Anybody get October Class calls at Lakes?

[RSRVWINDSURFR]

1000 FO's, you mean. But anyway, I'm not bitter. Juniormanned 3x this month, they better be running a class.

Which hub/seat-if you don't mind me asking.

 

[Cardinal]

If you're inquiring about the juniormanning, thats as a DEN BE1 FO. The saga continues, already been JM'd twice in November, and its only the 2nd day of the month. There have already been cancellations due to an utter lack of crews, and the trend will surely continue through November and December.

 

[deez_nutz2000]

Well? What is the latest in the Mooser saga? Did you get a class?

 

[Cardinal]

I believe he ended up with an XJT class starting on the same day, and decided Houston was superior to Cheyenne.

 

[Crossky]

i did. psyche.

find another job, what is the fascination with GLA?

coex, eagle, heck every regional is hiring.....GULP, even mesa.

Lakes hires low time pilots who are looking to kick ass and take names. I had 1300 and 40 multi with my MEI when I went. If I had time which qualified me for a better regional then (early 2000) I would have persued them. No pay for training or going through a PACE program or something similar to get an interview, although I think they now have a two year commitment you sign, you're liable for training costs if you leave before then.

Beautiful flying in and out of the Rockies and high plains in the Beechliner, actually a pretty good airplane. Denver base, but making $3 an hour less than Mesa (still). Historically quick upgrade. For the situation I was in (married mortgage baby on the way) I'd do it again if I could. Get in, get out, I was there two years. I know pilots lately who've gone from Lakes to Cactus, Citrus, and F9.

FO pay ($15.30/hr) definitely qualifies for food stamps though.

 

[Tooslow]

Are you kidding me??????How can someone campare Lakes vs Coex???A 1900 vs a ERJ???????A contract vs NO Contract? No pay vs some pay???? Work vs sit at home.......Someone enlighten me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Lost]

Read the post above yours and that will answer your questions. I was at coex before 9/11, ended up at Lakes before I could get recalled. It was the best thing that ever happened to me and I don't regret anything. At coex I would still be an erj fo. Would you rather be an erj fo or 737 fo. That is why people go to lakes, not for the extravagant lifestyle. If you have a burning desire to retire on the erj, than Lakes is the wrong place to be. Hopefully that answers your questions

 

[nathan jesup]

Are you kidding me??????How can someone campare Lakes vs Coex???A 1900 vs a ERJ???????A contract vs NO Contract? No pay vs some pay???? Work vs sit at home.......Someone enlighten me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

There are guys at Lakes who know how to look at the big picture. If you put in the effort (and manage to come up with a few connections), you will be sitting in an Airbus or a Boeing while the rest of your friends are flying RJ's. It's definitely not a sure thing, but it can still be a smart route to take.

I respect the Lakes guys. They know how to sacrifice now for a big payoff in the future.

 

[FLY623]

No Auto Pilot. Anyone can push buttons.

 

[FLY623]

I feel bad for the people who get right into the right seat of an RJ and never experience what flying really is. Through some bad weather. Flying in and around the rockies flying NDB approaches. You have to respect that. The only down side that lakes has is the pay.
My .02

 

[N8Dogg]

At $15.30/hr (fo pay) I don't think Lakes is even in the same league as Mesa (comparing pay for equipment type). The jets at Mesa are a different story but it is disturbing to see people bash Mesa and then go to Lakes. On a positive note the 1900 is a great machine and those who fly it definately are at the top of their game.

 

[crashpad]

A company with a jet does not a pilot make,
for a quick upgrade and flying skills, go to Lakes.

 

[BlackPilot628]

I have to agree. I interviewed with Express Jet and ASA; could have gone to ASA. But, instead I chose Corporate Airlines for now($19.00/hr). I also just got a call from GLA this past week, but i'm already flying now. Corporate Airlines may not have jets or all the fancy officies and training departments, but it will be the best training and flying you'll ever get. (Along with GLA's BE1's) I also know for a fact that my upgrade at Corporate will be 3 to 4 years earlier than it would have been on a RJ. (avg. time from DOH to 1000 hours PIC is 32 months) Look at the big picture, don't look for that instant gratification. Also, Remember; Money is not everything. I know pilots that went out chasing the money and now they home wishing they hadn't burnt there bridges with the small guys.

No matter which route you take, Best of luck to all!

 

[propjockey]

Money is not everything. I know pilots that went out chasing the money...

I'm here to tell you that PIC isn't everything. Right now 1000 hrs of 121 PIC and a nickel won't buy you a cup of coffee. After my upgrade, I had friends urging me to stay and build my PIC. Now, a year later, those same friends have been asking me to help them get on at SkyWest.

PIC will take you nowhere in the current airline market. It's all about Quality of Life, and money is a big part of that. As a 2nd-yr RJ FO, I'll be making a little more than my friend at Lakes who is entering his SIXTH year as a 1900 captain. I went from flying lines with 5-on-1-off-4-on to holding decent 4-on-3-off trips with Sundays off.

There will be plenty of time for me to start building PIC again. In the meantime, I want to get some enjoyment out of life. I don't regret one bit getting my start at Lakes, BUT if I could have started at SkyWest when I started at Lakes, I would have! And I would now be holding a decent Brasilia capt line in DEN instead of looking forward to 2nd-year FO pay. All I'm saying is think before you decide where to get your start -- don't be a slave to the Left Seat (and I do mean "slave" with those wages and work rules).

 

[BlackPilot628]

PropJockey,

I respect that. I was just putting out the way I feel. I know personally the Asst. Chief Pilot's for Delta and AirTran. They have both explained to me, that it is best to get my 121 PIC time as quick as possible. Now, For someone else in a different age bracket, they may not have the time to get there 1000 hours PIC and go to a Major or company like AirTran.
But for me at 23 years old, I hope to have my 1000 hours by the time I'm 26-27 and on to a B737 or a B717. I was told from both chief pilots when I get close, around 800 hours PIC to send my resume in. Because that is what they look for.