Yeah I'd just drive SMF-SFO. Generally most pilots prefer a 3-4 hour drive to commuting by air, although it depends on available flights. Any longer than that on the drive and fatigue becomes a problem for early shows, late releases, and very long duty days.

A commute by air will usually mean you have to leave 4-6 hours or more prior to show time but you can usually nap on the flight (assuming cabin seat) or when you get to base. Driving of course you have to stay awake the whole time.

The E175 packet says 5 weeks for the E175 training "experience" Is it being completed in one trip or is it broken up? I know it depends. How about recently? Thanks.

SLC
 

How junior is SLC for a new hire now? How long would it take to get SLC? Once there, what would the likely schedule be on reserves? Timeline to hold a line as an FO? Upgrade time to CA?
I realize it may be impossible to answer with how fluid things are these days, so a general idea or SWAG would be appreciated.


[QUOTE=Blackwing;2076102]Date of hire for junior pilot in each domicile:

........

SLC: 10/15 (CRJ)

now That horizon is getting the 30 175s, I hope there isn't a big flush of northwest area guys into SFO or LAX. Those places are already getting hammered with United adding so many mainline planes to the bases and replacing the regional flying slowly and surely. Might be time to look more Midwest.

I went through in October and did the two weeks of systems in Denver. I then had 10 days off until I started sim training in STL, during sim I had one break of 3 days off. If you are a new hire you will have to also do indoc and the cbt's in DEN. I would plan on at least 3 weeks with only weekends off. Once you bid for your sim slot, you may be able to get some time off.

Hold captain in SLC....forever. The most junior captain on the list there now was hired over 9 years ago. The fact that it's that low baffles me, a year ago you probably would have had to been here 12+ years to hold it. And you would be on reserve for a long long long long time. Like years. Lots of lifers in SLC

As for FO's the most junior in SLC was hired about 5 months ago.

[QUOTE=BlackhawkIP;2108113]How junior is SLC for a new hire now? How long would it take to get SLC? Once there, what would the likely schedule be on reserves? Timeline to hold a line as an FO? Upgrade time to CA?
I realize it may be impossible to answer with how fluid things are these days, so a general idea or SWAG would be appreciated.


You can get in pretty quick as a new-hire. But if you're planning on making a life there and driving to work....fughedaboudit.

It would take literally decades to hold CA with a good QOL, and that's only if DAL doesn't remove any more DCI flying.

If you absolutely must live there, do your FO time in SLC, upgrade to MSP, suck it up, and then get on with DAL. Easy to get into SLC with DAL, upgrade may be long but you can live on DAL FO pay forever. Or SWA, and easy commute to LAS or PHX.

Exactly what I hoping for in the end. Been AD military and a gypsy so I am looking to settle in SLC long term. Pay not as important as QOL for the family. Eventually ending up at a legacy or SWA w an easy commute from SLC is the dream.

Thanks to all for the insight.

If you absolutely must live there, do your FO time in SLC, upgrade to MSP, suck it up, and then get on with DAL. Easy to get into SLC with DAL, upgrade may be long but you can live on DAL FO pay forever. Or SWA, and easy commute to LAS or PHX.[/QUOTE]

Appreciate the info Moflyer..

Another 23 of the top 1000 left in March (Big month for SW pilots moving to Delta) and 4 so far this month.

Pretty cool for the new guys that will not only avoid sitting reserve but should be able to see west coast CA sooner than later. Between movement and increased pay, it just goes to show how different this job QOL can be with a little timing and luck.