ASA or COMAIR

[gundriver]

If you weren't as concerned about where you would be based as you would:

1. Quality of life
2. Benefits
3. Upgrade time
4. Pay

Which would you choose ASA or COMAIR?? (Assuming you were lucky enough to have a choice)

 

[Old Crow]

Well, As far as the ASA side of things, if you take a step back and compare yourself to other typical jobs around Atlanta or Dallas, ASA is not so bad. The hard part is if you try to compare yourself to Delta or any other major. There are few similarities.

I would say most people that hold a line are generally happy and would not leave ASA for anything but a major. Many will remain at ASA for their career by choice. The company continues to make efforts to improve the operation, however, it sometimes seems that they spend the typical dollar to save a dime.

The quality of life at ASA is very difficult while you are a reserve pilot due to the fact that we have no rules for how you may be called except 2 hours to the airport and typical rest requirements.
The lines holders have a much better schedule ranging from 17 days off to 10 days off.
Our future is like sitting on the proverbial fence... Could be great, could maintain its status, very doubtful that we will decrease in size.

The pay at ASA is not ment to ride the FO seat. If you're marrried, He/she has to work also. You have to upgrade to be able to save a little money while paying your bills.
Right now upgrade time is going at two years or more for the most junior position.

Our contract is being negotiated right now, I see a positive end to the outcome. We don't have the same issues that Comair had yet we are grossly underpaid in the FO seat and the first 5 years of Captian's pay. It takes to long to get to the decent salaries.

In a nut shell as I say to others in your shoes. I wouldn't push you to go to ASA if you are qualified to find another decent job, however, if you choose ASA as I did, I and everyone else will greet you with great appreciation and kindness. We have a great group of pilots. We all hope for the best in the future.

22 months as FO, 33.65 / hour, $2400 net per month includes perdiem, 12 to 15 days off per month, weekends off.

Good luck with your choice.

 

[asarjfo]

Actually, Captain on the EMB in DFW went really junior this month. I think probably 6 months with the company......not 100% sure.

 

[rjcap]

At ASA it all boils down to the next contract. If it is slightly more than Comair then I would go over to Comair unless you already live in ATL or DFW. Life in ATL is pure **CENSORED****CENSORED****CENSORED****CENSORED**.

If the next ASA contract has real wage improvement and work rules, reserve improvements etc. then this place will really be a gem.

Rumors abound concerning growth and new bases. With the anticipated growth to 3,000 pilots in 1.5 years I don't see how we can operate with only 2 bases ( DFW is a small base).

Rumors concerning the current contract negotiations have been very positive. However, you don't know what you have until its signed !!

Good luck

 

[gundriver]

Thanks to all those who replied. You have given me the information to make a more informed decision.