Bad time to make a move?

[PGTB]

I just dont feel like there is as much upside to the majors anymore. If you dont like INTL that leaves domestic. And thats what alot of the regionals are doing anyways.
There really isnt much difference in what a 737 pilot does for USAir and a E175 Pilot does for RAH, I know the pay is different, but does the risk payoff with a reward?

I think alot of folks who are in the "go to the 1st major" side, have a misconception of regionals and still think commuters when you were sluggin it out with no APU/FA/Jetway etc....Now days you use the same jetways fly similar route (for better or for worse) etc....SEems like ITNL is the only plus.
Anyone else?

 

[Junkflyer]

Its risky either way. What will you be making 10 years from now if you stay, or end up at a major? Or you can think about in terms of qol. Do what is best for you.

 

[Jetjockey]

Just take a look at the life cycles for a regional. 10 years ago the top regionals:
Comair
Air Wisconsin
Mesaba

Your airline is only as good as the last agreement with the major partner. No agreement, no jobs. Look at the whipsawing going on now.The economics of the 50 seat jet are terrible. Just about every growing regional is getting away from them. Most regionals are bumping up to scope restrictions, so the 70 seat jet is going to be the largest equipment/payscale.

I don't see how any pilot can sit back and think they could be possibly isolated if/when mergers occur. I'd bet there will be plenty of CRJs, and ERJ too keep those DC9s, and older 737s company in the desert sun. Look at a Delta/NW merger. The RJ overlap is huge. A CO/UAL feeder route map looks just as bad.

Another reality of regional airlines. Post September 11th every airline cut their fleets. RJs were used as 'place holders'. Substitute an a 737 with 2 RJ flights was the flavor of the day. The rapid growth of RJs was huge from 2001-2005. Scope was given up in many cases under bankruptcy. The tide has shifted. The managements want the mainline pilots on board with the mergers now. It's very possible to see some scope increases, not decreased. If CAL/UAL comes to fruition, the 50 seat scope clause may come with it. Just something else to think about.

I in no way meant this to 'bash' a pilot because he/she works for a regional airline. I spent 10 years at one of the better commuter, that grew into a regional airline of the day.

Good luck with your decision.

JJ

 

[~~~^~~~]

PGTB:

It depends on many factors. Do you live in base?

Most do not see furloughs coming with DAL/NWA - looks like some growth.

There will be some culling of the herd in the small jet operators. 11 DCI/NW Airlink carriers is probably more than there will be 5 years from now.

For the NWA new hires who might have just dodged the DC-9 reductions and stepped in to pay raises and QOL improvements it was a GREAT time to make the move.