI/CFII. In the long run it's a much cheaper way to build time and you will learn more by instructing rather than flying around aimlessly. It also got me back into the mindset of studying and prepping for evaluations. Check out RTAG Nation on FB and the Skywest specific RTAG page, lots of people there to answer any questions you might have.

 

So yes the CRJ upgrade is quicker but you don't need to be a CRJ FO to upgrade to a CRJ captain spot. You can upgrade from ERJ FO to a CRJ Captain spot as soon as you get your 1000 hours 121+Full ATP ofc.
Edit: forgot to mention that if you have never flown jets before, I've heard from guys who went erj to crj that the CRJ is a LITTLE harder to learn. FWIW..

 

Howdy

I've been offered a class date on the ERJ, but hesitant to officially accept the offer. I also have a date with a higher-paying regional but I know a QOL is key and living in-base, out West, is the ultimate goal. My gut is with SkyWest, but naturally, I'm torn. Easier debt payments with higher-paying regional vs. the chance of living in a city I enjoy. ERJ/senior guys, penny for your thoughts? Any positives or concerns to note that I might have overlooked in previous comments that could help me narrow down my decision?

With limited access to SkyWest Online (cadet), is there a smart way to scout upgrade times or how much a base is flying to shop intelligently?

 

Define “high pay”? $1-5 more a hour will not be worth a commute you will burn that extra hourly wage in food and crash pads... i always tell people a commute to better pay $1000 more a month take home to make it worth the lost days commuting..

The one constant is everyone flys a ton at OO. Upgrades are constantly sub 2 years, and right now under 1 year..

 

Look at more than just the hourly rate...
Sitting reserve for 4+ years as an FO is going to net you MUCH smaller paychecks than getting a line (at home) and upgrading in <2 yrs on the ERJ.
We also get bonus checks that will even out a dollar difference.

If you want to stay west, SkyWEST is going to be a good option for you.

Btw, we’re over 5300 pilots now and your seniority number will move 80+ each month. You’re not going to get that kind of movement anywhere else.