Tickettoride

Hi guys,

Prospective Skywest FO here. I've been reading this forum and doing quite a bit of research on the airline and really like what I'm seeing. It definitely my number one choice. I'm sure that I'm getting a little ahead of myself not even having the job yet, but I'm seeking some input from you guys on which aircraft to take if offered the job when I finally interview.

I live near ORD, a CRJ-only base. All of my friends and family are here. However, I think I would really enjoy flying the Bro, and from what I'm reading it seems like there is higher potential for better pay/QOL taking the Bro. If assigned the Bro, considering what I've read about commuting, I think I would try to move to one of the bigger city bases, preferably LAX or SFO so I could live in base soon. But only if I could afford it.

My dilemma is, given the choice between aircraft, do I... a.) take the CRJ and stay in ORD where I know, but sit on reserve for ~2 years?...b.) take the Bro and commute to base from ORD?....or c.) move out to the west coast away from everything I know and where the cost of living is significant, but hold a line quickly and have more freedom over my schedule/get paid more?

I know this is a choice highly base on personal preference, but any input from you guys that have experience, especially people that are/have been in a similar situation, would be highly appreciated.

So questions for you guys:
-Is commuting even as terrible as its made to seem even if you are commuting to a line rather than reserve?
-Is is even possible to live in LAX/SFO somewhat comfortably on a first year F/O salary? (I have some savings, but not a huge amount)
-Is is looking like the reserve period out of ORD will hover around 2 years for the foreseeable future?
-Is Skywest hiring applicants who meet the reduced R-ATP minimums for approved collegiate institutions?

Any comments are appreciated!

Thanks guys, can't wait for the opportunity to get to work with some of you!

pagey

I Don't work at Skywest but I can tell you this:

Don't you dare commute if you don't have to.

Even if you think the Bro is "cool" I guarantee you it isn't worth commuting.

Commuting is the #1 QoL changer. I'd way rather be on reserve in a base I live in than holding a line in a base I have to commute to.

Jet87

Tickettoride,
I don't think you will sit reserve in ORD for more then one year. It's not that senior and there is plenty of movement.
Don't ever commute, and LAX,SFO are very expensive. I would take the CRJ in ORD

rcfd13

I'm one of the most junior line holders in ORD and I'm not sure what movement you're talking about. In the past 3 months I've moved down a few numbers.

Jet87

Do you really think you still be bidding that same seniority in one year from now?
Yeah of course guys like us aren't upgrading anytime soon, but the company is hiring lots, transitioning and upgrading, I guess I should say there WILL be plenty of movement. Especially in the bases like ORD

Slats

By a quick snap shot, I see some mid seniority guys with bid transfers for ORD and not for the 175. It looks like guys just over 2yrs of reserve are barely holding lines... Remember, hiring is also due to 117 not necessarily movement.

rcfd13

When SFO opened on the Brasilia in Oct '12 I transferred there and was bidding #21. When I transitioned to the RJ 10 months later I was bidding #25 in SFO. Since I've been in ORD I've moved down 2.

To answer your question yes I do think I'll be bidding similar in seniority in one year. I was bidding better as a new hire on the Brasilia than I was when I transitioned, and I was bidding better as a new transition on the jet than I am right now. Nothing is really moving and this is in the most junior bases (and on the most junior aircraft initially.)

Jet87

I hope you are wrong, I am approaching two years of reserve on the RJ. If I have to go through a third, I will haved pulled my hair out by then

rcfd13

I was in a similar situation to yours when I got hired. I lived in Illinois at the time and my whole family is within an hour of ORD. They offered me a brasilia class date and I took it.

If you have the option take the RJ and sit reserve at home. Commuting isn't fun even if it is to a line. If you do have the ability to move to SFO or LA do it. I loved the brasilia flying and I love the west coast. You'll make more money, spend less time on reserve and get to experience a fun area of the country.

If you have questions about commuting from ORD to SFO, LAX and FAT message me. I did it for a year and a half.

clearprop

voting ends in a few hours. Could be interesting....