Leave eagle for skywest?
 

Looking for some real advice! I am currently at eagle, 630 or so below me on the seniority list. Have a little over one year here. I am a line holder with h the weekends off. I have 3000 tt 1000 121 time. Living in base isn't important because I could do that at either airline so that isn't something to make my mind up. I am just wondering if you were all in my shoes with what is going on at eagle would you take the jump now? I hate to move lateral and give up the seniority but also don't want to be here in a year and regret I didn't make the jump earlier. Thanks in advance.

I'm in the same boat but with only about 400 below me.

I think we're all in the same boat and everyone has one foot out the door. The only thing keeping me here is the fleet plan the union is hiding.

Look for the pic time. don't plan long term at the regionals. a lateral move after a year in the reg isn't that bad. go for it if the pic is there before AE. Personally, when I left AE, I did so w/o ever upgrading. I have a personal grudge against that company an the AMR culture. But if they come out of bk victorious it may be a place to be.
But still look for pic time. AMR will promise the world and 2 feet long carrots, be careful. have and exit plan, you don't want to find yourself with too much SIC and no competitive at all. Or also as a 20yr AE ca barely making over 100 bucks hr, 4 on 3 off, with AA promises.

Good luck. Remember you and only you pay the bills. don't marry any company. Your loyalty is as good as the day you get furloughed.

cheers.

Don't leave until you are forced out the door. There is too much change that is going to happen in this industry in the next year. You never know, you may regret it if as part of this bankruptcy what's left of eagle is absorbed into American, or Skywest may buy Eagle. In my opinion it's much better to be patient until things settle down and the path of the future is set. Things are going to change if American starts farming out 88plus seat aircraft to regionals or if united is able tO cap scope at 50 seats.

Depends on where you live/want to live. I made the jump from Eagle and it has been the best decision I've made. I'm a west coast guy and wanted to stay on this side without having to think about a transcon commutue if Eagle does its usual shuffle of pilots/equipment. Its hard to predict where Eagle will be in 5 years, but my best pilot guess/opinion is AE will either be the next Comair or the new scope buster flying fancy E190's/C-Series for garbage wages (Hoping APA can win the fight on scope).

At SKW starting pay is $22hr, second year will be $37.15 if you are hired some time this year. Its easy to pick up trips on your off days and that will be tacked on top of your min guarantee regardless if you fly 75hrs or not. Deadhead pay is also full hourly pay.

Cons: Reserve here can be ruff. There is no proffering system like Eagle. I found that nice as a commuter because on the last day I would bid RDY1 to be on a flight home right after 2pm. Medical benefits are not as good from what I had but don't know the numbers or facts off hand.

Overall great place to work. Some of the best/upbeat people in the industry I've encountered and when the time comes to move on to something bigger and better, I've learned that SKW people have an overall great reputation in the industry.

Good luck with your decision and PM me if you have anymore questions.

Depends on where you live/want to live. I made the jump from Eagle and it has been the best decision I've made. I'm a west coast guy and wanted to stay on this side without having to think about a transcon commutue if Eagle does its usual shuffle of pilots/equipment. Its hard to predict where Eagle will be in 5 years, but my best pilot guess/opinion is AE will either be the next Comair or the new scope buster flying fancy E190's/C-Series for garbage wages (Hoping APA can win the fight on scope).

At SKW starting pay is $22hr, second year will be $37.15 if you are hired some time this year. Its easy to pick up trips on your off days and that will be tacked on top of your min guarantee regardless if you fly 75hrs or not. Deadhead pay is also full hourly pay.

Cons: Reserve here can be ruff. There is no proffering system like Eagle. I found that nice as a commuter because on the last day I would bid RDY1 to be on a flight home right after 2pm. Medical benefits are not as good from what I had but don't know the numbers or facts off hand.

Overall great place to work. Some of the best/upbeat people in the industry I've encountered and when the time comes to move on to something bigger and better, I've learned that SKW people have an overall great reputation in the industry.

Good luck with your decision and PM me if you have anymore questions.

Some of the Comair guys waited until they were forced out of the door rather than jump ship early on when the hiring was good. By the time they were forced out the door, there were no more doors open as those opportunities were taken by the ones who bailed early. It`s all a gamble, just do what you think is best for you. Making a lateral move after only a year is a lot easier than if you are forced out after 3-4 years and then starting over.

What about Go***? You could be a CRJ captain in twelve months from now.

Keep in mind that waiting only puts you behind somebody else from the left seat. For me 8 more yrs instead of 5

That's a very difficult question to give advice on. Here at SkyWest we have good solid potential for growth with both our new Alaska and US Airways flying plus our UAL and DAL flying's about as stable as you'll find. Also if AMR Mgmt gets their way SkyWest will more than likely also see growth with American Connection flying. I’d almost bet that’s a sure thing since our Mgmt team’s been spending some time in Fort Worth recently. Sad as it is since any AMR flying will come at Eagles expense. It’s looking like AMR plans to “Comair” you guys, I’ve got several friends at Eagle so it pains me to see what’s happening to you guys and gals.

630ish below you is a lot, I’d expect with that seniority you’ll retain your job as AMR makes their cuts. But if they keep hacking away at Eagle and outsourcing the flying you could potentially never see your upgrade, just like those at Comair. Here at SkyWest you’ll find your way to the left seat before the “Reaper” comes knocking on our door with big cuts, and he will show at some point. I’m not a Kool-Aid drinker over here but I can say there’s no other regional I’d rather be with. Coming over’s a big risk, a risk that you’ll need to weigh heavily, but with the future Eagle’s facing if I were on the bottom there I’d be headed here.

A lateral move is a gamble. What if Eagle keeps all the flying and scope is relaxed and they get even more flying? What if Skywest starts shedding flying? Skywest is just another regional with a ton of 50 seaters that is now losing money (although they have a large bank account). You won't ever know you made the right decisions until it is too late. I wish I would have gone to Skywest 4 years ago or Compass 2 years ago. I think that would have been good for my career and quality of life - but I still won't know until the next 5 years play out. This industry is brutal, I think the best thing would be to just leave this industry - something I give serious consideration to everyday.

flip a coin its a crap shoot...

Personally, I would wait it out and see what happens. Even if you get the F-bomb, you ve got the new 1500hr reg and mandatory retirements coming up... Both of these will help you get picked back up IF you find yourself on the street. I wouldn't make a lateral move unless it's absolutely necessary IMHO...

To clear things up, SkyWest Inc. is losing money but SkyWest Airlines is making money. We are the only profitable part if this group. As for relaxing scope, that will work in SkyWest and others favor more than Eagles. Also the LARGE majority of our contracts with UAL and DAL don't expire until 2017 and 2020 respectfully.

Yes we have a lot of 50 seaters but far less than many of our competitors and yes ASA/XJT's a competitor to SkyWest Airlines. Currently all of our aircraft including the 50’s are under long term contracts; if our partners want them gone they will have to trade the ships for others, wait for the contracts to expire or pay HUGE penalties. UAL’s been trading our 50’s for 70’s and every time they do they increase the length of the contract. Another fact is all of our aircraft are ours unlike many of our competitors and we also own the rights to our gates in SLC and many in ATL. This makes replacing us more difficult so as long as our cost remains competitive SkyWest will fly. But if our competitors file BK and decrease their cost then SkyWest will find itself facing a judgment day.

What percentage of the pilots at skywest are lifers? I would imagine the numerous amount of pilot domiciles(which has been increasing lately) raises that percentage.

5 years ago I would have said over 50%, today I'd say 25% and I expect that number to keep decreasing. Remember that they closed 7 domiciles in the last 3 years and it's looking like a few more will close. That decreases the number of lifers, especially since the majority of these closures are west coast.

The closures weren't from loss of flying but SkyWest trying to decrease outstation basing in order to run a leaner airline. This is causing a lot to think about leaving.

I left Colgan for SkyWest 4 months ago. I had about 300 people below me and would have been on second year pay next week. I'm currently very happy with the decision, but ask me again in 5 years. I enjoy going to work more now than I used to, I have an easier commute, and though I make less money it's not like I was making great coin over there first or second year really. Though 10 months at Colgan and I was still on reserve, flew about 200 hours in that time, 3rd most junior on my airplane. 4 months here and I've already got 100 below me, including around 50 on the CRJ. I might hold a line in a month or two. It's luck and timing. Nobody can make the choice for you because every situation is different, but so far it's worked out for me. I will say that my class here was predominately prior 121 and a lot of people are happy to work here. The times are good here now. No telling that they will be in the future, but we seem about as well positioned as anyone else right now.

25% may want to be lifers but there are tons of people that won't leave unless they get Alaska out of PDX or SEA, SWA out of PHX or FEDEX. Some people say they will leave but have such high expectations to leave. So I think 50% is closer to what will happen.

Those who want Alaska, SWA or FedEx will get it within the next 3-5 years and over the next 3-5 years life here at SkyWest will deteriorate just as it has over the last 3-5. Those on the fence will become very motivated to leave and in the end I think the number of lifers at SkyWest will be less than 25%, probably closer to 20%.

Just curious, how long have you been here?

Don't worry, you'll make up that money you lost in the move once you hit second year and from then on you'll gross more here than there.

There's no right answer to this... You can leave now and something bad can happen at Skywest or if you wait to leave you can get stuck at the bottom at Skywest.

People like SKW, a lot of guys thinking about staying and thus becoming a senior pilot group with the same longevity "issue" Eagle has. With other airlines underbidding (GoJet), reorganizing (Pinnacle), bad contracts and no negotiating interest form the company (RAH,MESA) and BK (Eagle) SKW will likely become expensive. Now, my understanding is that SKW operates on the same foundation of happy employees = efficiency; this can only carry you so long as other airline managements continue to use CH11. It sucks the predicament we are in, but I hope for the best for all of those are trying to earn a noble career!

Depends on the base.. SLC has more "Lifers" then say DEN or ORD..
I spent almost 6 years at Eagle before leaving for SkyWest. Been here over 7 years and very happy with my choice... Times are different now.. I think every regional will be going through changes over the next few years... Very hard to predict.

you are above me @ Eagle, you should go to SKW and let us know what you find?

not sure how true this is, but had an airtran on the van in CMH one morning say he left Mesaba back when, for some other crummy regional, and if he had stayed at Mesaba he would be at Delta now on the 76 as an FO, instead hes getting a screw job by Southwest and is fairly JR as an FO now.

I would say if your senior to me, leave, if your junior, stay.

I think its so hard to tell man. We could get merged into the AA list, or even teamed into AA in a merger with USAIR. We could mixed into PSA/Piedmont in a merger. Skywest or anyone else could buy Eagle in exchange for most of AAs flying.

We also could get Comaird and you could sit here furloughing 50 every 3 months till your number comes.

We also could get a large chunk of the bigger planes. AA has had the chance to bid out this flying before on the 50 seat level and has not.

Honestly seems like an easy choice to make, to me. I've only been here 6 years and am a realist. Look at whats going on and go where your future is the most secure. I'm a middle of the road guy and base my decisions on the finances of ANY company I'm looking at. SkyWest isn't perfect, but if you look around its the only choice you have for security. My advice for your upcoming interview here, when you get it, is to be VERY humble, yet confident. Study hard. Look forward to seeing you on the line. Best of luck

Interview, get the job offer and then decide. But like many before you once you’ve witnessed the interview process your decision will be easy! There’s not an airline out there that serves better Kool-Aid, I GUARENTEE IT! lol

You sure had a ton!

We've all had our share. That's one reason why we come here to b*tch, but ultimately always go to back work despite all the bullsh*t we are feed along with that kool-aid. :D Too much sugar for me though, I do it for the free peanuts. ;)

I find your posting juvenile but in order to set the record straight I dank my fair share early on in the career with SkyWest, but I quit a long time ago. Those who know me will tell you I don't drink this flavor of Kool-Aid anymore. I’m usually the one spiking the bowl i.e. “Fight Club.”

Not sure who you fly for but I'm a SkyWest Captain and I’ll admit SkyWest is the "fastest kid at the special Olympic,” but regardless of how you view them they are still in the Special Olympics (regionals). I have no desire to remain at this or another regional but since mainlines not hiring I sure am glad I’m here and not somewhere else.

SkyWest has been very good to me, for now.

I would choose expressjet over skywest. Skywest is in free fall, no cba, no protection, horrible work rules. At xjt you can get better pay, more work rules, protection and a soon to be flow with ual which skywest will not be a part of because of lack of union. Only thing better at skywest are the bases. They just added "ready reserve for all" so that's more erosion. Even that is changing as well, xjt took almost all the ord flying, is doing 80 deps out of den compared to the 120 that's skw does and next month xjt starts flying out of lax.

Are you for real.

You have no clue.... I sincerely hope you're kidding. If not, I have beach front property in Arizona I'd like to sell ya.

Go to RAH. They are offering 5K signing bonus.

Could be beach front on a lake or river :p

After only a year at Eagle, I want to say you would be better off going to SKYW. Lots of money in the bank, and pretty solid management. Also long term flying agreements.

Unfortunately you won't have a union or contract.

Also, you need to be very careful not to become like all the other SKYW Kool-Aid drinkers. Comments like "XJT/ASA are competition for them" and crap like that. You will become a part of the problem with the industry and not a part of the solution.

Good luck and let us know how it goes! If you haven't interviewed yet you may as well knock that out so that you actually have a choice to make.

Pay this guy no attention, he's a troll!

SkyWest is the only part of Inc. making money whereas XJT's sinking the ship. Our work rules are well above industry standard and although we have no union you have to be a really F-up with a long record of doing so to be terminated. The "ready reserve for all" is completely false and yes our ORD operations have been reduced by 50 lines (180ish to 130ish off peak, that’s where it will stay) we picked up 80 lines of flying in IAH (from XJT which will increase) plus flying out of CLE/IAD and almost 90 in MSP with flying in DTW/CVG/MEM plus all the new Alaska and US Airways flying (which will expand). Our DEN operations have been reduced but our operations have been dramatically increased in LAX and SFO. Overall we have added almost 500 pilots over the last 12+ months (still short staffed) and continue to grow and expand.

Again, this guys a troll and nothing more, who's looking for nothing more than to flame the historically exceptional company of SkyWest. As I said before SkyWest Airlines is the only part of SkyWest Inc. that's making money. I respect almost all L-ASA/L-XJT pilots with exception to this guy and I wish to God we had never purchased XJT because they were the ones free falling and we bailed them out. Now bleeding money at a rate greater than what SkyWest Airlines and cover.

Best of luck to all the L-ASA pilots who will have to deal with this guy.

I think even with you having a positive attitude, and trust me I am not bashing you by all means, you are starting to see the SKW is becoming more like the other regionals. A few months ago you guys receive memos from the company stating that you were losing money mainly because of longevity and training expenses. It sounds like the same tune that is being played at Eagle and other regionals. You guys do/did have a good thing going but by your own accounts things are deteriorating rather fast and it's just a matter of time before SKW has to become just like the other regionals to be able to compete. Having money in the bank doesn't mean anything, look at the AMR BK, on paper they are loosing money while increasing their cash on hand. I hope you guys continue a good operation but the odds are against you!

I agree but we didn't just figure this out, it’s been a very slow erosion that everyone here has noticed. Well everyone but the newbies. Even with the deterioration SkyWest is still the best subcontractor to do your time with. I will leave as soon as I can because there's a judgment day approaching, not only for SkyWest but for the entire regional/subcontractor industry.

XJT’s dragging SkyWest Inc. into the red and although SkyWest Airlines is till turning a profit the question is “how long can they and will they keep feeding the problem?” It’s obvious XJT’s not willing to assist and work together to turn this ship around; they seem to be content in watching it sink. Which that’s what XJT’s been doing since 06, bleeding and sinking, and they think there’s nothing wrong.