So, when I am in indoc and I don't get SFO and I tell them, sorry, no can do, what goes on the PRIA? An insolent fire starting, upstart Rasputin, which will haunt and hold me back forever? Or what? Any ideas?

I am beginning to see the light though. Probably rather than award a base before the class, like they could, maybe they will stick with what they have. I fully understand the senior people wanting to change their domiciles and not getting in their way, but the slots after that are what I am talking about. They could rearrange that process and get more people into their classes. But if they aren't willing to be creative, all the while not stepping on more senior pilots, then maybe they are not so bright. I am in no way shocked, this sort of mentality (among other lapses) seems to have gotten them where they are as far as pilot staffing.

 

As a prior 121 guy you should know better. What you're asking is the entire industry to change how it's always done things.

 

Which is one small component of why they are in their situation. My idea doesn't screw anyone over and provides a benefit to the company and a prospective new pilot, all the while not treading on seniority.

I am still interested in how the PRIA would play out as far as me walking out of indoc? I would so rather avoid screwing the company over by bailing and also avoid risking something on a PRIA document.

 

They will torch your PRIA. Incomplete training. Good night sweet prince. Get in line like a man and deal with it you lazy punk.

 

Look, there are ups and downs in the airline industry. Both at mainline and at regionals. When the tide was rising Comair got a really good contract, then it was ACA, then xjt, then air Wisconsin, then xjt again, then horizon. At that point the tide turned. Skywest CERTAINLY would've been up there with their hundreds of millions of dollars in profit. Skywest has been the most profitable regional in history, more so than any of the other ones I just mentioned that each raised the bar when it was their turn. If you don't think that Skywest pilots would've ever gotten a contract that was at least comparable to the top contract, then I don't know what to tell you. And now, almost every single regional is increasing their pilot cost by offering better and better compensation packages. Yet many of them are not even close to the profitability that Skywest currently has. I'm not saying that pilot unions are all powerful at all. Many of them have weak pilots in their MECs leading them. And dispute that, some of them are making gains. Now is the time to use some of that leverage to get up there in the top tier. If you don't think that you can do that with a pilot union at Skywest, then you are saying your pilots are not good enough to achieve it. I personally think they can if they were union. And that would help all the rest of us.

Anyway, of course it would be ideal if there was a single seniority list and one regional pilot Union. But the perfect shouldn't get in the way of the "better than what we have now." It honestly sounds like a convenient excuse to not be for a pilot union. I think it's a cop out since it'll almost certainly ever happen.

 

Only training failures go on your pria, not incomplete. But it is in bad form to quit without giving at least two weeks notice. And it may be a requirement to not get a "would not rehire" check box marked. In fact, they would probably check that box regardless. Not a big deal until your next airline request your employment information. And probably still not a big deal at the next regional but it might come into question when moving on to the "dream" airline, unless you can give a good explanation.

 

Thanks for the PRIA clarification;. Older and have to stay bay-area based; Skywest, Virgin, UAL - or something home based (Atlas, Net Jets). I do not want to up and quit if I don't get SFO. My idea, 2.0: I can go to basic indoc, don't get SFO, finish basic indoc, then take a unpaid leave of absence until the next class that can offer me SFO. What, 2 weeks, a month? That way costs are controlled, I don't have to bail, nor take a type ride and quit because I don't get SFO. Seems novel, and fair, to me.(spent the last 5 years with parents elder care, not flying, and still have to be near by, which is my "explanation")

Yeah, lazy. Moved 20 times for various flying gigs (inside and outside of the country) and have commuted.(did regionals 25+ years ago, too) No more moving or commuting.

 

If Skywest were to unionize I've no doubt the pilot contract negotiated would be an industry leading contract. We would be the best compensated regional in the industry and then be undercut by our regional brothers on every RFP that came out. So, while the bragging rights of having a great contract, which you currently have, would be a nice talking point, having flying awarded to the company you're working for is the ultimate goal. We are still getting flying awarded and ideally the best way to continue have that happen is by providing an excellent product at or slightly above the median price point. Currently, that is what Skywest Airlines does. Yes we have issues with our pilot contract. Yes the negotiating process is frustrating and slow. But for the most part the conditions here are good and at this point in time I think the THREAT of a union outweighs the benefits of a union. That WILL change just not sure when.

 

Chazbird, just a little fyi, SkyWest awards transfers on a monthly basis. You could get assigned MSP or ORD in training and then get a transfer a month later to SFO. As long as training is taking you may never spend a day back east or perhaps just a month or two.

Taking a quick look at the standing bids there aren't a while lot of pilots wanting it for the CRJ, however there are a bunch that want it on the 175.

You're not locked into a domicile and can change monthly if you wanted to -- assuming you have the seniority and there are openings.

 

Currently, how long does it take to be awarded SLC out of training? How long to hold a line in SLC out of training? Does anyone have approximate timelines?