Rascal

After many years of trying I finally got the CJO! I am planing on commuting for the first year to save money while on first year pay but since United will hopefully be my last job, I am planing on moving to within a 1.5 hour drive from either EWR or IAD. I picked these two bases because it appears that they are fairly junior and this allows for quicker upgrade and wide variety of equipment/flying.

If I pick the EWR base, then I am planing on moving to the Eastern Pennsylvania area (I used to live there). I am not familiar with the IAD area and I am looking for some feedback from others that live and drive to work there. Any areas in particular that United pilots live in? Is the career progression (flying, upgrade time, etc.) in IAD similar to EWR?

I appreciate any feedback.

FlewNavy

You should be able to get EWR right out of the gates. DCA does not have any unfilled vacancies and as a spring hire you will likely be in your initial base until next winter.

EWR is more junior. IAD is substantially more senior with the exception being the very bottom of the 737/320 lists where any pilot in the first year will be able to hold their base of choice.

If you want faster upgrade/widebody FO/line - EWR.

Eastern PA has the concentration of UAL pilots in the Bucks County area simply for the tax advantages of PA. Maryland/NoVA doesn't have the clear winner for taxes so there aren't any concentrations of pilots that I know of specifically and each area has something to offer depending on what is important to your family/lifestyle.

Bottom line is if you want career progression - EWR is the clear winner as it will always be a more junior base. If you chase upgrades at the fastest rate possible then expect to be on reserve a long time as most of the commuters are bypassing until they can hold a line. Living in base will be the key...congrats and welcome to United.

pokey9554

First off, congrats! Out of your two choices, I would choose EWR and live in eastern PA. I’ve lived near IAD and left the state within a few months after frustrations with traffic, local taxes, state taxes, and overall perceived incompetence of the Dulles air traffic system. I commute to EWR which is a farther and more difficult commute for me because I just can’t accept IAD issuing a ground stop to ORD because there’s a thunderstorm over southern France. The EWR crews are great, and depending on which fleet you’re on, the flying can be some of the better flying at the airline. It’s your choice though, and nothing is permanent except change.

pilotgolfer

EWR is certainly a junior base compared to IAD, but not by much. The flying on the guppy in EWR is fantastic but the progression on the Bus is better (for now).

There are too many details to consider that you may of left out. Do you have a family, kids, do you drive a Tesla or carry guns?

Welcome to United. You cant go wrong with either base you choose.

Firefly899

Same boat for me. Just waiting on a class date. I am going all in for EWR. Live in GA rite now. Planning on taking the first year to see how things shake out. Cant Wait!!!!!

Sunvox

I was 5 years IAD based, and now am EWR based since 2012. Until recently my parents lived in Winchester, VA.

I vote EWR mostly because the airport at IAD is HORRIBLE. First there is the issue of taking the incredibly STUPID people crawlers to the terminal. Technology from 1960 still in use today because of politics.

Next there is the issue of the "trailers" tied together to form the current terminal. It's the biggest embarrassment of the free world, and we have a base there even though the government charges more in taxes on United than any other airport in America.

Lastly, EWR has, for the foreseeable future, the most diverse selection of trips and equipment which translates to the fastest movement aside from SFO where no one can afford to live with in driving distance.

There it is. One dude's opinion.

Hatesheavys

Honestly EWR crews will be much more enjoyable overall to fly with, there’s a lot of great trip variety and unfortunately IAD still has a number of the meet in the weather room and brief endlessly about our 40 min flight. I had two good friends there on the 737, not a lot of fun was had.

pilotgolfer

Yes, it’s much better in EWR with the insecure G tards who are afraid of their own shadows. 😆

oldmako

Tool-post of the year. "Stay classy San Diego!"

Hatesheavys

Guess that hit a little too close to home for you eh?? There’s good and bad in every base, just saying EWR going to be a more fun group from mine and many others experiences. Choose what works for you.