Are you happy with the regional your with?

[Irish Pilot]

Seems like so much negative jazz around here. If your happy at your regional I want to hear about it.

Where are you at?
Why do you like it so much?
Could you make a career there?

Im curious because Im "in the market" of sorts and Im curious to hear where people are happy.

 

[Alchemy]

ExpressJet

4 months with the company, so far so good. Hiring is still strong, we're still getting new aircraft deliveries and everybody in the company I've met so far has been easy to get along with. The operation is well run for the most part and quality of life on reserve is not too bad. I'm getting 12 days off per month and pretty much have the ability to fly as little as 40 hours to as many as 75 hours per month, depending on my preference.

Would I make a (permanent) career here? Maybe, but probably not, considering 3rd-4th year FO pay at the majors tops our 18 yr capt pay. The risk of jumping ship is still very worth it considering the wage difference. Is going to the majors still something a qualified regional pilot can reasonably expect to do? I don't know. There are definitely worse ways to spend a career than senior capt. here, but like I said, not my first choice.

 

[73belair]

Seems like so much negative jazz around here. If your happy at your regional I want to hear about it.

Where are you at?
Why do you like it so much?
Could you make a career there?

Im curious because Im "in the market" of sorts and Im curious to hear where people are happy.

After reading the first post in reply, I think we should look at least a year into the job. For most of the regional people they come from CFI or something and getting to a "regional" is a HUGE step up from where they were. The rose glasses are very new at that point.
But lets look at it when they've been there for a while. I think it would likely be a different story.

 

[Alchemy]

I have no rose colored glasses on, the original poster simply asked what I liked about my job and that's what I gave them. They didn't ask about what I don't like, and that would be the liklihood of a 4-5 year upgrade, uncertaintity about the future of the company when the contract with CO comes up for re-negotiation in 2007, and the possibility of furlough that exists with any airline in the current state of the industry.

Being new doesn't make me a naive, ignorant bastard. Thanks.

 

[73belair]

Being new doesn't make me a naive, ignorant bastard. Thanks.

I don't mean that... But after 4 months you really don't know what it's all about yet. So in a lot of ways you have no choice but being ignorant about what is going on right now. Unless you have gone through it before and have had to take that job until you are recalled.

 

[B36]

Ok, then, I have been at XJT ten years and agree with Alchemy. Great people but as all big organizations it has its flaws. It could be better but it **CENSORED****CENSORED****CENSORED****CENSORED** well could be alot worse.

 

[belchfire]

1) Regions Air...formerly Corporate Airlines
2) Trying to go somewhere else...bigger than
another regional with any luck! (A bigger regional
would be no problem )
3) Retirement here is not an option!

 

[Flechas]

ExpressJet

4 months with the company, so far so good. Hiring is still strong, we're still getting new aircraft deliveries and everybody in the company I've met so far has been easy to get along with. The operation is well run for the most part and quality of life on reserve is not too bad. I'm getting 12 days off per month and pretty much have the ability to fly as little as 40 hours to as many as 75 hours per month, depending on my preference.

Would I make a (permanent) career here? Maybe, but probably not, considering 3rd-4th year FO pay at the majors tops our 18 yr capt pay. The risk of jumping ship is still very worth it considering the wage difference. Is going to the majors still something a qualified regional pilot can reasonably expect to do? I don't know. There are definitely worse ways to spend a career than senior capt. here, but like I said, not my first choice.

Ditto to that, 5 months here and would say the same. I've flown with CAs that have been here 8 years and still like it, awesome group of people!

 

[wahoo250]

after instructing for a year and flying part 91 corp. for 2 years, i can say QOL is unmatched other than pay. but then again money doesnt buy happiness and when you upgrade its not all that bad of money. definately low but liveable. I cannot believe the flexability in scheduling once a line holder. first time i was able to decide what days I wanted to fly throughout the month in my flying career.

 

[capt. megadeth]

ExpressJet

4 months with the company, so far so good. Hiring is still strong, we're still getting new aircraft deliveries and everybody in the company I've met so far has been easy to get along with. The operation is well run for the most part and quality of life on reserve is not too bad. I'm getting 12 days off per month and pretty much have the ability to fly as little as 40 hours to as many as 75 hours per month, depending on my preference.

Would I make a (permanent) career here? Maybe, but probably not, considering 3rd-4th year FO pay at the majors tops our 18 yr capt pay. The risk of jumping ship is still very worth it considering the wage difference. Is going to the majors still something a qualified regional pilot can reasonably expect to do? I don't know. There are definitely worse ways to spend a career than senior capt. here, but like I said, not my first choice.

I don't really understand why commuter pilots (I used to be one) think growth at their company is so great esp. if they want to end up at a major.
MORE GROWTH AT A COMMUTER = LESS GROWTH AT A MAJOR = LESS JOBS AT MAJORS. I am not trying to be a pain here, but doesn't that make sense to you guys/gals?

 

[known]

I don't really understand why commuter pilots (I used to be one) think growth at their company is so great esp. if they want to end up at a major.
MORE GROWTH AT A COMMUTER = LESS GROWTH AT A MAJOR = LESS JOBS AT MAJORS. I am not trying to be a pain here, but doesn't that make sense to you guys/gals?

and you were ok with sitting on reserve forever??? as I have for three months now!! this sucks, there should be growth at the regionals too. glad that you used to be a commuter pilot and can now look down upon us all from your perch.

 

[flap operator]

One has to take it into perspective and realize that the grass is not always greener on the otherside. That said, before I say I'm happy at Mesaba, I'll say this. It could be alot worse. I fly probably the best airplane any entry level airline pilot could ask for. It may not fly as fast, but it has advantages many "RJs" don't have and only 1 of the drawbacks that other Rjs DO have, speed. But we're paid by the hour and make block or better, so who cares. Our terminals are some of the best in the world (MPS and DTW). There are really more positives than negatives. So, in that sense I love my company. I tend to hate my company when it comes to schedules, ramp operations, morale, career progression etc... But again, with all this could always be worse. I'm restless as a 4 year FO with almost 200 ahead of me to upgrade and way too much SIC time.

I'm thankfull for what I have and haven't been subjected to. But again, with most things in life, it isn't perfect and could be better.


FO

 

[capt. megadeth]

and you were ok with sitting on reserve forever??? as I have for three months now!! this sucks, there should be growth at the regionals too. glad that you used to be a commuter pilot and can now look down upon us all from your perch.

I really didn't mean it that way at all. Yes, reserve sucks and there should be growth at the regional level to a point. I just think that it is something to think about. I really didn't intend to pi$$ anyone off.

 

[wahoo250]

and you were ok with sitting on reserve forever??? as I have for three months now!! this sucks, there should be growth at the regionals too. glad that you used to be a commuter pilot and can now look down upon us all from your perch.

you know if the growth wasnt at the regionals and was at the majors you would still be gaining seniority because you would be losing captains not gaining fo's. think about it before you jump on a comment. not to jump on you though but unfortunately that attitude is why as a regional captain, the options for your career after that point have decreased.

 

[Gulfstream 200]

after instructing for a year and flying part 91 corp. for 2 years, i can say QOL is unmatched other than pay. but then again money doesnt buy happiness and when you upgrade its not all that bad of money. definately low but liveable. I cannot believe the flexability in scheduling once a line holder. first time i was able to decide what days I wanted to fly throughout the month in my flying career.

yeah, money dosent buy happiness.....

check in a few years when Mom kicks you out and a mortgage company laughs their ass of at your 1040EZ.

Stop the insanity folks.

 

[crashpad]

Megadeath doesn't take into account the 'overall growth of our industry'. So yes, feeders can grow.
'Known' doesn't take into account how lucky he is to be flying something bigger than a balsawood airplane. Here's a tip, Sparky;
The guys who whine the most and loudest are the ones who always end up at the top of the seniority list. Don't be a Lifer son, advance yourself to a Homer Simpson mentality, smile and just look out the cockpit window.

 

[wahoo250]

ive been living on my own. I also paid off college on my own. I do construction on my days off...that sucks. and no i am not happy with the money i make flying. it will come though. I also know I was making a hell of a lot more flying part 91. close to six figures as an F.O.. However, that lifestyle is not what i want to lead when I have a wife and kids. so in the long run I will make money doing what im doing probably with a better schedule. also...mom passed away 3 years ago. learned a lot from that. when I go, Im not going to my grave wishing I worked more I can tell you that much. Ive also had a life threatening illness myself so yes i can say that money does not buy happiness.

 

[Palerider957]

ive been living on my own. I also paid off college on my own. I do construction on my days off...that sucks. and no i am not happy with the money i make flying. it will come though. I also know I was making a hell of a lot more flying part 91. close to six figures as an F.O.. However, that lifestyle is not what i want to lead when I have a wife and kids. so in the long run I will make money doing what im doing probably with a better schedule. also...mom passed away 3 years ago. learned a lot from that. when I go, Im not going to my grave wishing I worked more I can tell you that much.

Well said Wahoo.

Am I happy with the my "regional?" No. I am actively working on leaving the industry, hopfully this year.

 

[wahoo250]

in a way i dont blame you...

 

[flyer172r]

I really didn't mean it that way at all. Yes, reserve sucks and there should be growth at the regional level to a point. I just think that it is something to think about. I really didn't intend to pi$$ anyone off.

It's not possible to say something on this board without pi$$ing someone off.

 

[known]

im not mad. it seems that major pilots like megadeath (mustaine rocks, btw)think that they are better than lowly regional pilots like me. yah, i'm new but why should you fly 747-400 on a 200 mile route if only 37 people will show up to flyit? maybe it will make sense when i am captain.

 

[capt. megadeth]

and you were ok with sitting on reserve forever??? as I have for three months now!! this sucks, there should be growth at the regionals too. glad that you used to be a commuter pilot and can now look down upon us all from your perch.

Known, you obviously don't know me because if you did, you would know that I do not think I am better than anyone. I also do not think of regional pilots as "lowly". As a matter of fact, I have stuck up for "lowly regional" pilots more than you will ever know. Just sit back for a minute and think about what I was trying to say. There are only so many pilot positions....isn't it better for all of us if they are at the major level? Come on, think about it.

Oh, by the way, WWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

I know people at Airways that sat on reserve for 10 friggin years so quit whining.

 

[Propsync]

As quoted by known (the quote button wasn't working right, so imagine a background)

and you were ok with sitting on reserve forever??? as I have for three months now!! this sucks, there should be growth at the regionals too. glad that you used to be a commuter pilot and can now look down upon us all from your perch

Waaaaaaa. Quit. Go work for MESA. They don't have much reserve there. Who said there should be growth at any, let alone YOUR regional? In case you haven't be around very long, 50 seat deliveries are shrinking quickly. I don't think the 70 seat market will be as hot as the 50 seaters were. Growth is really slowing in most cases. I'd advise leaving one regional for another until their upgrade time fits your schedule. BTW, I see you're new here, but Megadeth has it right. You just don't understand it all yet. Also, I'd sell that chip on your shoulder before it becomes that big of a problem.

Also, I've been sitting reserve for EIGHT months now. How do you think I feel? Good, really good. Waited for upgrade patiently, live in base, fly about eight hours a month. I may bid reserve forever. This regional is good, I'm happy.

 

[MW44]

Known,

I wasn't aware of any 747-400's that are being operated on 200 mile stage lengths. Which airline is doing that? Also, three months is not a long time to be on reserve. Three years would be a different matter, but it's hard to find a sympathetic ear when you complain about being on reserve for three whole months.

 

[Red Swingline]

I've Been at Cape Air now for 6 years. Like any airline it has its good days and bad, but when you look at the QOL I've got it pretty good I'm working a 4/3 garenteed 40hr pay a week plus any extra that I want to volunteer for. The equipment is good (for a C402), and home in my OWN bed every single night. Yeah it would be great to fly something drinking Jet A, but I personally dont mind flying something small 'cause its real flying not a systems monitor from after T/O and prior to landing. Hand flying an 1800 RVR approach with a 20 knot direct crosswind is the biggest rush in the world. And that is multiple times

 

[capt. megadeth]

Yeah it would be great to fly something drinking Jet A, but I personally dont mind flying something small 'cause its real flying not a systems monitor from after T/O and prior to landing. Hand flying an 1800 RVR approach with a 20 knot direct crosswind is the biggest rush in the world. And that is multiple times

Ain't that the truth? I just wish small paid better...I could fly the Saab forever.

I do feel like a systems monitor now. It's funny how you work and work and work to get to that almighty jet and then it's like...now what? Oh I know, you get to push buttons and land. woo hooo

 

[NHaviator]

So which is it?

I've Been at Cape Air now for 6 years. Like any airline it has its good days and bad, but when you look at the QOL I've got it pretty good I'm working a 4/3 garenteed 40hr pay a week plus any extra that I want to volunteer for. The equipment is good (for a C402), and home in my OWN bed every single night. Yeah it would be great to fly something drinking Jet A, but I personally dont mind flying something small 'cause its real flying not a systems monitor from after T/O and prior to landing. Hand flying an 1800 RVR approach with a 20 knot direct crosswind is the biggest rush in the world. And that is multiple times

Just saw a thread you started a week ago saying you were thinking of applying to Cape Air and wondering about the company. It's right below this paragraph. Apparently you've been there for 6 years- you think you'd know by now and wouldn't need to turn in an application to continue your service with them...( I do agree there are quite a few perks to working there, good folks.)

--------
Cape Air interview
Anybody know of or been asked the latest the Cape Air interview Questions? I'm thinking of applying and would like to bone up. I heard they use NOS charts. Is that true? What types of questions do they ask? Any gouge would be great
__________________
It's NOT the Sim!!!!

 

[OPECJet]

My therapist says I love my job......

 

[cforst513]

I also know I was making a hell of a lot more flying part 91. close to six figures as an F.O.. However, that lifestyle is not what i want to lead when I have a wife and kids.

hey wahoo? could you elaborate a bit on this? part 91 is corporate flying, right? i'm not a pilot, i'm just now learning this stuff. having a wife and kids with a good QOL is probably my top priority. i don't really believe in divorce and the first woman i marry should be and will be my last. i want to be a constant presence in my kids' lives as well. so i have considered getting on at a regional and having kids a few years into it, when i am semi-senior, and staying at that regional until my kids are grown, then either make the jump to a major (depending on my age/luck) or just finish my career out at the regional level. however, corporate flying interests me as well. so this is why i would like for you to explain what you meant. what about your career in part 91 wasn't going to be beneficial to your wife and kids? what, if i may be so nosy, made you change your mind/career path?

 

[Palerider957]

Being a regional pilot is not healthy for a marriage. Especially when you are junior and being screwed on reserve. Your wife will ask "why do they always call YOU? Your friend John Smith doesn't fly as much" All you can tell her is, "look, they call and I have to go--it's that simple." This will wear pretty thin with her quickly.