RTP Aircraft Assignment
 

I've been scouring the threads for a question related to this; for anybody that has RTP information/experience, did you get automatically assigned to the CRJ or did you have Aircraft preference? I was told that because I took the RTP tuition reimbursement, that I would be placed in the CRJ under a 1 year seat lock. Can anybody shed light on this?

Main preference for me is PDX within the first 6 months so I dont have to commute.

Go ERJ... push for it. Can’t hurt. If you have to do the CRJ go to SLC and commute tell you can. Bid the ERJ PDX..

Talking to guys that just did RTP they said if you choose a jet it's a 1 year seat lock. If you defer then it isn't.

I interviewed June 10, 2019 in SLC.

The last part of the interviewing was what seemed a very casual and informal discussion on career goals & directions. My immediate concern was a quick employment date (to get a paycheck ASAP), knowing I had about 2 1/2 months of RTP ahead of me. Meaning I become employment eligible/qualified around Sep 1.

At the interview, ERJ was booking into Jan/Feb 2020, and CRJ was booking in November 2019. The CRJ has TX bases, which is where I live, so there is a location opportunity for me in TX as seniority permits (all were discussed at the interview). Although I am open to relocation to, or near, a different domicile in the future. I opted for the CRJ preference at the interview, which was then presented to me in the CJO I received the next day.

No mention of a seat lock during the interview or in the CJO. But included in the RTP funding contract is a 2-year commitment to SkyWest. Wasn't a deal breaker for me, but it did catch me off-guard.

FWIW, if you don't have anywhere near 1,000 hours of 121 time, the year seat lock doesn't really matter anyways. It'll probably take over a year to get that time, so it wouldn't inhibit anyone looking for a "quick" (eg. ~2 years) upgrade.

It would inhibit the equipment transfer within that year obviously, but that doesn't matter if you're getting to choose your airplane.

Is there anything in the RTP contract that says you have to come to class within "X" amount of months after receiving funding? If there is, that is probably why they would assign people to the CRJ. I have heard the ERJ classes are full pretty far out into the future.

yeah, the seat lock wouldn't deter me either way.

My view point is that the company is dumping some big $$ on me to finish some training, so...my goal is to be the best pilot I can be for them in whatever aircraft they put me in, log time quickly, learn as much as possible, and keep moving up the ladder.



-Yes, RTP contract is to be able to start with SkyWest within 4 months. But, I started my RTP training at 5 months prior to SW start date, on my own dime...I filed for the RTP funding (with proof of flight school enrollment) at the 4 month prior to SW start date, which was deposited direct to me.
-RTP contract also states all hours need to be complete 1 month prior to start date, in order to complete "on-boarding tasks".

i wonder if it is different for RTP, for non RTP it is 2 years unless you do not get your choice then it is 1. and having no preference is a 2 year lock

Thanks for all the quick responses. I've been trying to get a hold of my Pilot Advocate whom has told me on multiple occasions that he can't guarantee me getting the ERJ, but to call him as I get closer to finishing my hours to see if he can put me on a waitlist, even after adamantly expressing that I want to go to the ERJ, and not the CRJ based on my home.

He must be on vacation this week. If anybody has another Pilot Advocate they recommend, I would love to reach out to them and see if they can work on my current situation.